Choosing the Right LGBTQ+ Therapist in NYC: A Journey to Empowerment
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially in a city as dynamic and fast-paced as New York. If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re probably not just looking for someone who "gets it." You want a therapist who understands the unique challenges you face and can help you thrive. Let’s talk about what makes LGBTQ therapy in NYC different, what you should look for, and how my approach might be the right fit for you.
I’m Eric M. Hovis, a licensed mental health counselor in New York and Connecticut. I specialize in trauma therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on complex trauma, religious trauma, and EMDR. My goal is to help you navigate your challenges and build a life that feels true to you. Learn more about my approach here.
Why LGBTQ Therapy in NYC Matters
Let’s face it: New York can be intense. For LGBTQ+ folks, that intensity can come with an extra layer of challenges—pressure to succeed, finding community, dealing with microaggressions, and sometimes just surviving in spaces that don’t always feel safe. Therapy isn’t just about "fixing problems"; it’s about creating a space where you can explore who you are, process what’s weighing you down, and build the tools to show up as your full, authentic self. That’s why finding someone who truly understands the LGBTQ+ experience is so important.
What Sets LGBTQ Therapy in NYC Apart?
Good LGBTQ therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s nuanced, affirming, and rooted in understanding the intersection of identity, relationships, and community. In my practice, I focus on:
Cultural Competence: You’ll never have to explain why pronouns matter or why certain spaces don’t feel safe. I use affirming language, honor your lived experiences, and meet you where you are.
Trauma-Informed Care: Many of us have experienced rejection, discrimination, or even outright trauma because of who we are. My trauma-informed approach includes evidence-based techniques like EMDR to help you heal and move forward.
Resilience and Growth: Therapy isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Together, we’ll work to empower you to navigate life’s challenges with more confidence and authenticity.
My Approach to LGBTQ Therapy in NYC
Here’s what you can expect when we work together:
Specialization in Trauma: I have over 15 years of experience helping clients process complex and religious trauma. Many of my clients are queer adults who have wrestled with the intersection of faith and identity. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone—and there is hope.
EMDR Therapy: As a certified EMDR therapist, I use this powerful tool to help you desensitize distressing memories, reprocess trauma, and build emotional resilience. Whether it’s dealing with rejection, microaggressions, or something deeper, EMDR can be transformative.
Integrated Modalities: I combine Internal Family Systems, schema therapy, and somatic techniques to address your emotional and psychological needs holistically. This means we’ll explore what’s happening in your mind and body, and how they connect.
Affirmative Practice: This is a space where you don’t have to censor yourself. Therapy should feel like a refuge—a place where you can process, heal, and grow without fear of judgment.
How to Choose the Right LGBTQ+ Therapist for You
Finding the right therapist can feel like dating (but hopefully less awkward). Here are some things to consider:
Specialization: Make sure the therapist has experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and addressing your specific concerns, whether that’s trauma, anxiety, or identity exploration. If religious trauma is part of your story, find someone who knows how to help you untangle it.
Therapeutic Style: Do they offer what you’re looking for? Some therapists focus on deep emotional work, while others provide more concrete tools. My approach blends both, so we’re not just talking—we’re building skills, too.
Comfort Level: This is huge. Therapy works best when you feel safe and supported. It’s okay to trust your gut here.
Credentials and Experience: Look for someone licensed and trained in evidence-based approaches. My background in trauma-informed care, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems means I’ve got the tools to support you effectively.
The Benefits of LGBTQ Therapy in NYC
Therapy is about so much more than "feeling better." It’s about understanding yourself, challenging unhelpful patterns, and creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned. Here’s how LGBTQ therapy can help:
Heal from Religious Trauma: If you grew up in an environment that made you feel like you had to choose between being yourself and being accepted, therapy can help you rewrite that narrative. We’ll work to replace shame with self-compassion.
Build Self-Esteem: Internalized negativity doesn’t have to run the show. Together, we’ll explore where those messages come from and start shifting them.
Navigate Family Rejection or Microaggressions: Whether it’s a strained family dynamic or subtle digs from coworkers, we’ll work on strategies to protect your peace and stand in your truth.
Enhance Relationships: From dating to friendships to chosen family, therapy can help you show up authentically and build deeper connections.
Why I’m Passionate About This Work
As a gay man, I’ve walked my own journey of navigating identity, family expectations, and societal pressures. I know how isolating it can feel when you’re trying to figure out where you fit in. That’s why I do this work—to help people like you find clarity, confidence, and connection. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck or disconnected. My job is to help you get unstuck and create a life that feels like it’s truly yours.
The Role of EMDR in LGBTQ Therapy
EMDR is one of the tools I use to help clients process trauma. It’s especially effective for unprocessed memories tied to discrimination, rejection, or microaggressions. Here’s what EMDR can do:
Take the sting out of painful memories
Build your ability to handle ongoing stress
Help you reprocess events so they don’t have the same emotional grip
For clients dealing with religious trauma, EMDR can be a game-changer. It allows us to reframe harmful messages you may have internalized and create a new, affirming relationship with your sense of self. To learn more about my specialty, check out my website.
Moving Beyond Trauma to Thrive
Healing from trauma is only part of the journey. Therapy is also about dreaming big, setting goals, and stepping into the life you want. Here’s what we’ll focus on:
Cultivating Self-Compassion: Let’s quiet that inner critic and nurture a more supportive relationship with yourself.
Enhancing Emotional Resilience: Life will throw curveballs, but we’ll work on handling them with more ease.
Fostering Authenticity: It’s time to stop hiding and start living in alignment with your values and identity.
Let’s Begin Your Journey
If you’re looking for LGBTQ therapy in NYC, I’d be honored to support you. Click here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation with me today. It's an opportunity for us to discuss your needs and how I can assist you on your path to healing and self-discovery. Together, we can tackle what’s holding you back and start building the life you want. Therapy is an investment in yourself—and you’re worth it.
