Everyone needs and deserves a safe space where they can be themselves — and feel understood and accepted. Therapy is designed to be that place; however, it isn’t always. Therapists need to be aware of their own triggers and implicit biases — and sensitive to the concerns of the individuals before them.
We understand that people in the LGBTQ community experience discrimination and abuse and have higher rates of anxiety and depression than the straight, cis-gendered population. We strive to create the safety necessary for every person seeking therapy to feel comfortable and confident to express themselves freely and share the challenges, questions, and concerns they have without fear of being judged, misunderstood, or pathologized.
While every practitioner at The Resiliency Center is dedicated to providing LGBTQ-Sensitive Counseling, the therapists below have lived experience as a member of the LGBTQ community and/or specialized training in providing competent care.
Practitioners
Allison Beer, MSW, LCSW
Allison Beer, MSW, LCSW
Allison Beer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual therapy to teens and adults. Trained in EMDR and IFS, she offers a deeply affirming approach for neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Allison is passionate about supporting clients with various challenges, facilitating healing through connection, fostering insight into their inner systems, and cultivating self-compassion and acceptance.
» Contact Allison at allison@allisonbeerlcsw.com or (215) 688-5117.
Bernadette Dougherty, PsyD
Bernadette Dougherty, PsyD
Bernadette completed specialized training in LGBTQIA+ Gender Affirming Care throughout her doctoral and postdoctoral training. Her approach to therapy is individualized, affirming, and collaborative, while incorporating relevant evidence-based interventions. When conducting procedural evaluations, Bernadette strives to make the evaluation process supportive and collaborative, to reduce barriers to accessing gender affirming medical care.
Gender Affirming Procedure Evaluations
If your insurance company or medical provider requires an evaluation with a specialized mental health professional prior to undergoing gender affirming procedures, we strive to make the process collaborative and supportive to reduce barriers to accessing gender affirming care, while following guidelines outlined by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Topics discussed during the evaluation include your medical and psychological history, your experience of gender, and your understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure you are seeking.
» To learn more and/or to schedule a session, contact Bernadette at bernadette.dougherty.psyd@gmail.com or 215-770-1845.
Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC
Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC
Jen Perry is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. Jen Perry builds on her clients’ values and strengths and teaches them mindfulness and creative problem-solving skills, empowering them to find authentic self-expression in the world. Her approach balances the desire for personal growth and change with acceptance and loving-kindness for self and others.
» Contact Jen at jenperry7@mac.com and (215) 292-5056.
Elizabeth Venart, M.Ed., LPC
Elizabeth Venart
Elizabeth Venart is Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Approved EMDR Consultant providing individual, couples, and group counseling, clinical supervision, EMDR Consultation, and training programs on trauma, resilience, and organizational wellness. Her counseling practice focuses on working with Highly Sensitive Persons, including other therapists, healing trauma, and creating a meaningful life.
» Learn more at www.elizabethvenart.com
» Contact Elizabeth at elizabethvenart@counselingsecure.com or (215) 233-2002