What is it about?
We wanted to understand what makes therapy feel safe and healing for queer and trans Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (QTBIPOC). To do this, we separately interviewed QTBIPOC clients and their therapists about their work together. Looking at these perspectives side by side, we found that QTBIPOC healing is facilitated by therapist authenticity, collaborating on goals and strategies, repairing moments of harm, and addressing oppression directly in session.
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Why is it important?
QTBIPOC communities often face racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of oppression, which can make it challenging to find safe and supportive therapy. By centering the voices of QTBIPOC clients, this research offers concrete guidance for therapists on how to show up more effectively, equitably, and compassionately. These findings can inform training programs, shape clinical practice, and ultimately help ensure that therapy is a place of healing rather than harm.
Perspectives
As a queer Indian-American counseling psychologist, I have personally seen the gaps in how therapy and academia often overlook the needs and voices of QTBIPOC clients. This project is not just for research, but more importantly for justice, visibility, and care. I hope these findings help therapists reflect on their own practice, commit to authenticity, and co-create spaces where QTBIPOC clients feel truly seen, supported, and valued.
Saumya Arora
University of Tennessee Knoxville
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: “I’m someone who makes sense to my therapist, without me needing to contort myself”: A therapeutic dyad study with queer and/or trans Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color and their therapists., Journal of Counseling Psychology, September 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/cou0000822.
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