At San Diego Relationship Center, Dr. Gregory E. Koch is a passionate advocate for equity and is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals and couples to explore their unique experiences and potential as queer people.

Dr. Koch’s interest in LGBTQ+ concerns began while an undergraduate student at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he co-founded the college’s first queer student support organization. He then went on to study and research queer issues in graduate school, while also completing several LGBTQ+ focused psychology training programs. Since 2006, he has taught doctoral psychology and MFT students to provided queer-affirmative counseling in a variety of courses, including:

Treatment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Couples and Families
Foundations of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Mental Health
Advanced Study of Gay Male Issues

Recovery from Toxic Stress and Trauma

Recovering from toxic stress and trauma related to societal homophobia, sexism, and transphobia is a crucial aspect of healing for many LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Koch offers specialized therapeutic services to help clients navigate and heal from the wounds inflicted by societal discrimination and prejudice. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, he helps clients explore the impact of these traumatic experiences so that his clients can learn to heal and thrive.

Trans-health

With over 20+ years of experience, Dr. Gregory E. Koch is a seasoned gender therapist who has worked extensively with transgender, non-binary, gender queer, and gender diverse clients.
With a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities faced by individuals and couples navigating gender identity, Dr. Koch offers a safe and validating space for exploring and embracing your authentic self.

Deep Experience in Transgender and Non-binary Care

Having received his initial trans care training at the esteemed San Diego LGBT Community Center’s Behavioral Health Services’ Transgender and Non-binary Services program in 1999, under the training of Dr. Kurt Buis, Dr. Gregory E. Koch brings a wealth of knowledge and gender expertise to his counseling practice. Dr. Koch completed his doctorate in clinical psychology with an emphasis in gender and human sexualities. Later, Dr. Koch provided years of leadership in transgender care to the University of California as a member of various healthcare initiatives:

University of California, San Diego Chancellor’s Committee on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Issues (GISOI)
UC San Diego Trans Care Learning Team of providers offering medical and mental health care to the transgender community at UC San Diego
University of California-wide Transgender Care Team.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee for UC San Diego Student Health and Wellbeing Cluster

Dr. Koch is dedicated to creating an affirming therapeutic environment that fosters personal growth and empowers individuals to live their lives authentically. Whether you are seeking support in coming out, navigating the social and emotional aspects of transitioning, or finding ways to build self-acceptance and personal growth, Dr. Gregory E. Koch is here to guide you on your path. Take the first step towards a more fulfilling and authentic life by reaching out to schedule your transgender health counseling session today.

Relationship Improvement

Dr. Koch's LGBTQ+ services include relationship improvement, recognizing the specific challenges faced by queer individuals in their intimate connections. Whether you are seeking individual therapy or couples counseling, Dr. Koch understands the complexity of LGBTQ+ relationships and provides a safe, confidential space to explore and strengthen these bonds.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy for queer clients offers a personalized approach to address the unique experiences and concerns that each individual faces. Dr. Koch works collaboratively with clients to navigate life stressors, identity exploration, and personal growth. Through a combination of empathy, support, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques, Dr. Koch assists individuals in developing healthy coping mechanisms, with coming out, enhancing self-acceptance, and fostering personal growth. Learn more about Dr. Koch’s individual services here.

Couples Counseling

Couples counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals focuses on improving communication, establishing healthy boundaries, and fostering emotional intimacy (Please see Dr. Koch’s blog for more information on these topics). Dr. Koch recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting the diverse dynamics that occur within queer relationships. By utilizing Imago Relationship Therapy, he facilitates constructive dialogue and helps couples cultivate a deeper connection, while fostering mutual understanding and personal growth. Learn more about Dr. Koch’s Couples Services here.

Counseling to Improve Self-Esteem

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, societal prejudice and discrimination can negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth. Dr. Koch provides counseling that specifically targets the improvement of self-esteem, helping clients develop a stronger sense of self and rebuild their confidence. Through a variety of therapeutic approaches, including queer affirmative counseling, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and trauma treatments, Dr. Koch empowers clients to challenge negative self-perceptions, embrace their identities, and cultivate a strong foundation of self-acceptance.

Contact Dr. Gregory E. Koch

If you are seeking LGBTQ+ services, Dr. Gregory E. Koch is here to offer support, understanding, and deep expertise. He invites you to take the courageous step of reaching out and beginning your journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery. To schedule an appointment or learn more about his services, please contact our office today.
Remember, at San Diego Relationship Center, Inc., we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, providing a safe and affirming space for all individuals and couples to thrive and embrace their authentic selves.