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Meet Oliver Drakeford – Your West Hollywood Gay Affirming Therapist
If you're looking for a gay therapist in Los Angeles, here's what you need to know about me: I identify as a cisgender gay therapist and i love providing affirmative psychotherapy to the queer community.
I'm a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles with a decade of experience, I specialize in addressing the mental health needs of gay men as an LGBTQ Therapist.
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, a city where over 40% of residents proudly identify as LGBTQ+, my practice is deeply embedded within the community I serve. This vibrant local context informs my understanding of the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges faced by gay men and the broader LGBTQ+ population in Los Angeles. I am committed to providing a therapeutic space that acknowledges and celebrates the rich history and ongoing evolution of our community here.
Why Work with a Gay Therapist in LA?
Working with a gay therapist can make a powerful difference—especially if you’re seeking a space where your experiences are understood rather than explained.
Research shows that affirming, identity-aligned therapy fosters deeper trust and lasting change. As a cisgender gay therapist who has lived and worked in Los Angeles and West Hollywood for more than a decade, I deeply understand the complexities of growing up, dating, and building a life within the LGBTQ+ community.
In our sessions, you don’t have to educate your therapist about your identity or the LGBTQ+ community—you can focus entirely on your growth. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way of connection, confidence, and fulfillment, using insight, compassion, and practical tools for change.
Whether you’re navigating relationships, stress, or identity-related challenges, I offer an affirming, non-judgmental space to support your journey.
My Therapy Approach: Integrative & LGBTQ‑Affirmative Mental Health Care
I identify as a cisgender gay therapist and i love providing affirmative psychotherapy to the queer community. I received my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and was in both the LGBTQIA+ Affirmative psychology specialization and the Depth Psychology specialization.
I have nearly ten years experience working with Gay and Bisexual men (as well as others identifying on the LGBTQ+ spectrum) in my private practice while training at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills and when I worked at The Los Angeles LGBT Community Mental Health Center in Hollywood, California
Additional training includes 'Mentalization-Based Training,' 'Modern Group Analysis', and 'The Gottman Method.
Affirmative Therapy
Evidence Based
Growth & Healing
Affirmative and Relational Mental health Services
As a cisgender gay therapist, I bring both professional training and lived understanding to my work. You don’t have to explain or justify your identity — I already understand the unique joys and challenges of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Therapy with me is collaborative and relational; it’s a space built on empathy, humor, and honesty. We’ll explore patterns in your relationships, how you relate to yourself, and what might be keeping you from feeling connected or self-accepting.
Integrative and Evidence-Based
My style is integrative, drawing from several evidence-based approaches rather than following one fixed method. I blend Psychodynamic Therapy (for deep insight into patterns and emotions), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (for practical tools and behavior change), and Modern Group Analytic Theory (for understanding how connection heals). I’m also trained in Mentalization-Based Therapy and the Gottman Method for couples, which allows me to tailor the process to each client’s unique needs — whether that’s developing self-awareness, emotional regulation, or communication skills.
Trauma-Informed and Depth-Oriented
Many of my clients come to therapy with experiences of rejection, shame, or trauma — sometimes overt, sometimes subtle. My trauma-informed approach ensures we move at a pace that feels safe and steady. My background in Depth Psychology supports this process, helping you uncover the unconscious stories that shape how you feel and relate to others. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s integration, so that the parts of you that once felt separate can exist together with compassion and strength.
A Space for Growth, Not Performance
Whether we’re exploring anxiety, intimacy, family history, or creative identity, therapy with me is designed to feel like a grounded, honest conversation — not a performance. My role is to offer reflection, care, and challenge as you uncover what truly matters to you. Growth often happens not in dramatic breakthroughs, but in small moments of honesty and connection. My job is to help you notice those moments and build on them.
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression & LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Over the past decade, I’ve specialized in helping gay men and members of the broader LGBTQ+ community navigate emotional challenges, identity concerns, and relationship issues. Therapy with me focuses on both understanding and action — making sense of the past while building skills for the present. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, feeling low or disconnected, or wanting to make sense of recurring relationship patterns, our work together can help you find relief and clarity.
