Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health in Pasadena, CA: Becoming the Therapist I Needed
Finding a therapist who truly sees and affirms your identity can be life-changing.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, it can also be incredibly hard to find.
I know this firsthand—because I’ve been there.
As a queer person, I remember what it felt like to sit in therapy rooms where my identity wasn’t fully understood or affirmed. Sometimes it was subtle, other times it was obvious, but it left me feeling unseen. I often left those sessions wishing for a therapist who not only had the skills to help but also understood the nuances of living in a queer body in a world that doesn’t always feel safe.
That longing—to find the therapist I needed—became the seed for the therapist I eventually became.
Why Representation in Therapy Matters
When a client walks into my office at Thomas Blake Therapy in Pasadena, CA, I know that part of their journey is about finding safety—knowing they can show up fully as themselves.
Representation in therapy matters because so many LGBTQ+ individuals have faced rejection, microaggressions, or invalidation from the very professionals who were supposed to help them heal. I carry that knowledge into every session because I’ve experienced it myself.
As a therapist, I strive to be the kind of professional I once needed:
Someone who respects pronouns without hesitation.
Someone who understands the complexity of coming out—often times more than once.
Someone who sees how identity, culture, trauma, and resilience are intertwined.
A Journey Rooted in Personal Identity
My personal journey as a queer man is the foundation of my practice. Living in a world where LGBTQ+ rights are constantly debated and sometimes under attack has made me deeply aware of the mental and emotional toll that stigma, discrimination, and systemic inequities can have.
I’ve experienced the frustration of trying to explain to a therapist why certain things felt heavier for me than they might for others—how an offhand comment at work, a political headline, or even a family gathering could stir up layers of pain.
That experience drives me to make sure my clients never have to explain their worth or justify their identities in my therapy room. They deserve a space where they are validated, seen, and celebrated for who they are.
From The Trevor Project to Private Practice
Before opening my private practice, I worked in a leadership role at The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
My time at Trevor shaped me profoundly. I witnessed the strength and vulnerability of young people reaching out in moments of crisis. I also saw the incredible healing power that comes from simply being heard and supported by someone who understands.
That experience cemented my lifelong commitment to serving and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community—especially as we continue to face political and social challenges that directly impact mental health.
Rising Need for LGBTQ+ Mental Health Support
In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in political and social attacks on LGBTQ+ rights—policies affecting trans healthcare, debates over marriage equality, and an increase in hate-motivated incidents. These external pressures can intensify feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation in our community.
Now more than ever, LGBTQ+-affirming mental health care is essential. We need spaces that not only address trauma but also celebrate resilience, build community, and empower individuals to thrive despite adversity.
At Thomas Blake Therapy in Pasadena, CA, this is not just my job—it’s my mission. I am fully driven to support my community in navigating these challenges while building a sense of safety, pride, and hope.
Becoming the Therapist I Once Needed
Every client who comes through my door deserves to feel like they don’t have to explain why their experience matters. My goal is to provide the kind of affirming, compassionate therapy that I once searched for—the kind that recognizes that LGBTQ+ identity is not the problem; it’s the world’s response to it that often causes harm.
I use approaches like EMDR, IFS, and trauma-informed care to address not just immediate struggles but the deeper wounds that may come from years of feeling unseen or marginalized.
An Invitation to the LGBTQ+ Community
If you’ve been looking for a therapist who truly understands the intersection of identity, mental health, and resilience, I want you to know: you deserve to be supported in a space where your full self is welcome.
Start Working With An LGBTQ Therapist in Pasadena, CA
Whether you’re navigating coming out, coping with family rejection, processing trauma, or simply seeking a therapist who “gets it,” I’m here to help. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+-affirming therapy in Pasadena, CA, Thomas Blake Therapy offers compassionate, identity-affirming care. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
Contact me for a free consultation
Meet with an affirming therapist
Start finding the support you deserve!
Other Services Offered at Thomas Blake Therapy
LGBTQ affirming therapy isn’t the only service that Thomas Blake Therapy offers. Our team is happy to offer support for your mental health with a variety of services, including EMDR therapy to help you cope with past trauma, narrative therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy to assist patients who have struggled with treatment-resistant concerns. If any of these services resonate with you, please reach out. We offer online therapy services in California and New Jersey. For more about us and our services, check out our Bio page and Blog today!
