Anxiety in 0ur Pocket

By: Leah C. Donato, LCSW

 LGBTQ+ Affirming Psychotherapist

Sometimes anxiety walks in before we do.

It fills the space — every corner crowded with tension, self-doubt, and “what ifs.” 

For many LGBTQ+ folks, anxiety doesn’t just show up in moments of stress — it’s been shaped by years of navigating identity, safety, and belonging in a world that hasn’t always made room for us.

When anxiety is that loud, it can feel like it runs the show. 

It might decide how we speak, what we wear, who we connect with. It takes up “space” — space that rightfully belongs to “you”.

But here’s the truth: 

Anxiety doesn’t have to stay that big.

Through therapy, self-compassion, and the practice of slowing down, we can start to shift our relationship with anxiety. Not by trying to make it disappear — but by shrinking it down to something we can carry with us. 

Something small. Something we can fit in our pocket.

It becomes a reminder, not a ruler. 

It says, “Yes, I’m still here. But you’re in charge now.”

As a queer-affirming therapist, I work with clients to untangle the roots of their anxiety — especially the kind that comes from code-switching, identity stress, or simply trying to be “too much and not enough” at the same time.

You deserve to take up space without apology. 

You deserve to walk into a room and feel like “you” arrived — not your fear.

And that small voice tucked in your pocket? 

It might just whisper: “Look how far you’ve come.”

Interested in working together? 

I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy for adults and teens navigating anxiety, identity, and self-worth.  Let’s find a way to make more space for you.