FAQ’s and Resources
What Does “Affirming Care” Mean?
What is affirming care?
Affirming care is an approach to therapy that respects and supports a person’s identity, including sexual orientation and gender identity, without trying to change or direct it toward a specific outcome.
Does affirming care mean you encourage someone to identify a certain way?
No. Affirming care is not about steering identity. It is about creating a safe space for exploration, helping clients better understand themselves, and supporting their emotional well-being—wherever that process leads.
Can clients talk about confusion, doubt, or distress related to identity?
Absolutely. Therapy is a space to explore all thoughts and feelings openly, including uncertainty, fear, or internal conflict. Affirming care makes room for the full range of a person’s experience.
Do you work with parents or families who have questions or concerns?
Yes. I support caregivers in understanding their child’s experience while helping families strengthen connection, communication, and emotional safety.
How is this different from conversion therapy?
Conversion therapy seeks to change or suppress aspects of identity. Affirming care does not attempt to change who someone is—it focuses on reducing distress, building resilience, and supporting overall mental health in alignment with ethical standards from organizations like the American Counseling Association and World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
The Center at Colfax - Denver, CO
One Colorado - Denver, CO
Transgender Center of the Rockies - Denver, CO
https://www.transgendercenteroftherockies.org
The Crane Center - Boulder, CO
https://cranects.com/boulder-office/
True Center for Gender Diversity - Aurora, CO
https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/gender-diversity-center/