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It’s 2025, and LGBTQ issues and mental health are no longer as taboo as they once were. But for many in the LGBTQ+ community, coming out or dealing with the struggles of being queer is still not an easy topic to deal with. That is why having a therapist who not only understands mental health but also affirms their identity can still feel like searching for a… well, unicorn. Beyond a listening ear, a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist lets clients feel safe and comfortable, and to allow a space where the complexities of identity, societal pressure, trauma, and self-acceptance come to the forefront.
While the demand for LGBTQ+ affirming mental health professionals in society and Singapore continues to grow, many people don’t often hear about the people behind the couch – their stories, their motivations, and why they chose this path.
In celebration of Pride Month, we speak to five LGBTQ+ affirming therapists to find out their journeys into the mental health field. From how they got started in their career to sharing why affirming therapy is essential, this article sheds the spotlight on those that make a difference in the community.
Denise Thong
As a certified Transactional Analysis practitioner by USATAA and a mother to a young son, Denise Thong is an all-rounder who has experience in varying specialties – from LGBTQ+ issues to women’s mental health.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
Many years ago, I received some excellent pro-bono counselling from Fr. Gerald Tseng, a Jesuit Priest. I was deeply moved and changed. Now that he’s passed on, I want to step into the shoes of my hero and do my part for the community too.
I have many friends in the LGBTQ+ community and communicate well with them. I see many clients but along the way I found that the percentage of my clients who identify as LGBTQ+ started to increase. So in a way, I did not choose the specialisation, the specialisation chose me. I am of course deeply grateful for that.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Personally it means that I do not pass any prejudices on LGBTQ+ clients before, during and after my work with them. After all, people are so much more than just their sexuality. I endeavour to look at the person and see them for who they are – not just their medical diagnoses or sexual labels. Professionally, it also means that I do not lower my standard of care for my LGBTQ+ clients because of any conscious or unconscious biases.
Why did you choose to practise at A Space Between, and how does being in a space like A Space Between enhance the therapeutic experience for your clients, especially those from marginalised communities?
A Space Between is located at an excellent location, and has safely-lit lift landings. The reception area is comfortable and inviting and the rooms are posh and classy. One of my clients with past trauma reported choosing me as her therapist simply because she preferred the location. The other two therapists she visited were located in places with very dingy lift lobbies.
Of course, with time, our relationship and rapport kept her coming back to therapy but the first impression based on location was very important too. This point is particularly true for marginalised communities who have had past abuse and trauma. The location must look safe and be safe.
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community may be hesitant to seek therapy due to past negative experiences. How do you build trust and safety with new clients?
To build trust and safety, I tend to do some self-disclosure and talk to my new clients in a warm and friendly way. While some counsellors adopt an emotionally-distant stance, I usually choose the opposite,preferring a more personal conversational approach. In short, being human and honest with my new clients helps to put them at ease.
How do you balance professional boundaries with authenticity, especially when supporting clients through issues related to identity, coming out, or acceptance?
Part of being professional is being congruent and transparent with my own values. My own values do not have to be bracketed during the session. However, they may take a back seat temporarily to make room for the client’s values.
For example, If I feel that it is unsafe for the client to reveal their identity at their current workplace or with their family (due to other information they have presented), I will tell them honestly. I will definitely not pressure them to come out before they are ready. However, if for their own reasons, they are still insistent on doing so, I will prepare them beforehand for the possible backlash and assure that I am committed to be a safe harbour if and when “all hell breaks loose”.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
I think one misconception is that all Christian/Catholic counsellors are contemptuous of members of the LGBTQ+ community and would like to convert them into heterosexual people. It is not true. There are many Christian/Catholic counsellors, like myself, who appreciate our clients as they are. Also, I don’t believe that it is possible or ethical to change a person’s sexuality using therapy.
Finally, what advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
LGBTQ+ affirmation is not a black and white concept, but instead lies on a spectrum.
Depending on your luck, you may meet a therapist who is more on either side. Either way, it is important to give them a fair chance to shine. Your therapist may not be so LGBTQ+ aware or affirming from the get-go, but he/she may have other very beneficial strengths. You could try staying on for at least three sessions before evaluating if you would like to continue working with them.
Find out more about Denise here!
Fernanda Maurer-Stroh
Fernanda Maurer-Stoh is the founder and director of The Psyche Counselling Pte. Ltd, on top of being an advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Having started in counselling since the Covid-19 pandemic, she is now proficient in a range of specialty topics like gender dysphoria, trauma disorder and postpartum depression. She’s also bilingual – speaking both English and Portuguese!