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Addiction and Substance Use
Marriage Counseling for Gay Couples Near Me
Depression & Anxiety
Therapy
Self Esteem
or People Pleasing
Anxiety Therapy and Depression Treatment
Feelings of anxiety or depression can show up in many ways — racing thoughts, exhaustion, emotional flatness, or a sense that life has lost direction. Sometimes these symptoms stem from specific stressors; other times, they’re tied to deeper experiences of shame, fear, or disconnection. In therapy, we’ll explore what’s behind these feelings and find ways to create both immediate relief and long-term change. In anxiety or depression therapy, we'll work together, we’ll work on building emotional resilience, self-understanding, and balance.
Relationship Issues
Relationships can be our greatest source of joy — and sometimes our greatest source of pain. I work with individuals and couples to understand communication patterns, repair trust, and strengthen emotional and physical intimacy. For gay men, relationships often carry the added layers of visibility, vulnerability, and community expectations. In therapy, we’ll untangle those dynamics and help you build healthier, more authentic connections.
Family of Origin and Trauma
Many of the patterns we struggle with in adulthood can be traced back to early family dynamics or unresolved trauma. For LGBTQ+ people, those early experiences might include rejection, silence, or the pressure to hide parts of ourselves. In our work together, we’ll approach these histories gently and respectfully, helping you understand how they continue to shape your life today — and how to move toward healing and integration.
Identity and Coming-Out Support
Questions about identity can arise at any stage of life. Whether you’re coming out, exploring your sexuality, or simply wanting to understand yourself on a deeper level, therapy can help you find clarity and self-acceptance. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly about identity without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Body Image and Self-Esteem
Many gay men struggle with pressures around body image, aging, and appearance — pressures amplified by cultural messages within and outside the community. Together, we’ll explore how those beliefs formed and how you can begin to relate to your body with more compassion, confidence, and care.
Life Transitions and Self-Discovery
Moving to a new city, changing careers, navigating loss, or redefining relationships — life transitions often stir up uncertainty and self-doubt. Therapy offers a place to process those moments, clarify your values, and rediscover a sense of purpose.
REAL CLIENTS SUCCESS STORIES and WHAT PEOPLE SAY
The absolute best. Oliver Drakeford is the most talented and knowledgeable therapists I've ever crossed paths with.
He listens intently, remembers virtually everything you tell him, synthesises all your information, makes connections and pops out some startlingly helpful feedback
His insights were spot on and put things into perspective, which is exactly what I needed and wanted... the best therapy I've had! <3
Professional, caring, involved, and effective. ... [I] ..cannot recommend more!
Relationship & Gay Couples Therapy in Los Angeles
Relationships are one of the most powerful mirrors we have. They reflect not only our love and connection but also our vulnerabilities, hopes, and histories. As a gay couples therapist in Los Angeles, I work with partners who want to understand each other more deeply, communicate more clearly, and rebuild trust or intimacy that may have been lost along the way.
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Communication Skills
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Conflict Resolution
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Emotional Intimacy
Understanding and Communication
Healthy relationships aren’t about avoiding conflict — they’re about learning how to communicate and repair when conflict happens. Using evidence-based methods such as the Gottman Method and Mentalization-Based Therapy, I help couples recognize emotional patterns and develop skills for staying connected even in moments of tension. Together, we look at what triggers disconnection, how to communicate needs clearly, and how to create a stronger emotional foundation.
Intimacy and Connection
Many couples come to therapy because the closeness they once shared feels distant or difficult to reach. In our work, we’ll explore what gets in the way of intimacy — whether it’s shame, fear, resentment, or simply the weight of daily life. My goal is to help you rebuild emotional and physical closeness in ways that feel genuine and sustainable, not forced or performative.
Affirming All Relationship Structures
As a gay therapist based in West Hollywood, I work with couples across the spectrum — monogamous, open, polyamorous, polycules and thruples and everything in between. What matters most isn’t the structure of your relationship, but the health of your connection and communication. My approach is affirming, nonjudgmental, and rooted in respect for your values and agreements. Therapy can help you navigate boundaries, jealousy, and emotional needs with honesty and compassion..
