Is LGBTQ+ marriage counseling different from traditional couples therapy?

Often, yes. LGBTQ+ couples may face unique stressors like stigma, family dynamics, identity development, and lack of cultural role models. Affirming counseling supports the relationship without treating LGBTQ+ identity as the problem.

Do you work with gay couples, lesbian couples, and queer partners?

Yes. Oliver Drakeford Therapy provides LGBTQ+ affirming couples counseling for gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, and non-binary partners.

Can you help with communication and recurring fights?

Yes. Couples therapy can help you understand conflict cycles, improve communication, set boundaries, repair ruptures, and rebuild trust and connection.

Do you offer online couples therapy in California?

Yes. Secure telehealth couples sessions are available for California residents, in addition to in-person sessions in West Hollywood.

LGBT Marriage Counseling
LOS ANGELES | WEST HOLLYWOOD

Updated 3/3/26

Welcome! I offer a safe, affirming space in the heart of West Hollywood CA for people in the LGBTQ+ community to explore, heal and re-connect in their relationships or marriages.

Every relationship faces its share of challenges, but LGBTQ+ couples navigate a unique journey. While the daily routines like sharing meals, planning futures, weathering disagreements - may look similar across all relationships, same-sex couples face distinct pressures and opportunities that shape their partnership.

Common Challenges LGBTQ+ Couples Face

Living in a predominantly heteronormative society means that LGBTQ+ couples often have to chart their own course, defining roles and creating relationship templates that truly reflect who they are, rather than conforming to traditional expectations.Without prescribed scripts about who should do what, same-sex couples often develop more equitable partnerships and deeper communication skills. Yet this journey also requires navigating unique stressors - from family acceptance to societal prejudice - that can impact even the strongest relationships.

In our work together, we focus on what matters most to you and in our first session we'll identify what it is you want to work on to create the healthy relationship you deserve.

This could be

Exploring and understanding intimacy issues, or a general lack of intimacy.
Identifying communication barriers and improving communication skills.
Exploring relationship conflicts and anger or resentment.
Addressing any struggles with substances or other mental health issues.
Concerns around gender identities and sexual orientation,

Oliver Drakeford Therapy West Hollywood - LGBTQ Therapist

Finding mental health professionals who have been trained in affirmative therapy is finding a safe space to discuss relationship issues with someone who understands same-sex couples, sexual orientation to help with a wide range of concerns.

Book A Free Consultation Call

What to Expect in LGBTQ+ Marriage Counseling

LGBTQ+ marriage counseling follows a process designed to meet each couple where they are and build toward lasting change.

The first step is a free consultation call where both partners share their concerns and confirm the therapist is the right fit. From there, we will set up first session and discuss if relationship assessments are appropriate. These explore communication patterns, conflict styles, and areas of strength.

Together, we'll use the data to set clear goals for what you want to improve

A typical LGBTQ+ marriage counseling with Oliver Drakeford Therapy includes:

Complete an initial relationship assessment in the first one to two sessions
Set specific, shared goals based on each partner's priorities
Practice communication exercises during and between sessions
Attend weekly sessions for an average of 12 to 20 weeks
Use take-home tools such as reflective prompts and dialogue worksheets

This process gives couples a clear path from first call to meaningful progress.

Oliver Drakeford, LMFT (License #104987), offers LGBTQ+ marriage counseling at 8702 Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood and via telehealth throughout California.

Book A Free Consultation Call

Why Working With an LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist Matters

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in West Hollywood, I bring nearly a decade of specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ couples. My approach to lesbian and and gay couples counseling is deeply informed by both my clinical training and my understanding of the unique dynamics that shape queer relationships. Through my work at the prestigious Maple Counseling Center and my certification from LAISPS, I've developed a nuanced perspective on helping same-sex couples navigate their unique challenges while celebrating their strengths.

What sets my practice apart is my commitment to creating a genuinely affirming therapeutic environment. Being an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist isn't just about accepting same-sex relationships – it's about understanding the complex interplay of minority stress, family dynamics, and societal pressures that impact these partnerships.

I work collaboratively with couples to build a safe space where both partners feel truly seen and understood, not just as a couple, but as individuals navigating a world that isn't always accepting.

Oliver Drakeford LMFT, CGP - LGBTQ+ Therapist West Hollywood

Book A Free Consultation Call

LGBTQ+ Couples Counselor In West Hollywood

My therapeutic approach combines extensive training in systemic thinking with contemporary mental health practices, allowing me to help couples address both immediate concerns and deeper patterns. Whether you're seeking to strengthen your connection, navigate conflict more effectively, or process external challenges together, I offer a warm, collaborative environment where we can work toward your goals.

Located conveniently on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood, I provide both in-person and virtual counseling sessions for LGBTQ+ and heterosexual couples throughout California who are ready to transform their relationship dynamics and deepen their connection. I offer in person and limited online therapy slots too.

