Dr. Jenny Holland, PsyD

Although a person’s sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity may not be a source of distress, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, experiencing gender fluidity, or any other orientation or gender identity may find that the social stigma of living as a minority is a source of stress or anxiety. Dr. Holland is LGBTQ+ affirming clinician who specializes in mental health issues associated with sexual, romantic, or gender identity. As a LGBTQ+ advocate she offers nonjudgmental therapy in a safe environment and has a great deal of experience with a wide range of LGBTQ+ issues.

Common Issues of LGBTQIA + Spectrum

Coping with discrimination and oppression, coming out to one’s family and sorting out an “authentic” sense of self in the face of social expectations and pressures can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health concerns for LGBTQIA+ people.

Research shows that youth who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and self-harm, particularly when they also experience discrimination based on their sexual or gender identity. According to one survey taken in 2007, students who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender were almost ten times as likely to have experienced bullying and victimization at school and more than twice as likely to have considered suicide as their heterosexual, non-transgender classmates within the previous year.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy

Dr. Holland's clients often come to therapy experiencing significant stress resulting from living under circumstances where their cultural, sexual, or gender identities are not fully recognized or validated. This is known as Minority Stress. Dr. Holland incorporates a combination of systemic, interpersonal and humanistic approaches to develop a meaningful connection with her clients. She also uses therapeutic approaches are validated by years of scientific and behavioral health study. The goal of these approaches is to help clients develop insight into the behaviors and relationship patterns that are causing personal issues. This leads to an exploration of new ways of being and expression.

Dr. Holland has personal interest and professional experience in this arena. Patients report feeling comforted by the LBGTQI A+ affirming symbols which are displayed in her office. If you are experiencing social rejection, discrimination, harassment, verbal and physical bullying or other daily stressors associated with living LGBTQIA+, you will certainly benefit from the work of Dr. Holland.

Contact Dr. Holland to learn more and to schedule an appointment or call 707-479-2946.