Relationship therapy that actually gets you.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Couples Counseling

Online therapy for LGBTQ+ Couples in California

From the outside, everything looks shiny and perfect.

You’re successful, social, and surrounded by a great community. But behind closed doors, the same issues keep creeping into every conversation, leaving you feeling disconnected, unsatisfied, and lonely—even when you're together.

Do you tiptoe around tough conversations, afraid of rocking the boat?

  • Do you miss the closeness and connection you once had?

  • Has your sex life faded into non-existence?

  • Do you want to future-proof your relationship with proactive support?

  • Are you struggling to rebuild after infidelity or talks of separation?

  • Are you looking for a therapist you can trust in the wake of the current political landscape?

Maybe you feel misunderstood, like you always have to be the strong one, holding everything together. And when your head hits the pillow at night, your mind won’t stop racing… Will this relationship survive?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Affirming, expert couples therapy can help you and your partner navigate these challenges with clarity, care, and real support—without judgment, assumptions, or outdated relationship advice.

Let’s get you back to feeling seen, loved, and truly connected.

Recognizing the Problem

Being in a relationship can be challenging, but LGBTQ+ couples often face additional pressures and obstacles. These challenges can strain your relationship and affect your mental and emotional well-being. It’s important to address these issues to build a strong, healthy partnership.

The Impact on Your Relationship

When your relationship is under stress, it affects both partners and can lead to feelings of frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. You want the best for your relationship but sometimes it feels like the world is working against you.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can provide the support and tools you need to navigate these challenges together. Here’s how:

●     Safe Space for Expression: Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space for both partners to express their thoughts and feelings.

●     Improving Communication: Learn effective communication strategies to understand each other better and resolve conflicts.

●     Strengthening Connection: Build a deeper emotional and physical connection with your partner.

●     Addressing Discrimination and Prejudice: Gain coping strategies to deal with external pressures and societal discrimination.

●     Family and Social Acceptance: Work through issues related to family acceptance and social support.

●     Navigating Coming Out: Receive guidance on coming out and navigating different levels of comfort with sexual orientation or gender identity.

Transformation Through Therapy

Imagine your relationship:

  • Feeling more connected and understood.

  • Communicating openly and resolving conflicts effectively.

  • Strengthening your bond despite external pressures.

  • Feeling supported and accepted within your family and social circles.

  • Navigating your journey together with confidence and resilience.

Start Your Journey with Us

Reaching out for help is a courageous step. We offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your concerns and how we can support your relationship. Let us guide you through this process and help you and your partner find your way to a happier, healthier future together.

Welcome To Empower Therapy

We know it takes a lot of courage to reach out. You might be battling resistance, or even doubt.

But the reality is you deserve a space for you, and we can provide it.

Our goal isn’t just to simply get you “back to normal”, but to help you grow even further.

To truly help you experience life differently.

Why work with us?

  • Our team is made up of LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ Affirming Counselors, who can help with guiding you through uncertain times. We provide affirming therapy so you can know you’re working with the right therapists.

  • We don’t carry waitlists, so you can get access to therapy quickly!

  • When you work with a small group practice like ours, you’re working with real people who have personal care and support for what you’re going through, and we’re able to match you with the therapist that’s right for you!

Testimonials

  • “I’ve been working with Sara for two years. When I met her, I was struggling in my marriage - feeling depressed, dry, and anxious to the point where I struggled going to work. I was faced with a few big decisions in my new marriage and I was struggling to hear my voice and know who and where I was. Going to therapy was the best part of my week, where I could go and meet myself for the first time. I learned about myself as Sara gently challenged me to look at the parts of myself that I couldn’t see. Therapy with Sara gave me a safe place to be able to explore why I do what I do and have compassion for myself in the same way I have compassion for others. Through our work, I was able to leave a job, ask for what I needed in my marriage, and not just manage my anxiety, but figure out the root of why I was anxious in the first place.”

