Affirming therapy means you don't have to defend who you are or educate your therapist before you can get help. Your identity is not treated as the problem to be fixed. You set the agenda, and we work on what you came in for. Sessions are in person in Casper or online anywhere in Wyoming.
What people bring to therapy
LGBTQ+ people come to therapy for all the same reasons anyone does, and sometimes for reasons tied to identity, family or community. You can bring any of it, and you don't have to sort it into categories first.
- Anxiety, depression or trauma
- Questions about sexuality or identity, at your own pace
- Coming out, or deciding whether, when and to whom
- Family tension, rejection or distance
- Faith and spirituality, including painful religious experiences
- Relationship struggles, as an individual or as a couple
- Grief and loss
Sexuality and spirituality are part of the work
Sexuality and spirituality are both on Brandon's list of specialties. For many people those two areas are connected, and sometimes they have been in conflict for a long time. We can talk about both openly, without pushing you toward any particular conclusion about faith, identity or relationships.
Some people want to hold on to their faith and make peace with it. Some want to step away from a community that hurt them. Some aren't sure yet. Each of those is a fair place to start, and the pace is yours.
How Brandon works
Brandon's underlying framework is Interpersonal Neurobiology, with a focus on attachment and on emotion. In plain terms, he pays close attention to how your closest relationships have shaped you and helps you feel and work with emotions instead of just talking about them.
When old experiences are still running the show, such as rejection, bullying or years of hiding, he may use EMDR or somatic approaches to help your nervous system process them. Brandon is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and EMDR Certified Clinician, and he is AEDP Level 1 trained.
Teens and parents
Brandon works with adolescents, and parenting is one of his areas of focus. A teenager may want a place to talk through questions about identity without pressure from anyone. A parent may want help understanding their child and keeping the relationship strong while the family adjusts.
We can meet with a teen on their own, with a parent, or with both, depending on what the family needs.
Couples and relationships
Brandon works with couples as well as individuals. Same-sex couples and other LGBTQ+ partners are welcome for couples therapy, whether the issue is conflict, distance, trust or a big decision you're facing together.
Getting started in Casper, WY
Call 307-215-1021 or email brandon@openroadtherapy.com for a free phone consultation. If writing feels easier than calling, starting by email is fine. You're welcome to tell us your name and pronouns when you reach out, and we'll use them. For other local connection and support, Casper Pride is one of the community resources Brandon shares with the people he works with.
Questions people ask
Do I need to talk about my identity in therapy?
Only if you want to. Some people come in wanting to focus on something else entirely, like work stress or grief. Others want identity to be the focus. Either way, you decide.
Can I do LGBTQ+ affirming therapy online?
Yes, if you live in Wyoming. Online sessions happen by secure video through our Client Portal, which can help if privacy at home or distance from Casper is a concern.
Do I have to be out to come to therapy?
No. You can come in at any stage, including if you're still figuring things out or haven't told anyone. What you share in therapy stays confidential within the usual legal limits, which we'll explain at your first session.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (in-network), Cigna, Optumhealth Behavioral Solutions, Meritain, Allied Benefit Systems, Mountain Health CO-OP, United Health Care, Medicaid and others, and we can often bill out of network.
What happens in the first session?
We get to know each other, you see whether the fit feels right, and Brandon learns a little about what brought you in. You can ask any questions you have. From there you'll build a plan together.