LGBTQ+ & Sexuality
Affirming Therapy
in Akron, Ohio
You might be navigating…
Maybe you're questioning your sexuality, navigating a new understanding of yourself, or simply wanting to feel more comfortable with who you are. Maybe you're struggling with shame, relationship expectations, or the feeling that you have to edit parts of yourself to feel accepted.
Therapy can give you space to explore these questions without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out.
Therapy may be a good fit if you're:
Exploring sexual orientation, sexuality, or LGBTQ+ identity
Navigating coming out or LGBTQ+ family and relationship dynamics
Working through sexual shame, guilt, or self-judgment
Exploring intimacy, desire, kink, BDSM, or consensual non-monogamy
Navigating relationship structures that don't fit traditional expectations
Looking for a therapist who can talk openly and respectfully about sexuality
A space to be honest about what you want.
Carley Irwin, LPC
I believe therapy is most useful when you don't have to censor yourself or arrive with everything figured out. I work from a curious approach that gives you room to explore the things that feel complicated. We’ll get familiar with your expectations about yourself and how to accept yourself more patiently. Whether you're questioning something about your sexuality, working through shame, or simply wanting a deeper understanding of yourself, we can slow things down and make sense of it together.
Making Room for What Feels True
You may have spent a lot of time adapting yourself to other people's expectations within relationships, sexuality, intimacy, or You may be worried about what a “normal” life is supposed to look like. Therapy can help you sort through those questions and figure out what actually fits your life.
That might mean becoming more comfortable with your sexuality, communicating more openly with a partner, setting boundaries with family, working through shame, or finding language for something you've never felt able to say out loud. The goal isn't to arrive at a particular answer.
The goal is to feel more at home with yourself and more intentional about the life and relationships you're creating.
Come as you are.
I work with COUPLES and INDIVIDUALS of all orientations and identities.
I offer therapy
IN-PERSON in Akron, OH
or VIRTUALLY for Ohio residents
Interested in working together?
The first step is to book a free 15 minute virtual consultation. We will talk about what you’re looking for, answer any questions that you have, and see if we are a good fit.
Other Specializations
Summit County LGBTQ+ Resources
Finding affirming support and community matters. Below are local and national LGBTQ+ resources to support you and your loved ones.
CANAPI
Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative
Offers HIV testing, community events, case management, and practical support and housing assistance.
http://www.canapi.org
Equitas Health
Provides affirming healthcare, HIV/STI services, and community-based support
https://equitashealth.com/locations/akron-health-center/
Summa Health Pride Clinic
LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare services
Website
PFLAG Akron
Support for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, including peer-led meetings and community connection
https://pflagakron.com
Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Affirming Medicine
Specialized care for transgender and gender-diverse youth and families.
Website
Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center
A local drop-in center offering basic needs and support, advocacy, and community building resources.
https://ohioaac.org
National Crisis Support
The Trevor Project
24/7 Crisis Support for LGBTQ+ Youth
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: “START” to 678678
Chat: thetrevorproject.org
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 (24/7 free and confidential)
Trans Lifeline
Peer support run by and for trans people
Call: 877-565-8860