Sex Therapy & Men’s Sexual Health
Sexuality is one of the most personal and complex parts of who we are — and it can also be one of the hardest to talk about. Many gay and bisexual men seek therapy not because something is “wrong” with their sexuality, but because they want a space to explore it more openly, without fear, shame, or judgment.
As a gay therapist in Los Angeles, I provide sex therapy that integrates emotional understanding with practical tools for healing and connection. My work focuses on helping clients build confidence, deepen intimacy, and address sexual concerns in a safe and affirming environment.
Healing Sexual Shame
Many of us grow up receiving messages — from family, religion, or culture — that make us feel our sexuality is something to hide or control. These experiences can lead to shame, anxiety, or difficulty feeling fully present in intimate moments. In therapy, we’ll unpack those beliefs, understand where they come from, and help you reconnect with your body and desire in a way that feels authentic and free.
Addressing Sexual Difficulties
It’s common for men to experience challenges such as erectile issues, performance anxiety, compulsive sexual behavior, or mismatched desire within relationships. Together, we’ll explore these issues through a lens of curiosity rather than criticism. By understanding the emotional and relational context behind these patterns, we can reduce shame and open the door to more satisfying sexual experiences.
Building Intimacy and Pleasure
Sex therapy isn’t only about solving problems — it’s also about expanding what’s possible. Whether you’re single or partnered, exploring polyamory, or recovering from sexual trauma, therapy can help you develop a healthier relationship with pleasure, vulnerability, and trust. I often integrate mindfulness, body awareness, and communication work to support deeper emotional and physical intimacy.
A Culturally Informed, Affirming Approach
Working in West Hollywood, I see firsthand how community, culture, and identity shape the way we experience sex and intimacy. My approach honors those influences while creating a space where you can explore your sexuality without expectation or stigma. Sex therapy is an invitation to understand yourself more fully — to turn self-judgment into curiosity, and disconnection into confidence.
LGBTQ therapist Los Angeles: Substance Use & Harm Reduction for Gay Men
Many members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with the effects of alcohol or substance use, or chem sex at some point in their lives. In cities like Los Angeles — and especially in West Hollywood — substances often intersect with socializing, sex, and stress relief. For some, that relationship feels manageable; for others, it can start to feel like it’s running the show.
My approach to substance use is rooted in compassion, curiosity, and harm reduction. That means therapy isn’t about judgment or labels — it’s about understanding the role substances play in your life and helping you make choices that align with your wellbeing.
Communication Skills
Conflict Resolution
Emotional Intimacy
Understanding the Role of Substances
Substances can serve many purposes: easing anxiety, numbing pain, boosting confidence, or helping people feel connected in community spaces. Together, we’ll explore how and why these patterns began and what needs they may be meeting. When we understand the emotional and relational context, it becomes easier to shift the behavior without shame.
Harm Reduction and Recovery
I work with clients using a harm-reduction approach, which emphasizes safety, awareness, and gradual change rather than rigid abstinence. Whether your goal is moderation, sobriety, or simply greater understanding, therapy can help you set realistic boundaries and strengthen self-trust. I can also support clients navigating chemsex, binge patterns, or cycles of avoidance and self-criticism that often accompany substance abuse.
Healing the Shame Behind the Habit
Many gay men carry deep shame around addiction, sex, and identity — and that shame can keep the cycle of substance abuse going. My trauma-informed framework helps address the underlying emotional pain that drives overuse, offering a space where honesty is met with empathy, not judgment. Recovery begins not with punishment, but with compassion and awareness.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
There’s no single path to recovery. In my LGBTQ therapy practice, I'll find that some clients choose harm-reduction strategies, others embrace full abstinence, and many find their own unique balance. My role is to walk alongside you in that process — helping you reconnect with yourself, strengthen relationships, and rebuild a life that feels grounded and meaningful.
Start Your Journey Of Healing: Gay Therapist Los Angeles
Beginning therapy with any therapist can be one of the most meaningful decisions you make for yourself. Whether you’re exploring your identity, healing from old wounds, or wanting to strengthen your relationships, the right therapeutic space can make all the difference.
