Counseling for LGBQ Relationships in West Palm Beach, Florida

LGBQ Relationships: Supporting Your Journey with Compassionate, Affirming Care

Every relationship deserves understanding, safety, and growth — no matter how it looks on the outside. LGBQ relationships often face stressors and relationship conflicts that heterosexual couples may never encounter, which may include social pressure, family rejection, identity struggles, and discrimination. Counseling can help you untangle these stressors and build a foundation of resilience, connection, and authenticity.

I’m Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist in West Palm Beach, Florida. I provide psychotherapy and counseling for LGBQ couples seeking deeper connection, conflict resolution, or support working through the unique challenges of same-sex dating and long-term partnerships.

In my practice, I affirm and embrace all identities and relationship structures. Whether you’re newly dating, in a long-term partnership, married, co-parenting, or navigating open relationships, I offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore and strengthen your bond.

If you or someone you know feels this way, I can help. Call me, Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT now at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or complete my online form to request a free introductory call.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT provides therapy and counseling for LGBQ relationships counseling in West Palm Beach, Florida and throughout Palm Beach County.
• Dr. Susan Christiansen’s approach to counseling and psychotherapy for gay and lesbian relationships is affirming, inclusive, and identity-conscious.
• Dr. Susan Christiansen offers tailored relationship counseling for same sex dating couples, married LGBQ partners, and various types of relationships involving queer, questioning, polyamorous, and other diverse dynamics.
• In her relationship therapy sessions, Dr. Christiansen emphasizes communication, conflict resolution, emotional support, and resilience to build stronger relationships through affirmative therapy.
• Easily request a free introductory call with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT by phone at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or through the online form.

What is LGBQ Relationship Counseling?

LGBQ relationship counseling is a form of psychotherapy specifically tailored to support the emotional and relational needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and other gender-diverse or non-heteronormative couples.

In our sessions, I offer a supportive and judgment-free environment where both partners feel seen, validated, and understood. Using research-informed methods and compassionate, culturally attuned language, we work together to:

• Strengthen your bond
• Improve communication
• Navigate coming out or family dynamics
• Address internalized shame
• Clarify values and relationship roles
• Heal emotional injuries, such as betrayal or mistrust

LGBQ couples counseling is not about “fixing” who you are — it’s about helping your relationship flourish with authenticity, mutual respect, and deeper understanding.

Are You Experiencing Gay or Lesbian Relationship Issues in West Palm Beach?

While all relationships experience challenges, LGBQ couples often face a complex set of external and internalized stressors — including societal stigma, discrimination, identity negotiation, family estrangement, and lack of community support. These dynamics can create tension, misunderstanding, or emotional distance within the relationship.

Are You Suffering Mental Health Issues Linked to the Unique Challenges faced by Gay or Lesbian Couples?

Gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals can experience a range of health problems directly related to their sexuality. Even though our society has made significant advancements in the social acceptance of gay men and lesbianism, we continue to have a problem with many individuals who carelessly discriminate. The alienating effects of discrimination and dealing with homophobia, especially if it’s a family member, can affect a person’s mental health and well-being.

Research shows that on average, gay men and lesbians have reduced access to medical care, wait longer before seeking treatment and are less well screened for health conditions than heterosexual people. These issues, which may encompass mental health conditions and/or physical health matters, all add up to increased stress that can permeate each aspect of one’s life.

Key Benefits of LGBQ Relationship Counseling

1. Affirming Space for Your Relationship

In a world that still marginalizes queer identities, having a place where your relationship is fully accepted matters. My therapy room is a safe and affirming space where you won’t need to educate your therapist or defend your love.

2. Improve Communication Across Identity & Emotional Lines

LGBQ couples often navigate layered conversations around gender identity, emotional needs, attraction, past trauma, or intersectionality. Therapy gives you tools to communicate openly, hear each other’s truth, and respond without judgment.

• Learn how to express needs safely
• Understand your partner’s emotional triggers
• Reduce miscommunication and defensiveness
• Practice empathy and emotional presence

3. Navigate Family Rejection or Lack of Support

If your relationship has been rejected by family, church, or community, you may carry grief, anger, or shame that impacts intimacy. Counseling offers support to process those wounds and establish boundaries that protect your partnership.

4. Heal After Infidelity or Emotional Betrayal

Whether monogamous or open, LGBQ couples may face trust issues just like any relationship. We work through the root causes of betrayal, rebuild safety, incorporate coping strategies, and move forward with clarity — if both partners are committed to healing.

