At the Awakened Mind Institute (AMI), we offer compassionate LGBTQ+ psychotherapy and gender counseling throughout the Denver Metro area. We understand that individual identity is fluid and evolving, and we honor the unique qualities that make you who you are. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we help you build a more peaceful, authentic future with your friends and families.

Ms. Julia Wilson is AMI’s gender and identity specialist. She is a highly trained psychotherapist and dedicated Buddhist practitioner, with hundreds of hours of instruction from renowned Buddhist masters.

Our LGBTQ+ psychotherapy blends mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom to help you understand yourself in the present moment. With Buddhist psychology and contemplative psychotherapy, we explore where you’ve been and where you’d like to go next on your personal journey.

As Ms. Wilson explains: “I’m committed to helping people have difficult conversations, stand up for their boundaries, and feel safe in their communities. It’s an honor to support you in creating that space.”

Ms. Wilson excels at making complex topics clear and helping clients “connect the dots.” She has extensive experience treating anxiety, mood, and eating disorders, as well as trauma (PTSD, C-PTSD) and other challenges.

• Mindfulness-based strategies for stress and self-awareness
• Safe support for trauma, PTSD, and complex grief
• Addiction counseling for substances and behaviors
• Relationship and family support

No matter how you identify, Ms. Wilson provides a safe, affirming space for your journey. If you’re ready to start, contact us today for LGBTQ+ counseling and gender therapy.

Why Choose Our LGBTQ+ Psychotherapy?

Our specialized LGBTQ+ therapy at AMI combines clinical expertise with a deep commitment to inclusivity. We create a judgment-free environment where you can explore your gender identity, navigate transitions, and build resilience. As part of the Denver Metro community, our therapists stay up-to-date with best practices in gender-affirming care and mental health research, ensuring you get the most effective support.

What to Expect in Gender Counseling

In your first session, we’ll listen to your goals, challenges, and questions about gender identity or expression. Together, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include mindfulness exercises, talk therapy, and practical coping strategies. Whether you’re seeking support for coming out, hormone therapy decisions, or managing minority stress, our LGBTQ+ psychotherapy is tailored to your needs.

Our Approach to Identity Development

Identity development is at the core of our work. We use a blend of Buddhist psychology, contemplative practices, and modern psychotherapeutic techniques to help you:

• Clarify personal values and boundaries
• Improve communication in relationships
• Manage anxiety, depression, and minority stress
• Build self-compassion and inner strength

Locations We Serve

We proudly serve the entire Denver Metro area, including Aurora, Littleton, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Cherry Creek, and all nearby neighborhoods.

Get Started with Affirming Therapy Today

Ready to find an LGBTQ+ therapist in Denver? Contact AMI to schedule your initial consultation. Our friendly team will match you with Ms. Wilson or another qualified clinician who meets your needs. We accept most major insurance plans and offer flexible appointment times to fit your schedule.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), over 16 million people experienced major depressive disorder (MDD) in 2016, and more than 1.3 million attempted suicide that year. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) transformed depression care in the 1980s, many patients remain treatment-resistant.

The Awakened Mind Institute (AMI) is one of the few clinics specializing in outpatient treatment of bipolar depression (BD) across the Denver Metro area. Bipolar disorder is a devastating condition that often strikes adolescents and young adults—and deeply impacts loved ones and families.

The Awakened Mind Institute (AMI) is one of the few clinics in the country specializing in outpatient treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is a devastating disorder that typically strikes adolescents and young adults—and deeply impacts their loved ones and families.

People don't drown because they can't swim; they drown because they panic.

In working with psychological trauma, the challenge is learning how to remember without reliving. The therapists at the Denver Psychotherapy Center have over 17,000 hours of experience providing PTSD and complex PTSD treatment. Our clinical expertise empowers clients to manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and build emotional resilience.

More and more, Western clinical psychology is turning to the great Wisdom traditions of the East to supplement its understanding of human suffering and the creation of meaning and happiness in human life. Buddhist psychology, in particular, is adept at creating the penetrative insights that can transform how we understand and work with our thoughts and emotions. This is especially true for the treatment of grief and loss, psychological trauma, and personality and mood disorders.