About Counseling

For those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or fall somewhere under the transgender umbrella, life isn't always smooth sailing.

 

Although Maine does better than many states in offering legal protection to people who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, we still live In a society that assumes we are heterosexual by default. In addition, anyone whose gender identity does not easily fit into the gender role that most people expected them to fulfill at birth can probably identify with the internal conflict, potential difficulties in relationships with family, partners, coworkers, and friends, and social ostracism that many trans individuals experience.

 

All this can sometimes feel pretty isolating, especially in a rural state like Maine where it may be difficult to find other people with similar experiences. For many people, counseling can be helpful.

Counseling is a process of growth and self-understanding where it is possible to discuss personal concerns with a nonjudgmental and objective professional. Counseling uses the wellness model, which means that it is a collaborative process in which the emphasis is on the strengths already present within an individual--change occurs by helping a person build on the positive aspects of their life. This is in contrast to the medical/illness model, which views clients as having problems that need to be "fixed" by an "expert."

 

My Background

I have a M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Southern Maine. I am conditionally licensed in the state of Maine as a clinical counselor and am also a National Certified Counselor. I've worked in the mental health field since 2003, starting out as a Youth and Family Counselor at a residential program for teens with behavioral or mental health concerns. I have experience running groups, doing crisis intervention, and helping to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for at-risk youth and their families. As part of my master's degree program, I have completed 30 practicum hours of individual counseling with adults and 900 internship hours working with adults of all ages--including transgender, gay, and lesbian clients--covering a wide variety of mental health concerns. I have experience consulting with trans individuals, their families, and mental health professionals seeking information on transgender issues. I am currently working towards a Ph.D. in Human Services with a focus in Counseling Studies - I hope to contribute to the body of research available regarding LGBT issues in counseling.

 Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan Alex Roan