Los Angeles, California

LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

Empathetic and Affirmative Support for Your Unique Journey

Two men sharing a joyful hug and laughing together, sitting indoors near a window with natural light.

What is LGBTQ+ Therapy?

As someone who’s walked this path, I know how hard it can be to navigate life as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The weight of rejection, discrimination, and the struggle to accept this part of who we are can feel like an unending battle. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—you don’t need fixing—it’s about creating a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered to live your life as your authentic self.

My goal is to help you rewrite the narratives imposed on you by others and embrace the unique story that is yours to tell. Together, we’ll work on shedding any shame you may feel, finding clarity, and cultivating a life where you can thrive with joy and self worth.

Challenges I Can Help With

Let’s be honest, life can feel like an uphill climb sometimes.
Here are some common struggles we can face together:

  • Feeling isolated

  • Feeling burdened by internalized shame

  • Navigating anxiety, depression, and hopelessness

  • Exploring gender identity and sexual orientation 

  • Preparing to come out and coping with what follows

  • Building resilience to feeling a lack of acceptance or belonging

  • Coping with rejection from our family, our culture, religious community, or mainstream society

  • Building meaningful relationships with those inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community 

Two people outdoors on a sunny day, one with pink hair and a relaxed smile, the other with dark hair and sunglasses adjusting her hair.

Benefits of LGBTQ+ Therapy

Therapy is more than just a place to talk—it’s a space to transform. Here’s how LGBTQ+ therapy can make a difference:

  • Helping you embrace and celebrate your true identity

  • Building resilience to face discrimination and rejection

  • Healing wounds from past trauma and moving forward with hope

  • Finding or creating your chosen family and meaningful connections

  • Living authentically with a newfound sense of joy and confidence

  • Finding LGBTQ+ oriented resources and activities

Each step forward in therapy is a step closer to a fuller, more meaningful life in which  you feel empowered to be yourself.

What to Expect in Therapy

When you step into a session with me, you can expect:

  • Personalized care that honors your unique story

  • A mix of evidence-based modalities  including  Cognitive Behavioral, Gestalt, and Art Therapies, as well as grounding and mindfulness techniques

  • Honest, open discussions about relationships, identity, and mental health

  • A safe space where you can express yourself without fear of judgment

  • The type of objectivity, safety, and intimacy that is unique to the therapeutic relationship

Therapy with me is a collaborative journey toward healing, growth, and embracing the remarkable person you already are.

Robert Leeburg headshot with pet dog

Meet Me, Robert Leeburg, LCSW

I’m not just a therapist, I’m someone who’s been there. Growing up as a gay man in the 70s and 80s, I’ve faced my share of struggles and barriers. My journey toward self-acceptance has been a life-long process. It hasn't been easy. It’s given me a deep understanding and compassion for what you’re going through. Most importantly, I've come to not only accept but fully embrace who I am and my mission is to support you in doing the same.

With my background in the arts, creative expression greatly informs my approach to therapy, whether it’s through writing, drawing, making music, or any other form of artistic expression.

I believe we all have access to the creative part of who we are and that this is key to good mental health. What art and therapy share is that they are about storytelling, and I believe fervently that each of us has a need to tell our own unique story and feel heard. We need to express our emotions so they don't remain trapped inside us. Art in its broadest sense provides us with a way to do that. My goal is to help you find your voice, express yourself, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence. I’m here to offer not just my expertise but my lived experience. Together, we’ll build a path forward that feels right for you.

Take the First Step


I know reaching out can be intimidating, but you don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you take this step toward living more authentically and confidently.

Let’s connect. Schedule a free consultation today, and let’s see how we can work together to build a life that feels like yours.

FAQ

  • I bring my lived experience as a gay man coupled with my professional expertise to create a space where you feel truly understood. This is therapy that’s tailored to you, not one-size-fits-all.

  • Maybe you just weren't a good fit with that therapist's approach, so don't give up on therapy altogether. I focus on creating a supportive, non-judgmental space. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you build trust again. I'm here to support what you want, not the other way around. This is a collaboration. We'll work together honestly and proactively to build a connection that works for you.

  • We’ll talk about your goals, explore your concerns, and map out a plan that feels right for you. It’s about starting where you’re comfortable.

Two hands, one dark-skinned and one light-skinned, clasped together in a symbol of unity and solidarity.

Find Strength in Your Vulnerability

Whether you’re looking for a space to explore your emotions, strengthen relationships, or embrace your authentic self, therapy can help you move forward. Therapy is about storytelling. I'm here to help you express yourself and feel heard and accepted for who you are.