Friendship Counseling: Why Platonic Love Deserves a Seat in the Therapy Room

When you think of therapy, you probably imagine one-on-one sessions or couples working through relationship challenges. But what about friendships? What about chosen family? What about the people you love deeply but who aren’t romantic partners?

Friendships are real relationships. And sometimes, they need support too.

That’s where Friendship Counseling comes in - a space dedicated to exploring, healing, and strengthening the bonds between friends. As a therapist who works primarily with Queer and Neurodivergent individuals, offering this service was a no-brainer.

Why I Offer Friendship Counseling

When I thought about the people in my community, especially those who are Queer or Neurodivergent, it became clear that platonic relationships are often the most vital, supportive, and enduring ones in our lives. Many Queer folx build chosen families because their families of origin didn’t choose them. And many Neurodivergent folx gravitate toward each other, finding deep resonance and shared language in their experiences.

But despite how powerful these connections can be, the mental health field hasn’t done enough to make space for them. I wanted to be one of the clinicians working to change that.

What Brings Friends to Therapy?

Most of the time, it’s about boundaries and communication. Friends may feel hurt, misunderstood, or unsure how to express what they need. Sometimes it’s a big rupture, sometimes it’s a slow drift. But at the core? It’s usually just two people who care about each other, trying to reconnect.

We often forget that friendships require just as much intention and emotional skill as any other relationship. We’re not taught how to repair or grow in these relationships and that’s where therapy can help.

Why This Work Matters (Especially for Queer & Neurodivergent Folks)

For Queer and ND folks, friendships are often life-saving.

They are where we find love, safety, identity, and reflection. We build our homes and communities through chosen family. We share language, humor, sensory preferences, deep knowing. In a world that can be invalidating or even hostile, friendship becomes sacred.

Supporting those relationships isn’t just nice, it’s necessary.

What to Expect in Friendship Counseling

In this space, I’m not here to take sides or play referee. I’m here to help you both feel heard, respected, and understood. Sessions are collaborative and grounded in curiosity, not conflict. Sometimes we use communication tools, sometimes we take personality quizzes (yes, really), sometimes we just sit with the hard shit.

It’s not about being “right.” It’s about learning how to care for your relationship better, with honesty, boundaries, and a whole lot of love.

“Is Friendship Counseling Right for Me?”

If you’re reading this and wondering whether this could help you and someone you care about, the answer is: yes, it’s worth exploring.

There’s no wrong reason to come to therapy with a friend. A consultation might give you clarity, ease your nerves, or even spark healing before the first session begins.

What you learn here won’t just help you in this moment, it can strengthen your friendship for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Friendship is at the core of being human.

To feel connected, loved, and cared for by someone who sees you - that’s healing. That’s powerful. That’s what this space is for.