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The mental health landscape is ever-evolving, especially in Singapore, where there is an increasing focus on inclusivity and understanding for the LGBTQ+ community. While traditional therapy spaces tend to have trouble navigating how to accommodate the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, a growing number of therapists in Singapore are embracing LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy, such as those from A Space Between.
This approach is not just about accepting sexual and gender diversity; it also actively affirms and supports LGBTQ+ identities, helping individuals navigate both personal and societal challenges with confidence and resilience. In this article, we’ll hear directly from a group of therapists from A Space Between, who share why being LGBTQ+ affirming is crucial in their work and how they integrate this important practice into their therapy.
From creating safe spaces to understanding the intricate experiences of their clients, these inspiring therapists share the impact and importance of therapy done right in Singapore.
Evelyn Lee
Using music as a tool in her practices, Evelyn Lee is not your everyday therapist. Whether it’s dealing with depression or gender dysphoria, Evelyn incorporates the power of song. movements and imagery to help clients improve their outlook on life and situations, as part of Prospect Music Therapy. She’s also bilingual in English and Chinese, and offers her services online and in-person.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
My journey into therapy began with volunteering at Singapore General Hospital, where I played music for patients in the wards. I remember the joy of those sessions – guitars, percussion, shared rhythm. But there were also moments that lingered long after the music stopped. I began to sense that something deeper was happening, which led me to discover music therapy as a clinical discipline.
At Prospect Music Therapy, I now work with individuals who carry complex stories in their bodies and voices, for instance stroke survivors re-learning how to communicate, elders reconnecting with memory through melody, and queer clients navigating identity and safety. My commitment to LGBTQ+ care is both personal and professional. I understand what it means to seek out a space where you do not need to brace yourself before speaking.
Music offers a way to connect, regulate, express, and find relief, without having to talk before you are ready.
During one volunteering session, I watched a patient tear up as I played a familiar tune. Everyone else in the room was clapping and smiling, but this person sat still, tears slowly forming. I felt the power of music to surface emotion – but I also felt completely unequipped. I was there to entertain, not to hold. That moment stayed with me.
Years later, in my clinical work, I supported a queer stroke survivor through music-based voicework. He was able to openly share with me his life story, and how his partner played a significant part in his care. I want my clients to know that they do not need to think twice, or hold back on what they can or cannot disclose about their personal lives. That pivotal moment affirmed that this work is not about performance or correction – it is about connection, presence, and renewal.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, both personally and professionally?
It means designing every part of my practice with intention. For example, my intake forms reflect diverse identities. My music library spans queer artists, protest songs, camp, comfort, and celebration. I stay informed on issues that affect LGBTQ+ mental health – minority stress, chosen family, embodiment, and safety.
It also means sitting in complexity. Some clients want to explore their queerness through songwriting or lyric analysis. Others prefer quiet, steady co-regulation through breath and sound. I honour all of it. Being affirming is not just a label – it is a practice of ongoing listening, unlearning, and care.
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 was drawn to A Space Between because it holds space for work that is not one-size-fits-all. As someone who works with music, movement, and the body, I needed a place that felt safe for sound-making and silence alike. The soundproofing is quite good so I don’t need to fear disrupting other sessions with my music!
The space itself is a kind of co-therapist. Its textures, acoustics, and openness support the depth of work I do – whether it is vocal grounding for gender-affirming clients, or rhythm-based exercises for stroke recovery. For clients who have been hypervigilant in clinical or institutional settings, this makes a difference.
I work with individuals who have felt misunderstood or misdiagnosed, including non-speaking neurodivergent clients and LGBTQ+ elders. In this space, we are not bound by white walls and ticking clocks. I particularly love room 13 for the daybed where clients can lie down and feel at ease.
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?
My sessions are co-created. We may play instruments, or listen to music together, letting our nervous systems recalibrate. I draw from psychodynamic, somatic, and neurologic music therapy approaches depending on what you need.
A Space Between supports this beautifully. It is not sterile. It feels like a studio, a living room, and a safe container all at once. That allows the therapeutic environment to feel inviting, and it is also quite convenient to access via public transport.
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 make a point to be public about my working style and ethos so they can read up and decide for themselves whether we might be a good fit. Many of my clients have had to educate their therapists in the past. In this space, you do not have to explain the basics of pronouns, identity, or chosen family.