  • “Sara has always been my go-to for relationship advice and perspective. Sara's compassionate energy and understanding of the human psyche and spirit make her an amazing therapist! Sara's ability to conceptualize the experience of love and love relationships pulls from a deep well of experience, intuition, and education in the field. Expect to see results and feel more empowered as a couple and as individuals after seeking her assistance! I recently had a relationship conflict that had me stuck and after a 30-minute session, I was able to get unstuck and move closer to my boyfriend and experience deeper love and vulnerability.”

  • “Sara has an amazingly creative and expressive approach to working with clients, and she is undaunted by the complex issues that clients may present. She has an almost mischievous playfulness that is completely refreshing to put her clients at ease and makes her very fun to work with. She will be a compassionate and caring partner for any client that she works with, and I highly recommend her as a choice for you to partner with.”

  • “I joined Sober-Curious because I am a grey-area drinker, have never identified with the label “alcoholic” and didn’t see myself in AA. After too many drunken arguments with my husband and feeling so tired of being hungover every weekend, I decided that I wanted to do some work around my drinking. Sober-Curious has given me a community of support while I got to learn about why I drink when I feel triggered, and how alcohol has affected so many different areas of my life. The process of bringing awareness to my relationship with alcohol, supported by the love and openness from this group of women - has given me an incredible foundation for a healthier life, better relationships, and freedom that I haven’t felt since I was a little girl.”

  • “Sara has provided so much space and permission for me to show up as me and only me. She has invited the shadowy, restless parts of my person come out of hiding and explore what it means to integrate the accepted and ridiculed chapters of my story. She shows up as a gentle force of a therapist and even more importantly shows up as human always.”

  • “Working with Sara is a magical and paradoxical experience that I cannot recommend highly enough. She has an ethereal presence combined with a groundedness that allows you to envision possibilities you’ve never considered, while simultaneously being incredibly down-to-earth and present in the here and now. She radiates warmth and gentleness while being direct, firm, and real. Most importantly, her clients adore her and experience the growth and transformation they’ve wanted, but never been able to obtain. I wholeheartedly recommend Sara to anyone looking for serious growth and radical healing.”

FAQ

  • We offer various price points based on provider and service from $175 - $250 per session.

  • We do participate with insurance however we are considered an Out-Of-Network provider. What that means is that if your insurance plan has out of network benefits, then you may be able to use your insurance while working with us.

    We are partnered with Mentaya, an innovative platform that automates claim submissions to your insurer for each therapy session. This service allows you to access your out-of-network benefits with minimal effort, potentially reimbursing you for 30–90% of therapy costs once your deductible is met.

    If you would like to check whether your insurance plan has Out-Of-Network benefits, then please reach out to us here https://www.empowertherapyandcoaching.com/book-an-appointment .

    We're here to guide you through understanding and accessing your out-of-network benefits.

  • Such a reasonable question to ask, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this one. Everyone’s journey with personal therapy is unique to them - and the work moves at its own pace. You and your therapist will discuss during your first appointment and determine how long and how often you will meet.

  • At Empower Therapy and Coaching, we provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for your healing journey. We will work side by side to understand the root cause of your concerns and heal so that you can move forward with your life.

    Our wish is that you feel both free and held in our non-judgmental, safe, inclusive, and accepting space so that you can share and process things that you may have never shared before.

  • Book a consultation with us below! On a free, 15-minute consultation call, we will ask you a few questions and fit you with the best therapist to suit your needs. There will also be time for you to ask questions and get more information about therapy.

Why Choose Online Therapy

No Travel Required

You can do therapy from the comfort of your home, bed, or car (just no driving!)

Confidential & Private

You don’t need to see anyone in a waiting room. Just open your laptop or phone from the comfort of wherever you are

Just As Effective

Virtual therapy has been found to be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy

how to get started

Step 1

Get In Touch

Simply click below to schedule a FREE 15 minute consultation call with us.

Step 2

Free Consultation

Pick a time that works for you! We'll reach out, learn more about your needs, and match you with the right therapist for you.

Step 3

Feel Better

Attend your first session. We'll be with you every step of then way!

Because your love deserves affirming care.