LGBTQ+ Therapy in Washington

Safe. Affirming. Fully Online.

A Welcoming, Affirming Space for LGBTQ+ Individuals

Living as an LGBTQ+ person can bring a unique set of experiences and challenges—whether it’s related to identity, relationships, discrimination, or mental health. Working with an LGBTQ affirming therapist offers a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore who you are, process your experiences, and build resilience.

As an LGBTQ friendly therapist, I provide inclusive and compassionate care for individuals, couples, and families. Whether you're looking for individual support or working with an LGBTQ couples therapist, LGBTQ therapy can help you build connection, clarity, and confidence.

What LGBTQ+ Therapy Can Help With:

  • Exploring and affirming sexual orientation and gender identity

  • Navigating coming out to family, friends, or work

  • Coping with discrimination, minority stress, and internalized stigma

  • Healing from trauma related to identity or relationships

  • Managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns

  • Supporting gender-affirming care and medical transition (if applicable)

  • Strengthening self-esteem and authentic self-expression

  • Addressing relationship, family, and community dynamics

What LGBTQ+ Therapy Can Help With

As an LGBTQ therapist, I offer trauma-informed, affirming, and client-centered care grounded in respect and empathy. Whether you’re exploring your identity, managing stress, or healing from trauma, I tailor therapy to support your goals and strengths. Everyone deserves to be seen and supported fully for who they are.

Together We Work To:

  • Build coping skills tailored to your unique challenges

  • Foster self-acceptance and empowerment

  • Explore and celebrate your identity in an affirming space

  • Process and celebrate gender transition or coming out experiences

  • Externalize harmful messages and replace them with self-compassion

  • Reconnect with your body and sense of self

  • Improve communication and boundaries in relationships

  • Build affirming connections and community support

  • Navigate life transitions and personal growth

  • Process past hurts and envision a hopeful future

Therapeutic Approaches

No two people are alike. That’s why I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to support your unique goals—whether you’re navigating identity, processing past experiences, managing your mental health, or working through relationship challenges. My approach to LGBTQ counseling is flexible, affirming, and grounded in curiosity, compassion, and respect for your lived experience.

  • CBT helps unpack the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For LGBTQ+ individuals, this approach can be especially helpful in challenging internalized beliefs shaped by discrimination, shame, or rejection.

    CBT offers tools to reframe negative thinking, reduce anxiety or depression, and build a more affirming, empowered inner dialogue.

  • CPT is a trauma-focused therapy that helps process painful experiences—such as rejection, bullying, or identity-based trauma.

    It supports LGBTQ+ clients in recognizing how trauma may be shaping current beliefs about safety, worth, or belonging, and helps replace those with more compassionate, balanced perspectives.

  • DBT builds skills for managing intense emotions, navigating conflict, and improving relationships—especially valuable for LGBTQ+ individuals facing minority stress or emotional dysregulation.

    It provides grounding tools for self-acceptance, emotion regulation, and communicating needs in safe and healthy ways.

  • EFT is powerful for LGBTQ+ clients who are exploring attachment wounds or seeking more fulfilling connections.

    Whether in individual or couples therapy, EFT helps deepen emotional awareness and foster stronger, more secure relationships—especially in the face of past relational trauma or rejection.

  • IFS encourages a compassionate exploration of the “parts” within us—like the part that feels ashamed, the part that’s angry, or the part that hides.

    For LGBTQ+ clients, this approach can be transformative in healing internalized oppression, embracing identity, and reconnecting with exiled or silenced parts of the self.

  • Schema Therapy helps uncover long-standing patterns and core beliefs often formed from early invalidation or trauma.

    LGBTQ+ individuals who’ve internalized messages of unworthiness or “not fitting in” can benefit from identifying these schemas and learning to replace them with more affirming, healing narratives.

  • At the heart of this approach is unconditional positive regard—a deeply affirming and nonjudgmental relationship between therapist and client.

    For LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who have experienced rejection or shame, Person-Centered Therapy offers a space to be fully seen, accepted, and supported as your authentic self.

  • For LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced relational trauma, neglect, or rejection, Attachment Therapy helps explore how early attachment patterns shape current relationships.

    It supports healing from ruptures and builds the capacity for secure, affirming connections—both with others and with oneself.

  • This approach helps LGBTQ+ clients and their families understand each other better, improve communication, and repair relational ruptures.

    It’s especially helpful for families navigating a coming-out process, gender transitions, or shifts in family roles and dynamics. The goal is not to “fix” identity, but to foster connection, respect, and healing.

  • Mindfulness invites LGBTQ+ individuals to pause and connect with the present moment, easing anxiety, stress, and internalized pressure.

    It helps cultivate self-compassion and reduce reactivity to judgment—whether external or internal—while supporting a deeper sense of embodiment and emotional regulation.

  • “Mauvia has such a warm, grounded presence that instantly puts people at ease. She brings a thoughtful, down-to-earth approach to her clinical work and genuinely cares about the people she serves. You can tell she’s in this work for all the right reasons—her clients are lucky to have her in their corner.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia listens and genuinely cares. She is warm and approachable. She is also better than others I’ve been to, in that she gives you applicable tools and methods to feel more positive and control in your situation. She is wonderful and I would recommend her to anyone.”

    Anonymous

  • “I have known Mauvia for 10 years. She has a calm demeanor, is a good listener, compassionate and at the same time professional in her approach. She was very helpful assisting family members and knowledgeable in suggesting other resources. I would highly recommend her counseling services.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is an amazing provider. She is kind, easy to talk to and genuinely cares. She has been able to listen and help me navigate through challenges in the most professional and helpful way. Would recommend 100%!”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia Sorensen is kind, professional, and truly listens. She has helped me through more than a few challenges. Highly recommend her for anyone looking for compassionate mental health care!”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is a compassionate and knowledgeable provider who brings warmth and professionalism with every patient. Her dedication to evidence-based care and her calming presence make her a trusted and impactful provider in the mental health space.”

    Anonymous

  • “I’ve been working with Mauvia for nearly eight years and she has helped me in more ways than I can count or list in a review. Through my battles with diverticulitis, then my fight with cancer, and all things in between— Mauvia has been a consistent support in navigating life and guided me in building new supportive cognitive behaviors. There’s no other person I would want to have on my team as I continue to work through all the struggles life has thrown at me.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia is an amazing provider who really shows what compassionate care should be all about! She takes the time to listen and truly understands your concerns, making you feel comfortable and supported during your healing journey.”

    Anonymous

  • “Mauvia, is an exceptional provider who truly exemplifies what compassionate care should look like. Mauvia genuinely listens, takes the time to understand concerns, and creates a safe and supportive environment for healing. Her approach is thoughtful, patient-centered, and filled with empathy. She is deeply committed to the well-being of her patients. Highly recommend!”

    Anonymous

How It Works

Booking your first LGBTQ therapy session is simple — just follow these three easy steps.

1.

Schedule a Therapy Appointment

2.

Develop a Customized Therapy Plan

3.

Begin Your Journey to Wellness

Ready to start your healing journey? Take the first step towards better mental health with compassionate, personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Affirming therapy means creating a safe, respectful space where your identity is honored without judgment. It recognizes and supports your unique experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity—and is led by an LGBTQ affirming therapist who understands the importance of that support.

  • Anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+ or is questioning their identity can benefit. LGBTQ therapy is also helpful for partners and families seeking to grow in understanding and connection, including those exploring support through an LGBTQ couples therapist.

  • Yes. I offer compassionate, informed care related to gender-affirming transitions, including emotional support for social, medical, and legal steps. As an experienced LGBTQ therapist, I aim to support you through every part of your journey.