I work relationally. That means I pay attention to your rhythm, silence, and voice. Trust is built through attunement – by responding in ways that feel respectful, not performative. Music helps too. It offers safety without needing narrative. It gives us another way to communicate when words are too sharp or too far away.
As a music therapist, my authenticity is expressed through creative presence – through how I show up. I do not mirror back what I think you want to hear. Especially in identity work, I create space for ambiguity. You do not need to be fully certain to begin exploring. You just need to feel safe enough to stay curious. We build distress tolerance for discomfort together.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
One misconception is that therapy always looks like sitting on a couch, talking about childhood. While that can be helpful, it is not the only way. At Prospect Music Therapy, therapy can look like singing, drumming, movement, silence, writing lyrics, or exploring voice.
Another misconception is that therapy is about being fixed or giving solutions. My approach is not to fix. It is to offer companionship, creative tools, and a sense of agency as you move through your own process.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
Begin with what feels safe. That might be reading about different approaches, attending a creative workshop, or booking a short introductory session. You do not need to wait for a crisis. You are allowed to seek therapy out of curiosity, desire, or simply a longing for connection.
If traditional talk therapy has felt too rigid, you might find that a creative or somatic modality like music therapy gives you more access to your internal world. The therapeutic relationship should feel like something you look forward to—not something you brace yourself for.
Find out more about Evelyn Lee here!
Melanie Lam
A mid-career switch is daunting for many people, and for Melanie Lam, it was no exception. This ex-marketing specialist pivoted to a profession in therapy after a life-changing course. Now, she’s an expert at Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), a technique that combines the best of modern psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, which she applies to her diverse range of clients including the LGBTQ+ community.
Her rediscovery also resulted in her starting Healing Skies, her therapy and wellness practice, where she also functions as a Reiki Master Teacher.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
In some ways, I was searching for something all my life but never quite found it. It was only until I had a life-changing therapy session that inspired me so much, that 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 now work with clients from all walks of life, including
the LGBTQ+ community, which I’m proudly a part of.
There have been many affirming moments, but when I’m deep in a session, it feels
like I’m in a flow state with the client. In my opinion, this collaborative process to
work towards a common goal for the highest good of the client is a transformative
and a beautiful process. It was one such session, early when I started studying this work, which
affirmed my decision.
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 not
judged 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.
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 has beautifully designed rooms that immediately put me at ease.
They have a room where clients can lie down comfortably, which is conducive to a
great session. It is welcoming and private at the same time, which is perfect for a
small practice like mine. I also really appreciate the supportive team here that runs
this place.
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, especially the LGBTQ+ community, 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. From love, loss, grief, anger, fear to joy, hate or even bitterness. 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 to do
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, questioning their lives, their work, or their purpose. 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 Lam here!
Sharmishtha Gupta
Having studied under the Sexuality, Women, & Gender Project at Teachers College, Columbia University during her Masters, Sharmishtha Gupta is a well-versed therapist in the field of LGBTQ+ related matters. Her experience with young adults exploring their gender and sexuality also make her an impactful mental health counselor to seek out for complex matters.
What inspired you to pursue a career in therapy, and how did you come to specialise in working with the LGBTQ+ community?
My journey into therapy was deeply personal, sparked by my own experience as a Third Culture Kid navigating multiple cultural and identity landscapes. This fostered a profound curiosity about belonging, self-worth, and connection, and it drove my desire to find meaning in a world that often felt confusing and isolating.
I went to therapy for the first time as an undergraduate to process a death in the family, and it ended up opening up a whole bunch of other things that I didn’t yet have a framework or tools to understand. It provided a space where I could express myself openly and without judgment, which was profoundly liberating and truly transformative.
For the first time, I felt truly heard and witnessed, and the experience opened up new ways of relating to myself and making sense of the world around me. It became clear to me then that holding space for others in that way — with non-judgment, presence, and deep compassion — would be not only important, but profoundly meaningful.
My own positive experience of receiving therapy opened up the possibilities of what it could mean to understand myself, feel safe and supported, and my world began to grow. Over time in this field, I found myself naturally working with people who’d also felt “othered”, whether because of culture, gender, sexuality, or neurodivergence.
Supporting LGBTQ+ clients has become a meaningful part of that, not as a separate category but as part of a broader commitment to honouring the full spectrum of human identity and experience.
What does being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Being an LGBTQ+-affirming therapist means more than acceptance or tolerance. It means actively creating a space where clients can feel safe, understood and celebrated. In Singapore, where conversations about gender, sexuality, and mental health can still carry a lot of stigma or silence, it’s especially important to provide a therapeutic space where people don’t have to explain or defend who they are.
