Understanding LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Sexuality in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and supporting LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexuality within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on understanding and embracing these aspects of identity in the Jewish community.

Unique Considerations of LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Sexuality in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community explore or affirm their LGBTQIA+, gender, or sexual identities, which are often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific set of considerations faced by this group. Stigma, traditional gender roles, cultural expectations, and religious interpretations can all impact the experience of LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexuality in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how these identities are perceived and navigated. It can affect individuals' sense of self, emotional well-being, relationships, and participation in community life.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexuality professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on supporting these identities within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive approaches.

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Understanding the sexuality spectrum

Understanding the sexuality spectrum

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The Orthodox intimacy coach, talking about sex on Instagram

Originally published in The Forward By Avital Chizhik-Goldschmidt https://forward.com/life/438897/orthodox-intimacy-coach-instagram/   Sitting in her living room in Hillside, N.J., talking into an iPhone, Bracha Bard-Wigdor, 32, is schooling Orthodox Jewish women about…

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Professionals Who Specialize in LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics

Danielle Taylor, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only

Danielle Taylor, LMHC, incorporates CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy. For couples, she specializes in the Gottman Method & more to fortify relationship dynamics.


" I prioritize a holistic perspective on wellness, recognizing that true well-being encompasses a delicate balance of physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. I understand that each individual's journey toward wellness is unique, and I tailor my approach to …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only

My aim is to provide a supportive environment where authenticity and compassion flourish, enabling us to work together towards your self-defined goals.


" In therapy, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust. With a directive and strengths-based approach, I am focused on goal attainment and solutions, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to navigate life's …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • 🀝 Collaborative
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem, Israel

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


" My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and …

  • 🧘 Calm
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ™ Spiritual

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


" Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youβ€”your identities, your parts, your …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Pesach Tikvah

Achieving Peace of Mind

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York

Pesach Tikvah offers culturally sensitive mental health care, addiction support, therapy, developmental disability services, and holistic community programs.


" Pesach Tikvah provides an extensive array of programs and services designed to support individuals across the lifespan, ensuring that no one feels left behind. Each offering reflects the organization’s mission to address the diverse needs of the community …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Estee Esses, LMSW

Therapist, Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW

  • Remote only

Estee Esses, LMSW works with parents of children of all different ages. Parenting can feel overwhelming at times, particularly when there is a challenging issue.


"

Brooke English

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, RYT

  • Remote only

My style is compassionate. I focus on building a genuine and secure relationship with you that allows you a sense of safety to be your full self.


" In my practice, I've accumulated over a decade of experience specializing in helping adults and adolescents who have encountered various forms of trauma. This includes individuals who grew up in abusive or emotionally neglectful households, those who experienced …

Becky Fenton, PsyD

Therapist, Doctor of Psychology, PsyD

  • In-office West Hempstead, New York

Becky Fenton, PsyD, seamlessly integrates CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, mindfulness, executive function coaching & more to effectively support her clients.


" In my therapeutic approach, I seamlessly integrate proven methodologies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, psychodynamic and relational therapy, Mindfulness Training, and executive function coaching. This eclectic blend allows me to effectively support …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Michelle Feder, PsyD

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PsyD

  • Remote only

Michelle Feder, PsyD, incorporates goal-oriented approaches such as ERP, ACT, & CBT infused with flexibility & compassion to help her clients evolve & grow.


" In my practice, I adopt a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework, viewing it as a dynamic and effective lens through which to engage with individuals. I firmly believe that the potency of CBT is maximized when infused with empathy, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Perel Goldstein, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • In-office Cedarhurst, New York

Perel Goldstein, LMHC, works with individuals and families using an attachment-based, relational approach to support healing, growth, and self-awareness.


" I bring an empathic and gentle presence to my work with individuals and families navigating a wide range of life transitions and adversities. At the heart of my approach is a deep respect for the therapeutic relationshipβ€”I believe …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🧘 Calm

Raina Balsam

Coach

  • Remote only

Raina Balsam is a mindset coach who empowers her clients as they uncover their untapped potential & break through self-imposed limitations that have held them back.


" The key to unlocking your true potential lies within you. It requires the commitment to invest your time and resources in prioritizing and creating it... What do you really want? We invest in things that matter to us, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ”₯ Energetic

Penina Flug, LCSW

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • In-office Boca Raton, Florida

Penina Flug, LCSW specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy and works with individuals, couples, and families from an attachment-based perspective.


" My approach to therapy centers on Emotionally Focused Couples and Family Therapy for adults. This method is particularly effective in fostering deep, lasting connections, making it a cornerstone of my practice. Additionally, I incorporate a tailored approach to …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Understanding and Supporting LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Sexuality within the Jewish Community

LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexual identities are important aspects of human experience across various communities, including unique considerations faced within the Jewish community. While the broader understanding of these identities exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Navigating LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexuality within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, background, or stage of life, highlighting the need for awareness and tailored support.

Strategies for Supporting LGBTQIA+, Gender, and Sexuality in the Jewish Community

Effective support for Jewish individuals exploring or affirming their LGBTQIA+, gender, or sexual identities necessitates approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses therapy that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible resources for identity affirmation. Tailored programs and educational initiatives are developed to address the specific facets of LGBTQIA+, gender, and sexuality within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these considerations effectively, ensuring a path towards self-acceptance, well-being, and community inclusion. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists, Psychiatrists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics within the Jewish community.

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