Therapy for Queer & Trans Teens in Philadelphia
Raising a queer kid wasn’t in the parenting books, and you’re scared of getting it wrong.
you love your child more than anthing, and you’re in uncharted waters.
You’re questioning who you are and who you want to be, but you feel scared and alone. You both wish you could just talk to each other about it, instead of walking on eggshells and avoiding the topic.
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Maybe your teen just came out as queer, and they want to bring over their new significant other. You’re on board, but you’re worried about how the grandparents will react at Thanksgiving.
Perhaps your teen told you they’re trans, and they want to come out at school. Your mind is reeling with how to tell your kid’s teachers, and you don’t even know where to begin with the name-change process.
Your teen might want to pursue hormone therapy, and you’re hesitant to move forward because you worry your child will be targeted for their identity. You don’t know how you feel about HRT and lie awake at night wondering about the side effects.
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You find yourself wanting to stay in your room, and not leave the house.
You’ve seen some videos on social media about being queer or trans, and thought, “oh that’s me”
The changes in your body don’t feel “right” to you, and looking in the mirror creates a pit in your stomach.
At school, you keep comparing yourself to your friends, especially if they’re cis.
You wish you had more queer and trans friends, but you feel too shy to talk to people.
You want to start hormone therapy, but you don’t know where to start and your parents seem to change the subject whenever you bring it up.
How we’ll work together
You and your teen deserve to feel seen, safe and supported.
My commitment to you as a parent…
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I bring both of you into the therapy process from the start, because so much of the healing happens outside of the therapy room. You know your child better than anyone, and your role is crucial to your kid’s well-being. We'll work together to create a plan that supports your child every step of the way.
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Depending on your situation, you may attend every therapy session or join on an as-needed basis. Some sessions might include both you and your teen in the room, while others will focus solely on your child. Teen sessions are private but some details may be shared depending on your child's preferences and goals. We’ll decide together what makes the most sense as we go.
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I take a holistic approach to therapy, looking at how home life, school, and friendships impact your child’s mental and emotional well-being. I stay in close touch with teachers, doctors, and other providers to make sure the support your family gets is coordinated and truly in sync with your teen’s goals.
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It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when your teen comes out to you. It’s a journey for you too, and you deserve a place where you can be honest about your feelings. I offer parent support sessions without your child present, so you can share those feelings in a judgment-free space. We’ll come up with strategies to help you communicate with your teen and support them throughout this process.
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In our work together, we’ll come up with ways to take care of yourself while also being the steady, affirming presence your child needs. You don’t have to choose between your own well-being and showing up for your teen—we’ll make room for both.
My commitment to you as a teen…
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I’ll take the time to get to know you. There’s no pressure to share anything you don’t want to, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. I will always remain curious and open to your experiences.
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I’m here to help you talk through friend drama, breaks ups and that one teacher who just doesn’t get it. We can figure out ways to deal with the stuff that feels overwhelming.
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Whether you’re questioning your identity, trying out new pronouns, or realizing you're attracted to the same gender, I’m here to help you process it all.
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A space where you can talk through logistics around coming out and create a plan of how you want to tell your family members, friends and school teachers. .
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Art therapy is a great option if you struggle to open up or don’t feel like talking some days. You don’t need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy.
Specialized Mental Health Support for LGBTQ Youth
If your teen is questioning their gender or figuring out how to come out, they don’t need to do it alone—and neither do you. I work with LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse teens who are navigating big questions, tough family conversations, and the everyday stress of being a young person in a world that doesn’t always get it.
I’m a queer therapist based in Philadelphia, and my practice is a place where your teen can show up as themselves—no explanations, no judgment. Together, we’ll work on managing anxiety, building confidence, and figuring out what they need to feel grounded and understood.
Your teen’s path won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s not just okay, it’s something to be honored. I bring both clinical training and lived experience to this work. I’m married to a trans woman, and that shapes how I show up: with respect, warmth, and a deep understanding of what this journey can feel like.
