Hello, I'm Karlie, a dedicated therapist committed to providing a safe and affirming space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by this community, I strive to foster growth and resilience through life's most difficult transitions. My approach is rooted in empathy, acceptance, and collaboration, empowering clients to navigate their journey with authenticity and self-compassion. Together, we can explore your experiences, celebrate your strengths, and cultivate a path toward healing and personal fulfillment. Your identity is valued and respected here, and I am honored to accompany you on your path to self-discovery and empowerment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first therapy session together, you can expect a warm and inviting friend, who will help you explore various aspects of your life, including relationships, identity, and personal growth. From discussing life's joys and challenges to exploring your unique journey of self-discovery, our conversation will encompass topics like love, identity, quality of life, and developmental milestones. My goal is to create a comforting and safe space where you can openly express yourself, share your experiences, and embark on a therapeutic journey that's both enriching and fulfilling. Let's make our first session as engaging, supportive, and enjoyable as possible!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths lie in empathy, compassion, and friendliness, which allows me to connect deeply with others and understand their experiences on a profound level. My kindness and acceptance create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and accepted without judgment. These qualities not only enrich my relationships but also empower me to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me, fostering understanding, healing, and growth.
About Karlie Spader-Guillette
Appointments
Virtual
My treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-focused counseling focuses on identifying strengths and solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Through this approach, you likely found yourself empowered to explore your own resources, leading to achievable goals and positive change.
Feminist
Practicing a feminist theoretical orientation in counseling involves recognizing and addressing power dynamics, societal inequalities, and gender biases within the therapeutic process. By embracing this approach, I focus on empowering your voice, validating your experiences, challenging traditional gender roles, social justice, equality, and the intersectionality of various identities, and fostering a deeper understanding of yourself within a broader socio-cultural context.
Group Therapy
Running an LGBTQ+ group for youth and adolescents over the last several years, it involved creating a safe and inclusive space where individuals and young folks can explore their identities, experiences, and challenges within a supportive community. Through group discussions, activities, and mutual understanding, participants were able to find validation, connection, and empowerment. Emphasizing diversity and intersectionality in a safe space left room for sharing perspectives, fostering resilience, and promoting personal growth within the LGBTQ+ community.
Gender-affirming therapy
Having a gender-affirming theoretical orientation in counseling entails recognizing and validating individuals' gender identities and expressions as integral parts of their authentic selves. Through this approach, I prioritize affirming and supporting clients in their gender journey, whether exploring, transitioning, or affirming their identity. By creating a space free from judgment and stigma, clients can explore their gender identity, navigate societal challenges, and cultivate self-acceptance and resilience within a supportive therapeutic relationship.
