Online Therapy in Berkeley, CA
Queer-affirming therapy for adults and couples, with space for the whole of you.
You do not need to be in crisis to deserve support.
Maybe something has felt heavy for a while. Maybe a relationship keeps landing in the same place. Maybe you want expert support without having to explain the basics of who you are first.
I am Laura Grossman, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Berkeley, California. I offer online therapy for queer, trans, and LGBTQ+ adults and couples, along with others who connect with my approach.
Together, we make room for what you are carrying and explore what could feel different. You do not need a label to belong here.
Laura Grossman, LMFT #134820
Meet Laura Grossman, LMFT
I am a queer-identifying therapist with more than ten years of experience in the industry, helping people navigate relationships, identity, and life's transitions. My practice is based in Berkeley, I live in Oakland, and all therapy sessions take place online.
My approach is somatic and relational. That means we pay attention to your physical experience as well as your thoughts, feelings, and relationships. We might notice tension when a difficult topic comes up, explore a familiar relationship pattern, or practice a different way of responding.
My training includes Somatic Experiencing, group therapy, and the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy for queer couples. We work collaboratively, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
What Brings You to Therapy?
You may know exactly what you want help with. You may only know that something feels off. Both are enough to begin.
People reach out for support with:
Identity exploration, coming out, or family relationships
Anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout
Relationship conflicts or patterns that keep repeating
Late ADHD diagnosis and everyday challenges
Grief, breakups, and other life transitions
Feeling disconnected from themselves or others
You do not need to organize everything into a clear story before our first conversation. We can figure out where to start together.
Ways We Can Work Together
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A space where your identity is respected from the beginning. We can explore coming out, family stress, self-acceptance, relationships, and the exhaustion of navigating spaces where you have not felt understood.
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Sometimes stress shows up as tension, numbness, restlessness, or difficulty settling. Somatic therapy brings awareness to these experiences and helps you explore ways to feel more present and connected to yourself, without pushing past your comfort.
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Whether you are processing a recent diagnosis or exploring longstanding challenges, therapy offers room for both practical support and the feelings that come with being misunderstood. We work on overwhelm, self-trust, relationships, and strategies that fit your life.
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Support for queer, polyamorous, and non-monogamous partnerships. We slow down recurring conflicts, explore each person's needs, and practice communication that makes room for connection. Your relationship does not need to follow a traditional template to deserve care.
How Online Therapy Works
Online therapy lets you attend from a private, familiar space without adding a commute to your day. For people in Berkeley and the East Bay, that can make consistent support easier to fit around work, relationships, and other responsibilities.
Sessions take place through a secure virtual platform. Individual sessions are 50 minutes, and couples sessions are 70 minutes. I reserve a consistent weekly appointment for each client.
You will need a reliable internet connection and a quiet place where you can speak without being overheard. Headphones can help with privacy.
You must be physically located in California during each therapy session. If online therapy or the support I offer does not fit your needs, we can discuss other options during your consultation.
What to Expect When You Begin
A first conversation. We start with a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation. You can ask questions, share what you are looking for, and get a sense of whether we feel like a good match.
Space to settle in. In our first sessions, we talk about what brought you here and what you hope will change. You have a say in what we focus on.
Ongoing support. Some weeks we explore feelings or relationship patterns. Other weeks we work on practical skills. There is room for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. I offer online therapy to adults and couples throughout California. You must be physically in the state during sessions.
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I do not accept insurance, but I provide monthly statements you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Check your benefits with your insurer. You are also welcome to ask about reduced-fee availability.
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No. My practice centers queer and trans experiences, but people of other identities are welcome if my approach feels right for them.
Begin Online Therapy in Berkeley
You do not need the perfect words or a complete plan. You can begin with a conversation about what is happening and what support might look like.