Let's work together to build the fulfilling stronger relationship you deserve. Couples counseling can be a powerful tool for growth, healing, and deeper intimacy – especially when it's provided in an environment that truly understands and celebrates your unique journey as a same-sex couple.

Relationship Counseling for LGBTQ Couples.

The office is centrally located near Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. Couples across Los Angeles regularly attend weekly sessions in person, with daytime and evening availability. Telehealth sessions offer the same structured format for partners who prefer to meet from home.

LGBTQ+-affirming therapists in urban areas report that flexible session formats increase attendance and treatment completion for same-sex couples.

Key details for scheduling:

In-person sessions held at 8702 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Online therapy available to all California residents via secure telehealth
Session fees range from $185 to $250, with limited sliding-scale spots
Daytime and evening appointments offered throughout the week

Knowing your options upfront makes it easier to commit to the process and we'll discuss these in our consultation call.

Oliver Drakeford, LMFT, CGP (License #104987), provides LGBTQ+ couples therapy in West Hollywood and throughout California.

Book A Free Consultation Call

Relationship Counseling for LGBTQ Couples.

When working with LGBTQ+ couples, I use a range of counseling techniques but initially focus on six key areas of relationships that influence it's health and satisfaction. You don't have to do this in a couples session with me, you can take the free LGBTQ+ Couples Intimacy Quiz here

Take The LGBTQ+ Couples Quiz

Conflict Resolution

How couples handle disagreements reveals much about their relationship's health. I pay special attention to whether partners can stay engaged during difficult conversations, express needs clearly, and work toward understanding rather than just agreement.

Part of the professional counseling services I offer is often focused on developing conflict resolution skills, and practical ways to manage the relationship stress that might be causing tension and interrupting your intimate connection.

Sex and Physical Intimacy

Physical intimacy deserves thoughtful, respectful attention in therapy. I create a safe space to discuss desires, boundaries, and any challenges around sexual connection.

This is not necessarily sex therapy, but might include addressing how internalized messages about same-sex attraction impact intimacy, or helping couples define and nurture their unique expression of physical closeness.

Power and balance

Every relationship navigates questions of equality and influence. For LGBTQ+ couples, these dynamics can be particularly nuanced often someone with experience in LGBT couples counseling to help. Power and balance influence relationship structures, so making sure the building blocks for a stable future have a strong foundation is essential.

I create a space for individuals to examine how they make decisions together, share responsibilities, and help ensure both voices carry equal weight. When there's a power imbalance that's not been discussed, feelings of isolation and resentment

Intimacy and connection

Emotional intimacy in LGBTQ+ relationships can be profoundly beautiful and often challenging for gay, bi and lesbian couples. To be clear, it's also challenging to heterosexual couples too, but the LGBTQ+ community has additional pressures from the heteronormative scripts we've internalized about what intimacy "should" look like.

I help couples explore what genuine connection means for them, whether through deep emotional sharing, physical affection, or finding their unique rhythm of closeness that honors both partners' needs.

LGBTQ+ Stressors

LGBTQ+ relationships face unique challenges that stem from navigating a world that isn't always affirming or understanding. As a couples therapist, I pay careful attention to how minority stress - the chronic pressure of stigma, prejudice, and discrimination - impacts relationship dynamics.

This can manifest in various ways: hypervigilance about public displays of affection, varying comfort levels with being "out" in different settings, or the exhaustion of constantly educating others about your relationship. Moreover, I examine how internalized minority stress might affect each partner individually and how family issues from the past or present might

COMMUNICATION

At the heart of every relationship is how partners talk to and understand each other it's the foundation of trust and a strong connection.

For LGBTQ+ couples, communication often carries additional layers of complexity.

Many of us learned early on to guard our feelings or filter our words, making emotional expression feel risky.

I look at how couples share their inner worlds, whether they feel safe being vulnerable, and how they navigate difficult conversations unique to their experience as a same-sex couple.

LGBT Marriage Counseling Quiz

Get ahead of any relationship challenges you might be having without the need of any couples counselors by taking our free LGBT+ Relationship Intimacy Quiz.

Quiz

LGBT Marriage Counseling LOS ANGELES | WEST HOLLYWOOD

Common Challenges LGBTQ+ Couples Face

What to Expect in LGBTQ+ Marriage Counseling

Why Working With an LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapist Matters

LGBTQ+ Couples Counselor In West Hollywood

Relationship Counseling for LGBTQ Couples.

Relationship Counseling for LGBTQ Couples.

Conflict Resolution

Sex and Physical Intimacy

Power and balance

Intimacy and connection

LGBTQ+ Stressors

COMMUNICATION

LGBT Marriage Counseling Quiz

LGBT Marriage Counseling
LOS ANGELES | WEST HOLLYWOOD