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Adrian Belmes

Adrian Belmes

MA, AMFT

Gender Identity: trans-ftm

Short Biography

If you're searching for insight, you’re in the right place. My name is Adrian (he/him), and I specialize in working with transgender, gender non-conforming, and queer adults. My work is explicitly LGBTQIA+ affirming, relationship-diverse, trauma-informed, sex-positive, kink-knowledgeable, and from a harm-reduction perspective. As a therapist who is queer, transgender, and a first-generation immigrant, I am committed to supporting my communities and working with Gender, Relationship, and Sexually Diverse (GRSD) populations. While my lived experience is a central reason for practicing this vocation and holding it sacred, it is my responsibility to remain attuned to you and your context. Though we may share aspects of identity, I take a non-assumptive stance in our work.

Therapy Philosophy

Therapy is fundamentally relational, a unique process for each person. No one size fits all. Our work will be collaborative and tailored, incorporating the right tools and interventions for your specific needs. It is an egalitarian space where you are welcomed, made comfortable, and accommodated, but also a space to be safely challenged and encouraged to engage in empathic perspective. I use a primarily Psychodynamic approach. This means I’m interested in conscious and unconscious life, how the present is influenced by the past, and the intricacies of verbal and somatic language. My work also incorporates tools and techniques from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy. Our work will be focused on identifying persistent patterns, understanding them deeply, dispersing with illusions, and moving towards a more meaningful reality.

Special Training & Certifications

I am committed to the life-long process of learning and growing. I have sought and a completed accredited training in areas of gender-affirming care, neurodivergence, sexuality development, kink identity, polyvagal theory, and psychedelic integration. I am a member of WPATH, and I provide medical transition support and gender-affirming surgery letters in accordance with WPATH 8 guidelines. I am also both a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist.

Clinical Focus / Specialties

Generalized anxiety Trauma Neurodivergent Challenges Anxiety Social anxiety Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) Childhood abuse or neglect Relationship conflict Communication difficulties Family conflict Low self-esteem Self-criticism Perfectionism People-pleasing Identity exploration Stress & Life Adjustment Chronic stress Burnout Work-related stress Academic stress Major life transitions Grief & Loss Death of a loved one Complicated grief Behavioral & Emotional Regulation Difficulty regulating emotions Chronic illness adjustment ADHD Executive functioning difficulties Autism-related challenges Sexuality & Gender-Related Concerns Sexual identity exploration Gender identity exploration Coming out support Gender transition support Feeling stuck Emotional numbness Loss of meaning or direction Personal growth “Not feeling like myself”

Therapist Methodology

Psychodynamic Therapy Relational Therapy Trauma-Informed Therapy Somatic Experiencing Internal Family Systems (IFS) Polyvagal-Informed Therapy Somatic Therapy Mindfulness-Based Therapy Narrative Therapy Strengths-Based Therapy Feminist Therapy Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

Core Values

Social Justice & Equity Values
Anti-racist Liberation-oriented Feminist-informed Queer- and trans-affirming Body liberation / fat-positive Disability justice-informed Racial equity-focused Culturally responsive Class-conscious / economic justice Immigrant and refugee-affirming Activist-affirming / advocacy-supportive Anti-oppressive practice Intersectional awareness Abolitionist mental health lens Decolonial / decolonizing approach
Identity, Community & Belonging Values
LGBTQIA+ affirming Gender-expansive aware BIPOC-affirming Neurodiversity-affirming Fat liberation-oriented Faith-affirming / spiritually inclusive Secular-affirming Interfaith respectful Family-diverse (poly / ENM / chosen family-affirming) Centering marginalized voices Multicultural sensitivity Community resilience-focused Cultural identity exploration Affirming mixed-race / multiracial experiences Affirming intersectional identities
Relational & Healing Philosophy Values
Trauma-informed Strengths-based Client-centered Collaborative Compassion-focused Empowerment-based Nonjudgmental Authentic and transparent Boundaried compassion Humor and humanity Radical acceptance Centering safety and trust Relational and attachment-oriented Emotions as information Empowerment through connection Dignity and respect Transparency and repair Acceptance and commitment Co-created healing relationship
Mind & Body Spirit & Holistic Healing Values
Somatic / body-based awareness Mindfulness-oriented Holistic / integrative healing Creative expression in therapy Rest as resistance Pleasure and joy as healing Grief as transformation Spiritual but not religious Connection between personal and systemic healing Embodied empowerment Grounded presence Self-compassion and stillness
Practice Ethics & Professional Integrity Values
Equity over perfection Accountability and integrity Client autonomy Cultural humility over competence Informed consent emphasis Ethical activism Transparency in process Professional collaboration Centering client dignity Ongoing education commitment Non-hierarchical relationship Anti-carceral and anti-pathologizing lens Restorative justice-informed Accessibility as ethical practice Therapist as co-learner

Book a Session

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Practice Information

  • Experience: 4 years
  • Availability: In Person Sessions Only
  • Languages: English, Russian
  • Session Cost: $100 – $175
  • Accepts Insurance: Yes
    Aetna, Optum/United Healthcare, Blue Shield Blue Cross, Magellan, Cigna, Beacon, and Carelon
  • Populations Served: 18+,Teens,Young Adults,BIPOC clients,LGBTQIA+ clients,Immigrant and First Generation

Credentials

  • License:
    License verification pending or self-certified

Office & Contact Info