LGBT Therapist in Minneapolis

Dr. Jenna Brownfield

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When therapy is specifically made for you as a LGBTQ+ person, it feels different.

Jenna-Brownfield-Bi-Therapist-MN

Hi, I’m Dr. Jenna Brownfield, Licensed Psychologist.

Pronouns: she/her

I'm passionate about empowering LGBTQ+ people. In particular, I love supporting bi+, trans, nonbinary folks, QTBIPOC, and anyone who feels left out of broader queer culture.

As a bi/queer person, I’ve struggled at times to find a therapist specialized in LGBTQ+ mental health. It was common for me to find LGBTQ-affirming therapists listed online. But when I met with these therapists:

  • I’d have to spend time explaining to them why something my colleague said was, in fact, homophobic.

  • I was bracing myself for possible ‘well-meaning’ microaggressions like: “But, you don’t look gay.”

  • They would say “I fully support LGBTQ+ folks,” but then have no clue about the current political actions being taken to restrict queer and trans rights.

What I needed was a therapist who was not just affirming, but also knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ identities and queer/trans mental health. Someone who:

  • Isn’t surprised or shocked when I share an experience of homophobia. They know how to acknowledge my pain from this experience instead of playing ‘devil’s advocate’ for the other person.

  • Immediately gets why I feel cautious around people who are religious.

  • Uses my partner’s correct pronouns without skipping a beat.

I’m so grateful for the LGBTQ+ specialized therapists I found along the way. They helped me improve my mental health while simultaneously talking about the subtleties of being a queer person in our society. I want all queer and trans people to have that experience. 

What drives me to do this work…

You shouldn’t have to educate your therapist about LGBTQ+ topics.

  • Whether you’re seeking therapy specifically for LGBTQ+ identity support, or for help with things like anxiety and trauma, you deserve a LGBTQ-knowledgable therapist. In our work together we will honor all aspects of you. We will explore how heteronormativity, monosexism, anti-trans hostility, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression directly or indirectly relate to your mental health.

  • Why should you have to choose between a therapist specialized in gender or sexual identities and one specialized in anxiety or trauma? As LGBTQ+ people, we already know we don’t have to give in to false binaries. You can have both!

  • Through individual therapy with me, I help LGBTQ+ adults (18+) heal from painful experiences, see your resilience, and celebrate what makes you uniquely you. I do this through supporting Millennial/Gen Z queer and trans folks in feeling grounded, valid, and worthy of claiming your right to thrive as an LGBTQ+ person.

Reviews

  • "Meeting Dr. Jenna Brownfield and witnessing her dedication to LGBTQ+ Minnesotans gave me genuine hope. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community seeking support and self-compassion through therapy, Jenna should be at the top of your list. She's warm, knowledgeable, and her authentic comfort in her own skin shines through in every interaction. Her life's work is making Minnesota's LGBTQ+ community feel supported and empowered."

    -Patricia Valencia

  • "Jenna is a gem, a truly authentic and valuable therapist, and a safe space for so many."

    -Sally S.

  • “Jenna is a compassionate, kind, and supportive therapist. Jenna has a speciality in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and is passionate about helping people cope with homophobic family. Her skillset combined with her authenticity makes her a great therapist."

    -Ryanne Mellick

  • “I have know Jenna for almost 8 years. We have worked together, facilitated groups together, and continue to consult about clients. She is a compassionate, authentic, and affirming psychologist. She provides a safe therapy space for LGBTQ+ clients and offers trauma-informed care. I would recommend her to any client looking for an affirming space."

    -Dr. Larissa Barbaro Kukade

  • "I have been continually inspired by her dedication to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Her expertise in sexual identity, gender therapy, and supporting LGBTQ+ trauma survivors is impressive and extensive. I confidently refer queer, trans, and nonbinary adults in need of therapy for trauma, anxiety, or identity exploration to her care. The LGBTQ+ community is fortunate to have access to such high-quality, ethical, and affirming care!"

    -Dr. Adrienne VanZomeren

What it’s like to work with me:

Instead of spending entire sessions talking about how your week went, we’ll get to work on improving your relationship with yourself.

What it’s like to work with me:

  • I help you get out of your head, really slow down, face what you’ve been avoiding, and get the support you need to safely feel what wasn’t safe to feel before.

  • I’m emotionally open and wear my heart on my sleeve. I allow myself to be moved by the things you’re sharing; joining you in laughter or tearfulness during sessions.

  • I’m a pop culture nerd at heart. I love hearing about the tv show you’re currently watching, and I’m happy to share any good books I’ve read lately.

  • Poetry feeds my soul. I also find that using imagery together in session helps us tap deeper into emotion instead of staying on the surface.

Some things I don't do:

  • Spend the majority of our sessions explaining new strategies or skills to you. I’d rather guide you through actually practicing something new in session with my support.

  • Make decisions for you or tell you exactly what to do. My role is to help you build trust in yourself. This sets you up to successfully graduate from therapy.

  • Regularly assign in-between session homework. I see therapy as a collaborative effort. I don’t want therapy homework to become another item on your already overwhelming to-do list.

  • Ignore society’s influence on your mental health. I believe current events, the politicalization of queer and trans rights, and systemic oppression play a role in our well-being.

How I can help you:

Clinical Experience