LGBTQ+ Couples Therapy/Counseling in San Diego

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LGBTQ+ COUPLES THERAPY

Support your queer relationship with therapy that honors your LGBTQ identity in San Diego.

LGBTQ+ relationships struggle with all the same challenges as any couple – communication struggles, unresolved conflict, mismatched expectations and needs – but often face additional layers of identity struggles, family dynamics, cultural stigma or past trauma. These pressures can often make relationship issues feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle!

In LGBTQ+ affirming couples therapy, you and your partner will find a space where you can address your relationship challenges while being sure that your identities are respected, your experiences are validated and your relationship is supported free of judgment. It’s my mission to address whatever you’re going through with sensitivity, strengthen your connection and help you build the partnership you both desire.

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WHERE I CAN HELP

Common LGBTQ+ couple challenges we can address…

  • Communication issues, recurring conflicts or feeling disconnected

  • Navigating mismatched needs around intimacy, sex or desire

  • Healing from past relationship patterns, resentments or attachment wounds

  • Assessing relationship compatibility, commitment desires and visions for the future

  • Preparing for marriage or long-term commitment

  • Managing stressors like family rejection, coming out or lack of support

  • Repairing trust after infidelity or affairs

  • Coping with minority stress, discrimination or internalized stigma

  • Navigating differences in gender identity, transition-related needs or shifting roles

  • Reconciling different levels of “outness” in personal, family or work settings

  • Working through external pressures or safety concerns unique to LGBTQ+ couples

  • Exploring or maintaining consensual non-monogamy

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN

How couples therapy can help navigate queer relationships

A safe space to navigate your relationship without judgement

Therapy is a place where you can work on your relationship, knowing that your identity, values and lived experiences are respected and understood.

Better communication & stronger emotional connection

You’ll learn how to express needs openly, listen without defensiveness & build a more secure, steady bond, even during stressful moments.

Support for challenges unique to LGBTQ+ relationships

Whether you’re navigating family acceptance, minority stress, identity exploration or stigma, therapy helps you stay connected throughout all of it.

Fulfilling & resilient relationship for both partners

You’ll create the kind of relationship that feels resilient, fulfilling and aligned with the long-term life you want to build together.

  • Wow! What a relief to find a therapist like Dana. Dana genuinely cares about you. She helped us so much. She was the perfect blend of soft and direct we were looking for. Dana is very communicative and really seems to love doing therapy. She's also a mom so it was easy to know she understood a little bit of our struggle too. We highly recommend Dana to anyone in the San Diego area who is seeking couple therapy. We've also referred individuals to her who have had similar experience with her. A+++

    — Former Client

  • I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Dana for over two years, and I continue to be impressed by her skill, warmth, and dedication as a couples therapist. Dana is genuine and compassionate, and really takes the time to understand her clients. In our time collaborating, I’ve seen how thoughtfully she uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and has a natural ability to hold space for both partners. I would wholeheartedly recommend Dana to any couple seeking a therapist who is not only highly skilled but also deeply caring.

    — Colleague

  • I wholeheartedly recommend Dana without reservation. She is a highly skilled couples therapist who supports her clients using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to create lasting, meaningful change. Her lived experiences bring an additional depth to her work, allowing her to connect with clients in a way that feels both compassionate and truly understanding. She brings warmth, empathy, and genuine care into every session, creating a safe and supportive space for growth. Any client would be fortunate to work with her.

    — Colleague

MY APPROACH

Emotionally-focussed therapy (EFT) for happier and more connected LGBTQ+ relationships

When working with couples, I use a modality called Emotionally Focused Therapy (or EFT for short). Regardless of your specific issues, EFT is designed to help you identify the emotional patterns at the root of your struggles and shift your dynamic away from anger, distance & blame towards understanding, connection and trust. 

As your therapist, my goal is to help you learn how to notice reactive patterns when they happen and equip you with the right tools so you can communicate effectively and create an environment of emotional safety

EFT is a very non-judgmental and compassionate approach. The goal is not to blame one another or identify one partner as the source of all problems but rather about helping both of you to step out of old cycles so you can build a stronger, healthier connection with each other.

Learn more about EFT
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ABOUT ME

Why choose LGBTQ+ couples therapy with me?

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An empathy-driven, non-blaming approach that prioritizes mutual understanding instead of arguing over who’s “right”.

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Specialized training in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy alongside evidence-based couples work.

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Available for in-person therapy in a comfortable office in San Diego. Online sessions possible when needed.

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A deeply personal & genuine therapeutic relationship. Not rushed, surface-level care you often get at larger practices.

Learn more about me

FEES & FAQs

Everything you need to know about starting therapy with me

Head over to my FAQ page to find all the practical information about working with me, such as what to expect, costs, the insurance providers I accept, my working hours, etc.

Check out my FAQs

Take your first step towards healing

Finding a therapist that really gets you can be tricky - I know! You never know if you’ll actually click with someone until you can speak to them. To help make that process easier for you, I offer a free 15-min online consultation so you can meet me, ask questions and decide for yourself if the vibe is right. 

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