This isn’t about “fixing” who your teen is. It’s about offering real support that meets them where they are and celebrates who they’re becoming.
Understanding Your Teen's Mental Health Needs
Being a queer or trans teen can be incredibly hard—especially when it feels like no one around you really sees or understands you. If your teen is struggling with their body or feeling out of place in school, at home, or in social situations, they’re not alone.
When how they look doesn’t line up with who they are, it can create a deep kind of pain—one that makes everyday things like getting dressed, showing up to class, or just being in their own skin feel overwhelming. On top of that, trying to explain themselves over and over—or being misgendered constantly—can leave them exhausted and isolated.
These struggles can show up in all kinds of ways, like:
Worrying constantly about how others see them—or if they’ll be accepted at all
Feeling shut down, withdrawn, or like no one truly understands what they’re going through
Battling with their body image or using food to try to feel some kind of control
Clashing with parents or pulling away from friends who don’t feel safe anymore
Hiding parts of themselves just to avoid judgment or rejection
Trying to be “perfect” or easygoing, even when they’re hurting inside
When teens don’t feel supported for who they are, it can take a real toll—on their confidence, their relationships, and how safe they feel in their own skin. That’s why it matters so much to have someone in their corner who truly gets what they’re going through. Working with a therapist who understands gender identity and LGBTQ+ experiences can help your teen feel less alone—and more like themselves again.
As a parent, therapy can help you…
Feel More Connected to Your Kid
This process is a journey to both of you. You’ll naturally feel closer, and you’ll understand your child more.
Stay Grounded in Your Emotions
Learn strategies to be calm during conversations with your kid, (even when you’re internally freaking out).
Learn Ways to Support Your Teen
Whether it’s using their pronouns, taking them shopping or going to queer meet-ups, your kid will feel truly seen by you.
As a teen, therapy can help you…
Feel More Confident
Feel bold enough to audition for the next play and have the courage to ask that cool, new friend to hang out after class.
Express Yourself
Explore ways to feel good in your identity, whether it’s trying new clothes, finding new role models, or exploring gender affirming care.
Find your people
You’ll learn ways to meet people who you can laugh and have fun with. You’ll build relationships with people you can trust, and who really get you.
My Therapeutic Approach: Affirmative and Integrative
I don’t just accept your teen’s identity—I celebrate it. In our work together, they’ll never have to explain or tone down who they are to be taken seriously. I come from a place that sees being queer or trans as something real, beautiful, and completely worth honoring.
What causes the most pain usually isn’t the identity itself—it’s being treated like who they are is something to fix. I’m here to offer a different experience: one where your teen is met with respect, understanding, and the kind of support that reminds them they’re not alone.
My integrative approach combines multiple evidence-based modalities tailored to each teen's specific needs:
Art Therapy for Creative Expression
Art therapy provides a powerful outlet for youth to explore complex feelings that might be difficult to express in words. Through creative work, teens can:
Visualize their gender identity and journey
Process experiences of dysphoria or discrimination
Experiment with different aspects of self-expression
Address trauma and anxiety through non-verbal means
Psychodynamic Therapy for Deeper Understanding
Through psychodynamic work, we explore how early experiences and family dynamics shape current feelings and behaviors. This helps teens distinguish between authentic identity and internalized messages from others, fostering greater self-understanding and freedom from limiting patterns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Self-Compassion
IFS helps transgender youth understand and integrate different parts of themselves that may feel in conflict. We explore how protective parts might cause anxiety while trying to keep them safe, and work toward internal harmony and self-acceptance. This approach is particularly effective for addressing internalized transphobia and building genuine self-compassion.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD
For teens experiencing OCD alongside gender identity concerns, I incorporate ERP techniques with homework between sessions to build skills for managing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors while navigating identity-related challenges.