Being affirming also means staying open to feedback, unlearning personal and systemic biases, and recognising how intergenerational trauma and societal expectations, particularly within Asian families, can shape a person’s experience of identity.
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 was immediately drawn to A Space Between because it felt thoughtfully designed for solo therapists and their clients. There is a genuine care in how the space is put together, from the aesthetic of the rooms to the warm lighting and comfortable seating. They also host events that have allowed me to connect with fellow therapists on a deeper level. The members’ lounge is one of my favorite places! I also appreciate how thoughtfully the team addresses concerns that come up for members. The values of community, diversity, and respect are clearly demonstrated and deeply resonate with me.
At ASB, the environment communicates warmth and welcome from the moment you walk in. This is particularly significant for clients from marginalized communities who may have experienced hypervigilance or invalidation in other settings. The spacious and inviting waiting area, along with thoughtful touches like water and snacks, signals that they are welcome and allowed to take up space. This can create a greater sense of ease, which can be foundational for the therapeutic process.
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 try to start slow. I don’t expect immediate vulnerability or disclosure, which take time to build safety towards. I also try to name things directly, whether that means acknowledging how difficult it can be to seek therapy after harmful experiences or validating the fear of not being believed or respected. In sessions, I strive to create an environment of empathy and non-judgment. I aim for clients to feel seen, heard, and understood without the pressure to conform or explain themselves excessively. The overall atmosphere of respect and inclusivity within the ASB community also indirectly contributes to the sense of safety that clients can experience.
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?
Building trust and safety with new clients, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community who may have had negative past experiences, is so important. I prioritize creating a welcoming and validating initial interaction. This involves active listening, expressing genuine curiosity about their experiences, and explicitly stating my commitment to being an affirming therapist. I also encourage clients to share what they need from me to feel safe and comfortable, and I remain open to feedback throughout our work together. Transparency about my approach and boundaries also helps to build a foundation of trust.
How do you balance professional boundaries with authenticity, especially when supporting clients through issues related to identity, coming out, or acceptance?
For me, balancing professional boundaries with authenticity acknowledges the unique nature of the therapeutic relationship. Unlike other relationships in our lives, it is fundamentally one-sided, and the integrity of this space is upheld by clear boundaries around time, fees, scope, and role. However, I don’t subscribe to the idea of a therapist as a blank slate. We are human, and our humanness can be an important aspect of therapeutic work.
When supporting clients through issues like anxiety, perfectionism, or the search for belonging, my authenticity might manifest as genuine empathy and a directness in validating their struggles. Boundaries ensure the focus remains on the client’s journey, respecting the professional role and ethical guidelines, while my authenticity allows for a real, human connection that can enhance the therapeutic process.
What are some common misconceptions about therapy within the LGBTQ+ community that you’d like to clear up?
One common misconception is that therapy is solely for times of crisis or significant struggle. However, therapy can also be a powerful space for proactive healing, gaining deeper self-insight, and personal growth – particularly in the context of identity exploration and cultivating a greater sense of self-acceptance.
Another misconception is that LGBTQ+ clients must find a therapist who shares their exact identity to be truly understood. While shared identity can create a powerful connection, the most crucial factor is whether the therapist can approach your experience with genuine respect, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard.
Finally, it’s a misconception that all therapists are inherently knowledgeable and affirming of LGBTQ+ experiences.This sadly isn’t always the case, and even well-intentioned therapists can inadvertently cause harm by operating from their own (sometimes unconscious) biases regarding relationships, family structures, and gender roles.
What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ individuals who are curious about therapy but aren’t sure where to start?
Many therapists offer initial consultations, which can be a good way to see if their approach feels like a good fit for you. Don’t hesitate to ask about their stance on LGBTQ+ issues, their experience with identity work, or how they create safe spaces. Trust your gut feeling – finding a therapist with whom you feel safe and understood is the most important first step. You deserve a space where all aspects of your identity are honored and supported.
Start small. You don’t need to have the “right” words or a specific goal. Just a sense that something in your life wants attention is enough. Look for a therapist who feels like they’re truly listening, not just to what you say, but to who you are.
And if the first therapist you meet isn’t the right fit, that’s not a failure. It’s part of the process. The right support is out there.
Find out more about Shamishtha Gupta 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.