My office is located in the heart of West Hollywood, on Santa Monica Boulevard, just steps from the Sunset Strip and a short distance from Beverly Grove and Hollywood Hills. It’s easily accessible to clients coming from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Mid-City, with convenient parking nearby. The space reflects what I value in therapy — warmth, privacy, and a sense of calm in the middle of a busy city.
For those outside the area, I also offer telehealth therapy across California, allowing you to meet from the comfort of your home while still receiving the same affirming, personalized care. Whether in-person or online, every session is designed to meet you exactly where you are — emotionally, geographically, and personally.
If you’re curious about how therapy could help, I invite you to book a free consultation. During our 15-minute call, we’ll discuss what you’re looking for, what I offer, and how I can best support you. You’ll have space to ask questions, share your goals, and get a feel for how we might work together.
I provide in-person therapy in West Hollywood and online sessions for clients anywhere in California. Many clients find that this flexibility makes it easier to stay consistent, even with busy schedules. Whether you’re just starting to think about therapy or you’re ready to take that next step, I encourage you to start therapy today — to give yourself permission to heal, grow, and reconnect with who you truly are.
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Contact & Location
Visit My West Hollywood Office
My private practice is located on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, just steps away from the Sunset Strip and close to Beverly Grove, Hollywood Hills, and Mid-City Los Angeles. The office is easily accessible from Beverly Hills and other parts of LA, with convenient parking nearby.
The space reflects what I value in therapy — calm, privacy, and comfort — a place where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself.
Address:
Oliver Drakeford Therapy
8702 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Book a Free Consultation
If you’d like to learn more or see whether we’re a good fit, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. You can ask questions, share what brings you to therapy, and get a sense of how I work. There’s no pressure or commitment — just an opportunity to explore whether this feels right for you.
I offer both in-person therapy in West Hollywood and telehealth sessions across California, making therapy accessible wherever you are. Whether you’re ready to begin now or still exploring your options, this first step is simple — just reach out and we’ll schedule a time to connect.
Oliver Drakeford, LMFT, CGP
Affirming Gay Therapist West Hollywood
Oliver Drakeford, MA, LMFT, CGP, is a seasoned therapist in West Hollywood, CA, who loves to support in support gay men and the LGBTQ+ population and helps make them feels safe in therapy. With nearly a decade of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Oliver prioritizes fostering healthy and balanced relationships, addressing issues ranging from anxiety and depression to addiction and family dynamics. His extensive training at the Maple Counseling Center in Beverly Hills. Additional training he received includes 'Mentalization-Based Training,' 'Modern Group Analysis', and 'The Gottman Method.'Additional training he received includes 'Mentalization-Based Training,' 'Modern Group Analysis', and 'The Gottman Method.'
His dedication to the LGBTQ+ community is evident in his involvement and time as a social group facilitator at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and his role as a co-facilitator of The Gay Men's Interpersonal Process Group at The Maple Counseling Center. Through speaking engagements and teaching commitments, Oliver actively contributes to the field, sharing his expertise in family systems, group therapy, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Oliver's academic background includes a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles, he complemented his degree program with certifications from renowned institutions such as The Gottman Institute and the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles.
His commitment to advancing mental health is underscored by accolades such as the Donald T Brown Memorial Scholarship for Group Psychotherapy, demonstrating his extensive training and commitment to providing exceptional care to his clients.
FAQs About Gay-Affirming Therapy in Los Angeles
What does “gay-affirming therapy” mean?
Gay-affirming therapy means your sexuality and identity are never pathologized — they’re respected, understood, and valued. It’s an approach that acknowledges the impact of culture and community while helping you strengthen your own voice and self-acceptance.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes. I offer telehealth therapy across California, allowing clients from anywhere in the state to connect with me via secure video sessions. It’s a flexible and private option that maintains the same level of depth and connection as in-person sessions.
Where is your office located?
My office is on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, near the Sunset Strip, Beverly Grove, and Hollywood Hills. The neighborhood is easy to access from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Mid-City, with nearby parking and a calm, private space for in-person therapy.
How long are sessions, and how often do we meet?
Individual sessions are 50 minutes, typically once a week. Some clients choose to meet more frequently during times of transition or stress. We’ll decide together what schedule best supports your goals.