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LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling

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Finding a therapist who truly gets it, not just clinically, but personally, makes all the difference. At Grand Slam Psychological Services, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy isn’t a checkbox. It’s a core part of who Dr. El McCabe is and how she practices.

Dr. McCabe is an openly Queer licensed psychologist, the 2024–2025 President of APA Division 44 (The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity), and a published researcher in LGBTQ+ mental health. She brings clinical expertise, lived experience, and a genuine commitment to identity-conscious care to every client she works with.

 

What “Affirming” Actually Means

A lot of therapists call themselves affirming. But affirming therapy is more than just tolerance, it’s an active, intentional approach that validates your identity, takes your experiences seriously, and doesn’t treat being LGBTQ+ as something to be explained or worked around.

Dr. McCabe’s approach centers intersectionality: understanding that your identity as a Queer or Trans person doesn’t exist in isolation. Race, ability, socioeconomic status, age, and other parts of who you are all shape your experience, and they all belong in the room.

She works with clients across the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities, with particular expertise in:

  • Bisexual and pansexual individuals, including navigating biphobia within and outside the LGBTQ+ community
  • Non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals
  • Transgender clients, including those exploring or navigating transition
  • Queer athletes, a specialized intersection Dr. McCabe is uniquely equipped to address (see our Sports Psychology page)

 

Cartoon illustration of a rainbow hot air balloon with a crowd of racially ambiguous people of all genders celebrating.

 

 Common Issues We Address Together

Whether you’re early in your journey of identity exploration or years into it, therapy with Dr. McCabe is a space to process, grow, and build skills for navigating a world that doesn’t always make things easy for LGBTQ+ people. Common areas we work through together include:

• Coming out fears or traumas

• Navigating family of origin dynamics & cultivating a sense of community or chosen family

• Questions and uncertainty about sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship status, etc.

• Transitional issues & side effects

• Body Dysmorphia & body image concerns

• Previous experiences with discrimination

• Experiences of gender euphoria

• Perceived acceptance & belonging in the larger LGBTQ+ community

• Use of harmful and self-destructive coping strategies

The plaque commemorating Dr. McCabe's year of service to APA Division 44, which features a golden gavel on a black background.
Recognition plaque commemorating Dr. McCabe's service to APA Divison 44

Dr. McCabe’s Credentials in LGBTQ+ Psychology

 

Dr. McCabe’s commitment to this community goes well beyond the therapy room:

 

  • 2024–2025 President, APA Division 44, The Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation & Gender Diversity
  • 2023 Co-Chair, Bisexual Issues Committee (APA Division 44)
  • Co-Chair of the Annual Bisexual+ Symposium, American Psychological Association Conventions (2021-2023)
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Princeton University with a specialization in Transgender Health
  • Peer-reviewed researcher, her published work includes studies on bisexual well-being, self-compassion, and the impact of anti-bisexual experiences on mental health. Check out her publications here.

Incoming Presidential Speech (2024)

Outgoing Presidential Speech (2025)

Cartoon illustration of multiple members of the LGBTQ+ community holding different pride flags and gender marker symbols.

Queer & Transgender Process Group

Dr. McCabe also facilitates a Queer, Transgender & Questioning Process Group, a space to connect with others navigating similar experiences in a supportive, therapist-led group setting. Learn more about the group on Psychology Today →

    DBT Skills for LGBTQ+

    Dr. McCabe also facilitates a DBT Skills for LGBTQ+ folx & Allies Group, which is a space to develop skills in the four pillars of DBT: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Learn more about the group on Psychology Today →

      Ready to Work Together?

      You deserve a therapist who understands your world, and who will meet you exactly where you are. If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ affirming care from a psychologist with real expertise and lived experience, Grand Slam Psych is here.

      Schedule a free consultation →

      Available in NY, NJ, PA and 40+ PsyPact states via telehealth.