Meet Dr. Grant Coons, PhD
Clinical Pedagogy
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy is the foundation for all my work as a therapist. It’s the most personal and inspiring. I first studied LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy at Antioch University in Los Angeles where I received my masters in clinical psychology. During my clinical training, I provided individual, couples and group therapy at AIDS Project Los Angeles. I see the work of empowering those who have been marginalized for their
sexual and gender identity as my life’s passion. It is an honor to be a part of this process and to observe LGBTQ+ clients recognize their inherit value and worth. I then received my doctorate (PsyD) from the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles with an emphasis in Multicultural and Community Psychology in 2011. I acquired clinical expertise at various training programs including:
- The Los Angeles LGBT Center
- South Central Training Consortium (Los Angeles)
- Children’s Hospital-High Risk Youth Program
- Institute for Sexual Health
- DBT Recovery Center.
After I obtained my license as a Clinical Psychologist from the state of California in 2012, I worked as the Clinical Director of the DBT Recovery Center in
Beverly Hills and then as the Lead Clinical Supervisor at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services – Suicide Prevention Center in Culver City, CA. Didi Hirsch Mental Health
Services-Suicide Prevention Center was the first 24-hour suicide crisis line in the world. As their Lead Clinical Supervisor, I helped to develop programs and run support groups for Suicide Attempt Survivors. I continue to travel the country leading trainings in suicide prevention preparing individuals and organizations on how to best work with those impacted by suicide.
LGBTQ+ Affirmative Care as a Focus
I’ve been specializing in providing LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy for almost 20 years. Working with the LGBTQ+ community is deeply personal to me. As a member of the community, I have greatly benefited from this approach and know first-hand how it works to transform shame and foster empowerment. I’ve been working in private practice since 2009 working mostly with clients from marginalized communities. Whether you are working on sexual or gender identity issues, relationships, depression, loss, anxiety, or self-confidence, together we can discover what empowers you and
gives your life ultimate purpose and meaning.
Empowerment as a Modality of Change
One of the defining characteristics of stepping into my office is the felt sense of being supported and empowered to embrace all of yourself. This extends beyond simply embracing optimism or showcasing the best facets; we will not shy away from heavy and hard topics. We simply focus on carrying them in a way that empowers and illuminates the wonders of the formation of a whole, healed person. I’ve been a practicing psychotherapist for almost 20 years. My training has equipped me to support clients through the therapeutic process and help them navigate life’s most challenging circumstances. Taking the first step to begin therapy can be difficult but also empowering. By now, you have already learned ways to tolerate life’s painful challenges. Why not take the next step from merely surviving to thriving.
