An Affirming Therapist vs. An Allied Therapist

What is the difference between an affirming therapist and an allied therapist?

While you are considering who to begin your counseling journey you may encounter words and phrases such as “Multicultural affirming therapist” or “Queer allied therapist” but what do these phrases actually mean and is there a difference? 

The relationship between a therapist and the client, the therapeutic relationship, is one of the most significant factors in determining the outcomes of counseling. You want to ensure that the provider you choose is someone you feel comfortable opening up to and that you are a good fit for one another. Your counselor will also consider if your needs are within their scope of practice and they should offer other resources if you are not a good match for one another. 

How do you know if your therapist is a good fit for you? 

This is a very common question many people ask when they begin searching for a therapist. In some cases there may be too many options and you are unsure how to narrow down your search. First, it is recommended to look for a therapist that takes your insurance or is within your price range. This information can usually be found on their website or a directory for therapists such as psychologytoday.com. 

Next, it is often recommended to search for a therapist that shares your identity in some way whether that be gender, race, religion, or sexuality to name a few. This is not a requirement for a strong therapeutic relationship, but it may help offer you a starting point in what feels the most familiar to you. On some profiles, you may see terms such as “Queer allied” or “neurodivergent affirming therapist”. While on the surface these terms may be very similar, there are a few key differences between them. 

What is an Ally?

An ally is defined as someone who supports or advocates for another person, group, or population. When therapists refer to themselves as allies, they are typically offering a warm and welcoming environment but they may need explanations on the specific cultural factors of a community. For example if a therapist is “BIPOC allied” they are supporters or advocates of clients who are Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color but they may not be from this community themselves or have not had specialized training in working with this community. 

What is an affirming therapist?

An affirming therapist is someone who typically does have specialized training and/or lived experience with a specific group or population. They actively validate and celebrate your identity and experience within this population. Some common affirming therapist titles include “neurodivergent affirming”, “queer/LGBTQ+ affirming”, or “Multicultural affirming”. 

Why does this matter?

Therapy and mental health counseling can be a very personal and vulnerable experience. Having a therapist who is experienced with working with your identity can prevent harm or hurt from happening during the session. You have a right as a client to ask your therapist if they are affirming or an ally to your identity or community and how they are supportive of your identity in the therapeutic process. Even if they have this information listed on their online profiles, it is best practice to have this conversation with your therapist to ensure they are competent and capable of supporting you and your identity. People often have better outcomes in therapy when they feel affirmed and supported by their counselor.