Professional counselor and therapists in Soldotna and Homer, Alaska that specialize in working with the LGBTQ+ community.
At Kenai Peninsula Mental Health, we believe that every person deserves to be heard, known, accepted and respected. We value and celebrate our differences as individuals, and strive to create a safe space for all people, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex or questioning (LGBTQ+).
Those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community seek out counseling services for the same types of reasons that others do, such as struggles with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or histories of trauma. However, many LGBTQ+ identified people deal with additional and unique challenges associated with their sexual and/or gender identity, which are frequently further complicated by negative social stigma from society, family and religion. This negative stigma, as well as daily compounding traumas that LGBTQ+ folks are often subjected to, lead to increased rates of mental illness within this community. For example, 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide in their lifetime, which is 9 times the national average! At KPMH, we believe this is unacceptable, and are dedicated to creating a space that offers hope and healing for everyone.
Meet Our Professional LGBTQ+ Specialized Therapists
It is important to note that while we have counselors that offer specific skills in working with the LGBTQ+ community, all of our clinicians are extremely good at their job. Our professional therapists are comfortable and proficient in dealing with many kinds of mental health concerns, including those experienced by individuals that may identify in a different manner, or have had different life experiences than they have had individually. Any of our clinicians would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey, but the below clinician, Autumn, is especially passionate about serving members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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Autumn Collings - LMFT, LPC
Autumn is passionate about showing up with others in a way that allows them to feel deeply seen and truly known. She believes authenticity and connection are at the heart of meaningful therapeutic work, and is committed to showing up honestly and inviting her clients to do the same. She loves bringing creativity to her sessions and often offers hands-on learning opportunities for her clients, something that comes naturally to her given her history of coaching softball and being a collegiate athlete. Autumn loves to be outdoors, and enjoys fishing, hiking, and hunting.
What you can expect from LGBTQ+ counseling.
Once you reach out, our KPMH admin guru will be in touch to talk about your particular circumstances, and discuss what brings you into counseling at this time. You will be paired with one of our providers, and an initial session will be scheduled during which both you and your counselor will determine whether or not the therapeutic relationship seems to be a “good fit.” Our counselors at KPMH believe that the therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for growth and change. Without that vital connection, little progress will be made in this process. Providing all parties are motivated to move forward, initial sessions will be spent building rapport and gathering information about your wants, needs and goals for therapy. Your counselor will work with you to identify objectives, explore strategies and utilize resources. The pace and speed of this process is up to you, as the therapeutic time and space is ultimately about you.
Our therapists at KMPH will use complimentary and integrative approaches, offering a combination of traditional Western techniques as well as Eastern interventions. Should you be open to these interventions, possible areas of exploration might included guided imagery, meditation and mindfulness. Additionally, all of our KPMH providers in Homer and Soldotna are trained in either EMDR or Brainspotting, and use brain based science to offer education and support in your journey towards change.
Could you benefit from seeing a therapist?
While leaning on the support of friends and family is essential when struggling, it is not always sufficient. Sometimes it can be beneficial to engage in the therapeutic process, and access the support of an unbiased person who’s routing for Team YOU. Therapy can be an incredibly supportive space that allows one to sift through and evaluate where they are, where they want to go and most importantly, how to get there.
At KPMH, we are dedicated to offering a safe and affirming space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to do their therapeutic work. Whether wrestling with the unique challenges of the coming out process, sifting through complex sexual and gender identity questions, or navigating transition, our providers are here to walk alongside and support you on your journey.
Some of the common issues our LGBTQ+ clients address in counseling include:
Depression
Anger
Suicidal thoughts
Gender identity and expression
Sexual orientation
Gender dysphoria
Transitioning
Challenges associated with coming out
Discrimination and bullying
Relationship issues
How long does counseling typically last?
The length of time an individual is in counseling is situation specific and can vary. However, we at Kenai Peninsula Mental Health are passionate about giving our clients the tools and skills they need to thrive and function well. We will cast a wide net at the onset, looking for all the contributing variables. We will build skills for managing symptoms and explore root causes that may be underlying your distress. We will take as little or as much time as you need, but we will do our very best to get you back about the business of living your life.
How do I get started with counseling services?
Ready to get started? Call or email us today. Our contact info is at the bottom of this page.
Once you reach out, our on-boarding and admin guru will contact you to gather information regarding your specific situation. We will explore with you what provider will likely best meet your needs, and support you in getting set up in our electronic health record.
KPMH uses Simple Practice, a medical record and portal system that will allow for confidential and HIPAA compliant messaging that ensures your privacy. You will be sent a portal link that directs you to online documentation to be completed prior to your initial session.
Where you go for support is your choice, and we want you to feel empowered to assess whether or not we are the right fit for you! Here at KPMH, our providers believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is essential in the process of creating change. These initial conversations are important in assessing fit, as therapy is not “one size fits all.”
KPMH’s Soldotna office is conveniently located near the intersection of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways. Our Homer location is centrally located as well. Feel free to arrive a few minutes prior to your scheduled session to grab a cup of tea and relax before meeting with your provider. We look forward to meeting you, and are honored you have chosen us to do this work alongside you.