Comprehensive Support Services
Individual Therapy for Teens
Weekly one-hour sessions provide consistent support as your teen navigates their unique journey. We work together on:
Building confidence in identity expression
Developing coping strategies for dysphoria
Improving relationships with family members and peers
Managing anxiety and depression
Addressing perfectionism and people-pleasing
Navigating social transition decisions
Specialized Eating Disorder Treatment
I specialize in the complex intersection of eating disorders and gender identity. Many trans teens use disordered eating to cope with body dysphoria or control physical development. My approach recognizes that traditional eating disorder treatment can feel alienating to LGBTQ youth, so I provide culturally competent care that honors identity throughout recovery.
Group Therapy for Peer Support
Group sessions offer invaluable peer support, allowing teens to connect with others who share similar experiences. These groups provide:
Community and reduced isolation
Shared strategies for managing challenges
Celebration of identity milestones
Development of lasting supportive friendships
Family Support and Guidance
Supporting a trans child affects the entire family system. I help parents navigate their own emotions while learning to provide effective emotional support. This includes:
Education about gender identity and transgender issues
Strategies for using correct names and pronouns
Communication techniques for family harmony
Guidance on advocating for your child at school and in the community
Processing parental feelings of concern, grief, or confusion
Supporting Social Transition
Social transition—changing names, pronouns, and gender expression—represents a significant milestone for many transgender youth. I provide comprehensive support through this process, including:
Exploring what feels authentic and right for your teen
Practicing coming-out conversations for different contexts
Building resilience for handling varied responses
Developing strategies for navigating school environments
Creating safety plans for challenging situations
Together, we work at your teen's pace, recognizing that transition is a personal journey without a single "right" path. Some youth need time to explore, while others feel certain about their needs. I honor both experiences equally.
Creating a Safe Therapeutic Space
From the moment you enter my practice, you'll notice intentional signals of LGBTQ affirmation—from inclusive imagery to pride flags. These aren't just decorations; they're promises that this is a space where trans people are genuinely welcomed and celebrated.
I maintain this safety through:
Consistent use of chosen names and pronouns
Cultural humility and ongoing education about LGBTQ issues
Collaborative approach where your teen is the expert on their experience
Reliable follow-through on commitments and advocacy
Respect for your teen's autonomy and self-determination
you and your teen don’t have to feel alone on this journey.
Together, let’s help your teen discover who they are and thrive.
Why Choose Ruberti Counseling Services
My unique qualifications for supporting LGBTQ youth include:
Lived Experience: As a queer-identified therapist married to a trans woman, I bring personal understanding alongside professional expertise
Specialized Training: Advanced education in both gender-affirming care and eating disorder treatment
Integrative Approach: Multiple therapeutic modalities allow personalized treatment for each teen's needs
Community Connection: Deep roots in Philadelphia's LGBTQ community and understanding of local resources
Non-Pathologizing Stance: I view diverse identities as natural variations to be celebrated, not problems to be fixed
Starting Your Journey
Beginning therapy can feel daunting for both teens and parents. That's why I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to ensure we're a good fit. During this call, we'll discuss:
Your teen's specific needs and goals
My therapeutic approach and how it might help
Practical considerations like scheduling and session structure
Any questions or concerns you might have
If we decide to work together, the first session focuses on understanding what brings your teen to therapy and what they hope to achieve. We'll explore their history at a comfortable pace while beginning to build the trust essential for effective therapeutic work.
Once established, we typically meet weekly, though some teens benefit from more frequent sessions during challenging periods. Between sessions, I may provide journal prompts or creative exercises to deepen our work. For teens addressing OCD, structured homework helps build skills for managing symptoms.
Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health Journey
Your teen deserves support that doesn’t just accept who they are—but fully embraces it. They need someone who gets how tough it can be to live in a world that still doesn’t always get it.
Whether they’re questioning their identity, out and navigating pushback, or just trying to make it through the week, they need real tools and real care. That’s what I’m here to offer.
In therapy, we’ll help your teen make sense of who they are, how they’re feeling, and what’s going on in their world—including at home. Over time, they’ll start to feel more confident in themselves, speak up for what they need, and handle tough moments with more ease.
Together, we’ll build a space where your teen feels seen, supported, and free to be exactly who they are—without having to shrink, explain, or hide.