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
When choosing a university path, I knew I wanted a career where I could help others. I initially pursued Biomedical Sciences, thinking that contributing to research would let me support people behind the scenes. For a while, that seemed enough. But as I progressed, I saw how academic titles and ego often overshadowed the human impact I was seeking.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my attention kept returning to mental health. That’s when I began asking myself what kind of career change would bring both personal fulfillment and meaningful impact. The shift to therapy was part of that answer.
As for working with the LGBTQ+ community, it happened organically. LGBTQ+ individuals are part of my personal life. It felt natural – and essential – to affirm and support this community professionally as well.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, personally and professionally?
It means a lot. To not affirm LGBTQ+ people’s existence and uniqueness would be to deny people I deeply love. Professionally, I feel honoured to offer a safe, inclusive space regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Of course, we live in a world where stigma, homophobia, transphobia, and intolerance still exist. In an ideal world, all therapists would work respectfully with people of all identities. We’re not here to judge, rescue, or fix – but to witness and support.
Why did you choose to practise at A Space Between, and how does being in a space like A Space Between enhance the therapeutic experience for your clients, especially those from marginalised communities?
Starting my own company meant working independently, and A Space Between (ASB) gave me the structure I needed. It offered a welcoming environment, and I also appreciate the fairness in how practitioners are treated. In some clinics, the lines between therapeutic work and business operations can blur. At ASB, those boundaries are clear – and that matters to me.
When I first visited ASB, I noticed rainbow stickers at the front desk. It immediately warmed my heart. These small, quiet signals can be powerful. They let clients – especially LGBTQ+ individuals – know they’re safe, seen, and respected, even before the session begins.
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community may be hesitant to seek therapy due to past negative experiences. How do you build trust and safety with new clients?
Sadly, not all therapy experiences are positive – and for LGBTQ+ individuals, this risk can feel even more real. In places where discrimination is still embedded in the legal system or social norms, the fear of being judged, misunderstood, or subtly invalidated is valid. Even when harmful beliefs like conversion therapy aren’t overt, they can show up in quieter ways, such as through assumptions, microaggressions, or when a therapist’s personal values interfere with ethical care.
That said, hesitancy around therapy isn’t exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community. One bad experience can make anyone think twice about opening up again. For me, building trust starts with being open about who I am and how I work. There’s no hidden agenda, no expectation that a client should be or feel a certain way. Safety and trust don’t happen instantly – they grow, session by session, through consistency, honesty, and respect. It’s something that’s built together, and takes time.
How do you balance professional boundaries with authenticity, especially when supporting clients through issues like coming out or identity?
Boundaries are essential in therapy. That doesn’t mean we have to be distant or impersonal. Authenticity comes from transparency and the absence of hidden agendas. Every person’s story is different, so my role is to meet them wherever they are, without assumptions or expectations.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
One common fear is that a therapist might push heteronormative views or subtly invalidate their identity. Unfortunately, that fear isn’t unfounded in some places. This can lead people to believe that only LGBTQ+ therapists can understand them.
While shared experience can be powerful, it isn’t the only path to empathy. What matters most is a therapist’s openness, self-awareness, and genuine commitment to affirming and understanding their clients without judgment.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
Curiosity is a great beginning. Read therapist profiles, look for language that feels respectful and inclusive. Many therapists offer a short complimentary phone call, which can be helpful, though it’s not quite the same as a session.
Try one session and notice how you feel – not just about the therapist, but also about yourself in their presence. Therapy is a relationship, and like any relationship, it should feel safe and respectful. But like every relationship, it takes time to find the right one and to build.
Find out more about Fernanda here!
Melanie Lam
Melanie made a career switch from being in the marketing industry to becoming a therapist, realising her calling and passion to making a difference. Today, she specializes in Rapid Transformational Therapy and Reiki, but is also a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, working with a diverse range of clients.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy?
In some ways, I was searching for something all my life but never quite found it. Until I was in a life-changing therapy session that inspired me so much, I decided that day to pursue it as a purpose and a part of my life. Before this, I was a marketing and brand specialist for over a decade. I currently work with clients from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community, which I’m proudly a part of.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, both personally and professionally?
It means I welcome and support all sexual orientations and gender identities, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. It is important to me that my clients are notjudged and that they have an affirmative and safe place to share their experiences.
Many times, when clients come for therapy, they could already be in a vulnerable space and holding that space well for them is crucial to a great session.
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community may be hesitant to seek therapy due to past negative experiences. How do you build trust and safety with new clients?
