Demi McLaren, LICSW

Massachusetts Queer Therapist

 LGBTQIA+ & Gender-Affirming Therapy | Virtual Telehealth Appointments Available

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker | Services Based in Massachusetts

Couples Therapy

Are you and your partner struggling to find common ground during conflicts and looking for a supportive, affirming space to work through your differences?

Have you and your partner been considering opening your relationship and want to explore this transition with the guidance of a neutral party?

Are you and your partner facing significant life changes and need a compassionate, affirming therapist to help you navigate these transitions together?

Are you and your partner planning for the future and seeking guidance on fertility and family planning in an inclusive, affirming therapeutic setting?

If you are looking for support, I am here to help.

 Is now the right time for couples therapy?

Welcome! I'm delighted that you’re considering taking the journey of couples therapy with me. As an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for queer couples to explore and strengthen their relationships.

Whether you're navigating conflict resolution, opening your marriage, improving communication styles, facing life transitions, or planning for fertility and family, I am here to support you. Couples often find therapy invaluable for integrating a neutral, third party into their conversations, helping them find compromise, and meeting their mutual needs.

Conflict resolution is a common reason couples seek therapy. Together, we will identify the root causes of your conflicts and develop strategies to address them effectively. If you and your partner are considering non-monogamy, I can provide the guidance and support necessary to explore this transition in a way that honors both partners' boundaries and desires.

Improving communication is crucial in any relationship. We'll work on enhancing your communication styles to foster deeper understanding and connection. Navigating life transitions can be challenging, but with the right support, you can manage these changes while maintaining a strong and connected relationship. For those planning for the future, including fertility and family planning, I offer a compassionate and affirming therapeutic setting to discuss your goals and concerns.

Couples therapy can also be a valuable supplement if you’re working with individual therapists. Together, we can create a holistic approach to your well-being. I look forward to working with you and helping you build a more fulfilling and harmonious relationship.

Together, we can take the next steps towards better days ahead.

Why does affirming couples therapy really matter?

Creates A Safe & Inclusive Environment

Affirming therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where both partners can express their identities and experiences without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This fosters openness and honesty, which are crucial for effective therapy.

An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist is knowledgeable about the specific challenges that queer couples may face, such as societal stigma, internalized homophobia, or issues related to coming out. This understanding helps in addressing these unique aspects of their relationship.

Your Clinician Understands Your Unique Challenges and Strengths

Supports Diverse
Relationship Structures

Some LGBTQIA+ couples have non-traditional relationship models, such as open relationships or polyamory. An affirming therapist respects and supports these diverse models, helping couples navigate and strengthen their unique relationship dynamics.

Life transitions such as coming out, gender transition, or starting a family can be particularly complex for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Affirming therapy provides guidance and support tailored to these specific experiences, helping couples manage these transitions together.

Help Navigate
Life Transitions

Enhances
Communication

Effective communication is key to any relationship. An LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist can help couples develop communication strategies that are mindful of their unique experiences and identities, fostering deeper understanding and connection.

Bridges and Strengthens
Your Support System

For couples who are also working with individual therapists, affirming couples therapy can create a holistic support system. It integrates the work done in individual therapy with the relationship-focused goals of couples therapy, providing a well-rounded approach to mental and emotional well-being.

 Let’s take the next steps toward better days ahead – together.