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LGBTQ+ Identity Exploration and Support

Your Journey, Your Timeline

Identity isn't a destination you were supposed to reach by age twenty; it is an evolving landscape. Whether you are questioning your gender identity, exploring your sexuality, or navigating the complexities of a late-life coming out, you deserve a therapeutic space that respects your history while honoring your future.

I provide specialized support for the LGBTQ+ community, rooted in a deep commitment to social work ethics. We don't just "talk about" identity; we work together to build a life that feels congruent with who you truly are.

Focus Area: Coming Out Later in Life

"It is never too late to be who you might have been." — George Eliot

Coming out as an older adult is a distinct experience. You aren't just navigating a new identity; you are often navigating a lifetime of established roles, relationships, and responsibilities. If you feel like a "late bloomer," know that your path is valid, and you are not alone.

Normalizing the "Late Bloom" Experience

In our work together, we address the specific milestones of coming out in adulthood:

  • Processing the "Life Not Lived": It is natural to feel a sense of grief for the years spent in a role that didn't fit. We hold space for that loss, helping you reconcile your past so it doesn't overshadow your present joy.

  • Navigating the "Second Puberty": Transitioning or coming out later often triggers a rapid period of emotional and social growth. We manage the "awkwardness" of this second developmental phase with humor, clinical insight, and practical strategies.

  • Shifting Relationships: We develop tools for communicating your truth to long-term partners, adult children, and professional circles, ensuring you maintain agency over your narrative.

Ready to Begin?

Your authentic life is waiting. Whether you are ready to take the first step or just want to explore the possibility, I am here to walk with you.

What to Expect in Therapy

My approach is grounded in Cultural Humility and Self-Determination. You are the expert of your own life; I am here to provide the clinical framework and support to help you thrive.

A Safe Harbor for Questioning

You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. Therapy is a laboratory for exploration. We use evidence-based practices to help you distinguish between societal expectations and your authentic desires.

Clinical Excellence & Advocacy

For those pursuing gender-affirming care, I provide guidance aligned with the WPATH Standards. This includes:

  • Support through all phases of identity exploration.

  • Navigating the healthcare system as an LGBTQ+ adult.

  • Referrals and coordination with multidisciplinary care teams.

Ethical, Affirming Support

In accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics, I am committed to understanding the nature of social diversity and oppression. Your age, history, and identity are respected here as strengths, not barriers.

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©2024 by Ricky Waite Consulting

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