As with any community or profession, there might be some bad apples and it’s unfortunate that anybody, has to experience that. However, I would encourage them not to give up, as sometimes it’s a matter of finding the right fit. Do your research and find the right fit for you. Trust and safety come from mutual communication and creating a safe, affirming space for the client.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
A common misconception is that there is something wrong with people who go to therapy but nothing could be further from the truth. As human beings, we experience a complex spectrum of human emotions. As the wise Yoda says, “Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate and hate leads to suffering.” Life happens to all of us and we honour that when we face our experiences and emotions with courage. Getting an experienced professional to guide you through those experiences could greatly support your personal and professional growth.
Another common misconception is that therapy is only for serious traumas or has to do with experiencing a crisis. To be perfectly honest, the world has gone through a crisis, a pandemic of epic proportions. It has forever changed the way we live and work. More than ever, people are seeking answers and questioning their lives, Therapy can be a space to explore with curiosity or identify and clarify what is on your mind. It can also be just about removing roadblocks with the tools and techniques to help you make that practical shift in your life.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
Therapy is a great resource for working out issues and building emotional resilience. It is an under-utilised resource, a secret weapon that can greatly enhance and add value to a person’s life. As with every new experience, it is normal to feel nervous or apprehension but do try it as the rewards are well worth the journey.
Find out more about Melanie here!
Dr Roy Chan
As a clinical psychologist, Dr Roy Chan has had a wealth of experience with therapy under his belt. He’s also the founder of Cloaks and Mirrors; a clinic that he created based on his experiences working with the local and international community in both Singapore and Hong Kong. He specializes in topics regarding love, sexuality and relationships.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
I was inspired by having lots of different friends and being really curious about their stories and their experiences. I came to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community by being open to all genders and sexual orientations. Growing up, I was never constrained or made to be fearful of the LGBTQ+ community, so I just view it as different life choices, and romantic preferences.
I am more curious about the human experiences, the relationships, and the stories that each person brings to the session. When it comes to relationships, everyone experiences disagreements or dissatisfaction, whoever they may choose.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Personally, it gives me pride that I have the ability to be open to anyone.
Professionally, I know that the work I do is very essential, in providing that safe space for people to process their vulnerabilities. Especially when some people talk about the fear of being outed, or being converted. For others, it is about being constrained, or having a stage from which their transformation can be viewed, and their boldness can shine.
Why did you choose to practise at A Space Between, and how does being in a space like A Space Between enhance the therapeutic experience for your clients, especially those from marginalised communities?
I like that the owners and the staff are very open so I do not feel constrained by the clients that I choose to work with, and I can trust that my clients would not feel constrained either. Knowing that there isn’t an overarching philosophy or orientation in the space, helps my clients feel that they would not be judged and they are free to be, and free to appear as they are.
What kind of environment do you try to create during sessions, and how does the physical and emotional vibe of A Space Between support that?
I focus on introspection and free association during my sessions, guided by the environment, memories and emotions that come to play. I create that through soft pillows, aromatherapy scents from a balinese spa, and a scarlet turkish carpet with complex patterns where our dreams can take flight.
The soft muted lighting of the space certainly helps my clients transition from the external world, until they step into my room, where their thoughts can take flight. So it can be said that the space is like a lobby of sorts, from which people can step off into their subconscious.
Many people in the LGBTQ+ community may be hesitant to seek therapy due to past negative experiences. How do you build trust and safety with new clients?
I assure my clients that I work with many people in the LGBTQ+ community, I work with both individuals and couples, and I am most curious about the stories that they tell, and what we can discover from that.
By viewing each stage as a unique situation with its own challenges, and focusing on the anxieties that come with it. To walk alongside, rather than provide direction.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
That therapy would convert you, or force you to change your sexual orientation. While it is certainly a risk with some therapists, based on the code of ethics, registered psychologists are not allowed to be involved in conversion therapy. If that is attempted, you are highly encouraged to make a complaint about that psychologist to their respective registration body.
That their information might be shared with others. Registered psychologists have to make clear the limits of confidentiality to their clients, agree and sign off on it in a therapeutic agreement with their clients, and abide by the confidentiality of information and identity within those limits. Any violation of those boundaries is a breach of confidentiality, and grounds for a complaint to their respective registration bodies.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
Do request to schedule for an introductory call with your therapist to have a conversation about what their beliefs are, their approach and their comfort level with working with LGBTQ+ community. The relationship that you have with your therapist is also part of the therapy. Choose someone that you feel comfortable with, not based on seniority or years of experience but who you truly feel safe and comfortable to be yourself with.
Find out more about Dr Roy Chan here!
If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual identity or coming out, A Space Between provides a safe environment for support with queer-friendly counsellors. Besides being a resource for help or navigating the challenge of coming out, A Space Between also shares advice on therapy and LGBTQ+ issues through online blog articles, as well as holding community events.
*All responses have been edited for clarity and brevity
