Are you a queer person trying to find a therapist in California?
Here, you’ve found a great queer therapist. But if I said that Tara McGrath, LMFT is the best LGBTQ+ therapist in the entire state of California, that would be a pretty bold statement, right?
“Who is the best?” is actually the wrong question to ask. A better question to ask would be, “Who is the best queer therapist for YOU?” That’s because there is no such thing as an exact ranking of good-to-bad therapists. I am a great therapist, but I won’t be great for everybody.
I may be a good fit for you if any of the following applies:
- You’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community (including gender affirming care!)
- You’ve seen my content online and found it helpful, or feel like we might get along
- You came out later in life (after age 25 or so), or are currently in the process of coming out
- You experienced an intense or “high-control” religion in your childhood or young adult years
- You’re experiencing religious trauma – anxiety, nightmares or flashbacks, being out of touch with your own feelings, struggling with “all or nothing” thinking, chronically feeling like a bad person, getting overly absorbed in romantic relationships, are a “people pleaser,” having nightmares related to hell or rapture
- You struggle with negative thinking about yourself, or chronic feelings of inadequacy
- You have accomplished and achieved a lot but still feel badly about yourself
- You enjoy a good sense of humor 🙂
- You understand that much of the work of therapy happens outside of session
And ultimately, you can explore further, because I nearly always start with a no-obligation, no-fee video chat where we can both see how we feel.
What makes a good therapist, overall?
- Kindness and positive regard for you
- Feels like a good connection
- Reliable
- Curious
- Gently challenges you (with respect)
- Clear boundaries and expectations
- Takes care of their own mental health
- Limits their number of sessions, to avoid burnout
- Is always learning and growing
- License in good standing
There are many fantastic therapists out there. But they’re only fantastic for you if they are a good fit. Get in touch and let’s see if that’s us.