HIV/AIDS Counseling
Sometimes the hardest step is the first one. If you feel you need it, please reach out for help. I would be honored to help on your journey.
What is HIV/AIDS Counseling?
After decades of research, a person living with HIV/AIDS can now manage the disease to an astonishing degree and live a long and happy life. If they adhere to effective treatment and get good support, then there’s no reason they can’t thrive. Despite the progress of health care and the knowledge that HIV is no longer a death sentence, people living with the condition continue to be vulnerable to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Living with a highly stigmatized condition can have a significant psychological impact.
A rich support network and professional guidance are imperative for HIV-positive individuals, especially when recently diagnosed. Getting HIV/AIDS counseling can help people make peace with the diagnosis, accept the changes to come, and gain coping strategies to deal with the stigma.
What is HIV/AIDS counseling?
HIV/AIDS counseling is a form of therapy that focuses exclusively on helping clients deal with the psychological stresses of living with HIV/AIDS. As a therapist with extensive experience working with HIV-positive persons, I have the training to help you learn to navigate your condition. Moreover, I can provide you with the necessary tools and strategies to face potential social obstacles like stigma, shame, or alienation.
What can you expect during an HIV/AIDS counseling session?
My clients can expect to find a compassionate and professional mental health counselor who invites them to discover self-love and emotional healing. As a therapist I create a safe environment for you to manage the emotional implications of your diagnosis. Furthermore, we can candidly discuss your sexual behavior and any ongoing risk behaviors, and prevention of HIV transmission.
Why is HIV/AIDS counseling important?
Having access to professional mental health counseling can help clients deal with the changes HIV can bring to their lives. I can help clients better understand what a life with HIV/AIDS can look like and the fact that medical care has made it very manageable. Due to the progress in antiretroviral therapy, people living with the diagnosis, can engage in sexual activity without the fear of infecting their sexual partner, and, in general, live a normal life.
What do patients learn during HIV/AIDS counseling?
At times, the diagnosis may feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Despite an increased awareness regarding immunodeficiency syndrome and disease prevention, it is not uncommon for HIV-positive individuals to be exposed to social stigma, discrimination, and abuse. Overwhelmed by stigma and shame associated with the disease, HIV-positive persons may tend to isolate. However, isolation can exacerbate mental health issues, risky behaviors, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. HIV/AIDS counseling teaches people how to cope and better manage their emotions so they can find their best quality of life. We’ll work together to develop the tools and strategies to have a balanced emotional life, replacing shame with confidence, guilt with strength, and desperation with hope.
My Process
Initial Consultation Call
During this brief call, we'll get to know each other a little better to see if we're a good fit. I'll also ask about your motivations for contacting me and your goals.
Book Your Session
Next, it's time to book your first session so we can get started. I offer in-person appointments at either of my offices or we can schedule telehealth appointments.
Experience Your Growth
Once we get started, your trust in the process and commitment to the work will open a lot of doors. While the journey is not always easy, the best way to see results is to stick with it.
"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us." -David Richo
Remember that you’re not damaged and you’re not broken. From time to time, whether we seek it or not, all of us need a little help. Sometimes it can be a little difficult, maybe a little scary to admit, but getting help is the fastest path to feeling better. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.
01.
Initial Consultation
We’ll have a brief call to get to know each other. We’ll discuss your needs and how I can help.
02.
In-Person or Telehealth
Our sessions will be held virtually for your convenience. No long commutes to come see me.
03.
Time to Do the Work
Recovery can be a long and difficult road, but it’s worth it. We’ll work through it together
F.A.Q.
Most of my career has been focused on helping people of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve also done a lot of work supporting HIV-positive and trans clients. I am trained and certified in a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Action and Commitment Therapy, etc. See my about page for a full list.
For over a decade I have been working with the LGBTQIA+ community. Much of my work has been focused on supporting HIV-positive and trans* clients. For almost 10 years I worked with the Los Angeles LGBT Center doing crisis counseling, case management, including therapy to support HIV-positive medical outcomes.
It can be appropriate and even highly beneficial to include family members or partner(s) during a session. All of this depends on what we are working on and where we are in that work. If it’s the right time, it’s an option, and something you are interested in, it can be very helpful and I’m happy to support it.
I provide different scheduling options for patients based on their needs. I try to be as flexible as I can and schedule appointments on weekdays, weekends and evenings. Please consult with me for availability.