5. Support for Nontraditional Relationship Structures

Many LGBQ couples explore open, polyamorous, or non-binary partnerships. I work with you to define relationship agreements, clarify boundaries, and resolve tensions around identity or expectations.

• Discuss roles, agreements, and intentions openly
• Reduce jealousy or misalignment
• Explore emotional safety in diverse relationship forms

How LGBQ Relationships Counseling Works

Step 1: Consultation and Intake

We begin with a confidential intake session to understand your relationship dynamics, personal identities, and current challenges. This is a space to share your hopes, hurts, and goals without fear of judgment.

Step 2: Relationship Assessment

In many cases, I use reflective questions or structured tools to assess communication patterns, emotional cycles, and attachment histories. We identify your strengths and stuck points.

Step 3: Goal Setting and Structure

Together, we outline your relationship goals — whether that’s resolving conflict, improving emotional intimacy, or making big life decisions. Sessions are structured around these goals, with space for emotional processing.

Step 4: Weekly or Biweekly Sessions

Sessions are usually 55–60 minutes long and may be held in person at my West Palm Beach office or virtually. I offer exercises between sessions when helpful for addressing a couple’s particular circumstances or challenges.

Step 5: Review and Growth Planning

As therapy progresses, we check in on progress and recalibrate goals. Many couples quickly begin to see positive shifts within a few sessions, while others engage in deeper work over time.

Who Needs LGBQ Relationship Counseling?

LGBQ relationship counseling is for anyone who wants a healthier, more emotionally connected relationship — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship structure.

Common reasons clients come to me include:

• Emotional distance or communication breakdown
• Identity-related stress or coming out issues
• Family rejection or religious trauma
• Mistrust, jealousy, or boundary issues
• Exploring open or polyamorous dynamics
• Premarital counseling for same sex couples
• Parenting and co-parenting in LGBQ families
• Differing levels of outness or visibility

If you’ve ever felt like traditional therapy didn’t see the full picture of your relationship — you’re not alone. My approach is tailored to honor who you are, how you love, and where you want to go next.

My Affirmative Approach to Relationship Counseling to Build and Strengthen Healthy Relationships

I use a variety of treatment modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) just to name a few, to help lesbian and gay couples address couples therapy matters that may involve communication skills, mental health concerns, relationship satisfaction, sexual intimacy, setting boundaries, self esteem issues or negative thought patterns, and many unique challenges related to sexual orientation.

I use tailored Affirmative Therapy approaches to address many mental health challenges that can arise in the context of gay and lesbian couples, while fostering active listening in a non-judgmental space. Counseling sessions can involve in-person therapy or online therapy, and may address a mix of relationship satisfaction and mental health care concerns, tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Dr. Susan Christiansen for LGBQ Relationships Counseling?

My Experience & Commitment

With over two decades of clinical experience in relationship counseling, I’ve supported countless LGBQ couples across West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. I stay actively informed on the evolving language, challenges, and resiliencies within the queer community — and I bring that awareness into every session.

My educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Science and licensure as a marriage and family therapist. I engage in continual learning on LGBQ affirming practices to make sure my care is not only inclusive, but deeply attuned to my clients’ social and emotional needs.

Client-Centered Success Stories

From couples dealing with exploring sexual orientation together, to young partners facing family estrangement, to long-term same sex couples seeking renewed connection — I’ve witnessed beautiful transformations in clients who felt truly seen and supported.

Tailored, Respectful Care

No two LGBQ relationships are alike. I don’t assume, generalize, or minimize. Instead, I take time to listen to what matters to you. Whether we’re unpacking trauma, reworking conflict patterns, or nurturing joy — I meet you where you are with presence and care.

Support Beyond the Session

I offer guidance, tools, and referrals when needed. From book recommendations to between-session communication strategies, I make sure you leave therapy not just feeling heard, but equipped to thrive.

Ask Questions About LGBQ Relationship Counseling or Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT

Whether you’re looking for guidance during a difficult time or simply want to strengthen your connection in a safe space that is respectful of your sexual orientation and the specific challenges you are facing, LGBQ relationship counseling is a meaningful step toward growth. You deserve a space that honors who you are and how you love.

Let’s begin that journey together. Call me directly at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or complete my online form to request a free introductory call. This is a safe, welcoming space. I’m here when you’re ready.

Helping Palm Beach County clients achieve peace and harmony since 2000