LGBTQIA+ therapist NYC | LGBTQIA+ Therapy Online
Drawing on my own experiences as a Queer Mexican-American, I offer a safe, supportive space where you can explore your complex identity, and make sense of your childhood trauma.
My passion for helping survivors of childhood trauma—including emotional neglect and abandonment, and sexual abuse—comes from both witnessing the profound impact of these experiences on others and from my own personal journey with trauma.
For individuals from certain backgrounds, particularly BIPOC and Latinx communities, abuse and neglect may feel like a normal part of childhood.
This can make it difficult to fully recognize the lasting impact these experiences have on our lives today.
Having a Latino, Queer therapist who can identify and address these often invisible wounds is essential to healing. If you're looking for that kind of therapist, you've found him.
Specialties
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Online Trauma Therapy
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Childhood Emotional Neglect
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Sexual Trauma Therapy
Rene Gonzalez, LMHc (he/him)
Founder & Psychotherapist
Felt Sense Psychotherapy
Hi, I’m Rene Gonzalez, LMHC (he/him) an LGBTQIA+ therapist online in NYC who takes insurance.
A little about me, so you can decide if I’m the right therapist for you:
I was born and raised on the Texas-Mexico border, a place where two distinct cultures meet. Growing up bicultural, I often faced the challenge of balancing the expectations of my community, which expected me to be equally Mexican and American.
Being gay in this environment added another layer of complexity, and instead of allowing others to define me, I embarked on my own journey of self-discovery to understand who I truly am and what matters most to me.
My experience as a Queer person has given me a deep, firsthand understanding of what it’s like to feel marginalized. As a Queer Mexican-American navigating the world, I’ve gained valuable insight into the struggles and resilience of other marginalized communities.
While my personal background as a Queer, Latino, NYC transplant uniquely positions me to connect with certain individuals, I also bring over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist.
Currently, I’m a candidate in the Trauma Studies Division at the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, continuing to deepen my expertise in trauma work.
My academic journey began with a focus on the human experience through stories, studying Mexican Literature and Culture. After college, I lived in South America, teaching English in Chile and Argentina, which gave me a global, nuanced perspective of people and culture that guides me in my work today.
I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2010 and have since worked in a variety of settings, including agencies, hospitals, schools, and private practice.
I ultimately specialized in trauma therapy because it consistently arose in my work with clients, and I recognized the significant need for trauma therapists who accept insurance. I’m passionate about making trauma therapy accessible, which is why I accept most major insurances and offer sliding scale rates.
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Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Southern Methodist University 2010
Bachelor of Arts in English, Spanish (Double Major), Southern Methodist University 2005, Minor in Psychology
Peripheral Biofeedback Certificate 2019
Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, Trauma Studies (In Progress)
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Internal Family Systems
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For the Treatment of Anxiety
Demystifying Dissociation: Principles, Best Practices, and Clinical Approaches
Fundamentals of Trauma Processing
Integrating Mindfulness Into Counseling and Psychotherapy
Diagnosing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Peripheral Biofeedback Didactic Training
Attachment Styles in Relationship To Trauma
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders
Somatic Psychotherapy
Treating Your Client’s Traumatized Parts With Janina Fisher
Inner Child Work & Protectors
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I pull from different modalities, including, but not limited to:
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Attachment Based Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Somatic Therapy
My Approach to LGBTQIA+ Therapy
In my practice, I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) or "parts work" to help clients better manage stress, reduce reactivity, and overcome shame. One of my key passions is helping young adults, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, navigate life transitions. I support them in identifying their core values to ensure they’re living authentically and true to themselves.
I have extensive experience helping individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community with challenges such as coming out, non-traditional relationships, and other issues that are unique to Queer identities.
If you’re seeking an LGBTQIA+ friendly and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist, you’ve come to the right place.
Above all, my commitment to helping those who’ve experienced trauma is deeply personal. My own healing journey has shaped my understanding of trauma and guides my work with others.