Queer Focused Therapy
In New York
with Cal Klingensmith, LCSW
As a trans man, I’ve centered my practice on queer, trans, and nonbinary clients, I know how it feels to not be fully understood.
Do you know you’re queer but feel unsure how to talk about it?
Do parts of you still feel hidden, even to people who care about you?
Queerness can bring relief and confusion at the same time. You may carry shame about parts of yourself you were taught not to want or name. And you may feel lonely without a community or unsure which part of the community you belong to.
Clients Come To Me With
Feeling misunderstood
Unsatisfying dating experiences
Relationship struggles
Wanting community
Feeling dysregulated or anxious
Parts of themselves they don’t love
Lack of joy and excitement
If you’re nodding along,
working with me may be a good fit.
What Queer Focused Therapy
With Me Is Like
There is no right way to be queer. That’s both what’s fun and challenging. Therapy is not about fitting into an identity or label.
We spend time exploring identity, yes, but we also look at what else becomes possible once queerness stops taking up mental space. Together, we focus on helping you feel more connected to yourself, more grounded in relationships, and less alone with your experience.
Approaches I Use
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Uses our connection in session to help you build closeness and trust with yourself and others.
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Explores how past relationships and experiences shape identity, desire, and self-worth today.
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Supports emotional regulation, especially when feelings feel intense or hard to manage.
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Helps you understand different parts of yourself, including parts carrying shame, fear, or self-protection.
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Connect with others who are navigating similar challenges.
I am currently running a Trans Support Group. If interested, reach out for more details.
“I help you understand what queerness means to you.”
Make Space For More
Therapy creates room for connection, joy, and a life that feels full.
After Therapy With Me, Clients Report Feeling
Comfortable with themselves
Satisfied and fulfilled
Like they don’t have a secret anymore
Able to focus better
Positive relationships
More dating clarity
Feeling understood
Finding community
Time for hobbies, interests, and self care
About Me
About Cal Klingensmith, LCSW
My therapy is designed for queer clients who want space to explore identity without pressure, assumptions, or needing to educate their therapist.
I’m a trans guy, and my work has focused on queer, trans, and nonbinary clients since opening my private practice. Sessions with me are active, relational, and collaborative. We pay attention to how things show up between us, because that often reflects how things show up in the rest of your life.
My office gives living room vibes. I bike to work most days, my desk is always a bit messy. I like to wear jeans and t-shirts, shorts in the summer. Despite my casual demeanor, I am tenacious and deeply value my work with clients. Sessions with me are relaxed, collaborative, and direct. I pay close attention to our relationship and use it as a springboard for deeper self-connection and more satisfying relationships..
Outside of therapy, I love skiing, cycling, rec softball and games of all kinds. I’m a parent to a young toddler and a native New Yorker currently living in Harlem. If you’re ready to take the first step, I’d be glad to connect.
Availability: In-person in New York City; Telehealth available.
Education & Credentials
New York University Silver School of Social Work, MSW
Macalester College, BA
Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, Center for the Study of Anorexia and Bulimia
DBT Intensive Training, Behavioral Tech
NYU Counseling and Wellness Services, Primary Therapist, DBT, Gender and Sexuality, and Eating Disorder Teams
Metro Behavioral Health Associates, Eating Disorder Clinician
Get Started in 3 Steps
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Fill out the contact form. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.
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We’ll talk briefly to see if working together feels right.
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We’ll start building trust, understanding what’s been weighing on you, and creating space for change.