Affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ adults seeking greater self-understanding and connection
LGBTQIA+ Therapy in Salt Lake City & Online across Utah
You may find yourself overthinking, putting pressure on yourself, or repeating patterns in relationships that you understand but struggle to change. Earlier experiences may still affect how you feel about yourself. Or you may feel low, disconnected, or uncertain about what you need.
I’m Cody Merrell, LCSW. I offer affirming individual therapy for LGBTQIA+ adults at New Heights Counseling, in person in Salt Lake City and online across Utah. I work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions, with attention to your experiences, identity, and what matters to you.
Have a question or can’t find a time that works? Contact me
Each LGBTQIA+ person’s experiences are their own. We take time to understand yours, including how you see yourself and what matters to you.
You may understand a pattern and still find it difficult to respond differently. We can explore what has shaped those responses while keeping your current concerns and what you want to change at the center of our work.
Understanding yourself and what has shaped you
Some of what we can work on together
Anxiety and stress
Persistent worry, overthinking, feeling overwhelmed, or finding it difficult to relax.
Belonging & Connection
Building meaningful relationships and a stronger sense of connection with yourself and others.
Relationships and boundaries
Understanding recurring relationship patterns, communicating your needs, and addressing guilt or fear when setting limits.
Trauma & Healing
Healing from experiences that continue to affect self-worth, relationships, identity, or daily life.
Identity and self-worth
Exploring how you see yourself, what matters to you, and what makes trusting yourself difficult.
Life Transitions & Change
Navigating changes in relationships, work, or other parts of your life, including uncertainty about what comes next.
Therapy for Gay Men
Much of my work is with gay men. We may address anxiety, depression, relationships, or life changes, as well as the effects of rejection, pressure to hide parts of yourself, or expectations about who you should be. Your experiences and goals guide what we focus on together.
Working Together
I ask thoughtful questions, offer observations, and can be direct when that’s helpful. We work to understand what you’re experiencing and identify changes you want to make.
For example, you may hold yourself to standards you would never expect of someone else. We might explore where that pressure comes from and how you respond when you feel you haven’t done enough, then consider ways to approach those moments differently.
Our work may also address the lasting effects of religious trauma or other non-affirming experiences, including shame, fear, or difficulty trusting yourself.
I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and other evidence-informed approaches, and I’m trained in EMDR. When addressing trauma, we discuss the approach and pace together. Your goals guide the work, and I welcome questions, disagreement, or feedback when something doesn’t fit.
Getting started
A free 15-minute consultation, by video or in person, gives us a chance to discuss what’s bringing you in, answer your questions, and see whether working together feels like a good fit. It’s an introductory conversation, rather than a therapy appointment.
Have a question or can’t find a time that works? Contact me