Jesse Proia - Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer Therapist
Jesse Proia, LMFT
I specialize in supporting Gay, Bi, Trans and Queer men by creating an affirming and informed therapeutic space to explore and understand how race, sexual orientation and gender identity impact their identity, self-worth, and mental health.
My Work
I am a Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer, and Questioning+ Specialized Therapist in Colorado, Vermont, and California. I understand how hard it is to find a therapist who truly understands the unique mental health needs of GBTQ+ folks. Therapists will post a rainbow flag on their website or state they are “an Ally” but lack the expertise to meet the unique mental health needs of GBTQ+ clients. Queer mental health is my passion. I have dedicated my life to LGBTQIA+ mental health and serving our community through my therapy practice.
Effective Queer-Specialized Therapy is a sacred space dedicated to examining the intricate and nuanced aspects of our mental health as it intersects with our Queerness. My motivation for becoming a Queer Specialized Therapist originated from my previous career in LGBTQIA+ Social Justice. My master’s thesis explored the harmful effects of traditional therapy on LGBTQ+ mental health and my clinical training took place at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Nearly a decade later, my clinical practice is designed to serve and uplift LGBTQIA+ clients.
I am a very active and engaged participant in the therapy I provide. Rather than a sterile and cold traditional therapeutic relationship, sessions with me often feel like an engaged conversation with a trusted confidant.
My Therapy Style
GBTQ+ Empower psychology looks at the unique experience of GBTQ men, the strength of overcoming adversity while addressing the negative impact homo-bi-transphobia and internalized shame have on one’s mental health.
Additionally, I am trained in traditional Depth psychology. Sometimes it is too hard to talk about ourselves or negative experiences head on. Depth therapy helps in utilizing stories, creativity or metaphors to help the therapeutic process.
I believe strongly in trauma informed care, which means I am here to support you in going at a steady and healing pace. At the same time, I am very keen to not let the session overload you or be too intense.
About Me
Prior to my work as a GBTQ+ therapist, I was a visual artist and designer for theater in New York City. The arts were a powerful tool for me to find my voice and connect with others through creativity. I pursued my master’s degree in Jungian Psychology for its focus on healing and growth through creative approaches to the self. Before becoming a men’s therapist in Denver, I worked therapeutically with the LGBTQIA+ community for over five years in Los Angeles, California. I bring my finely tuned ear for personal empowerment and creativity to my work with clients in my therapy practice.
In my down time I love cooking, hiking, spending quality time with my husband and out two rescue dogs, Bobby and Hero. I am newish to the Denver area, which provides me with many opportunities to explore and learn about this beautiful city.
