Brittany Grooms
Brittany Grooms | Specialist in LGBTQIA+, Burnout & High Functioning Anxiety
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Style: Affirming, Authentic, and Mindful
Insurances: Aetna, Cigna, Johns Hopkins EHP, CareFirst BCBS, and Anthem
Expertise in Queer & Gender-Affirming Care
Hello! My name is Brittany Grooms, and I am a specialist dedicated to the mental health and empowerment of the LGBTQIA+ community. In a world that doesn’t always provide safety or validation, my mission is to provide a therapeutic home where you can show up exactly as you are, without fear of judgment or the need to “translate” your experience.
As a therapist who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring a unique blend of professional expertise and lived experience to my work. I specialize in providing Trans-affirming care, supporting individuals through gender exploration, transition, and the navigation of systemic challenges. I understand the nuances of queer identity and am committed to providing the deeply validating, trauma-informed space you deserve.
Specializing in Perfectionism, Burnout, and High-Functioning Anxiety
Many of the clients I work with are highly capable, thoughtful people who are used to holding a lot of responsibility. They often appear “put together” on the outside, but internally experience constant pressure to perform, overthinking, difficulty relaxing, and a sense that they are never quite doing enough.
I specialize in working with individuals who struggle with perfectionism, burnout, and high-functioning anxiety. These patterns often develop over time and can show up in work, relationships, decision-making, and self-worth. Many of my clients are professionals, helpers, caregivers, or people who have spent years prioritizing expectations and responsibilities over their own needs.
In therapy, we focus on understanding how these patterns developed and how they are impacting your life now. Together, we work on reducing the intensity of the inner critic, building self-trust, and creating a more sustainable relationship with achievement, productivity, and rest. My goal is to help clients move away from constant pressure and toward a life that feels more balanced, intentional, and manageable.
Read my blog here: https://strideforwardcounseling.com/when-being-strong-turns-into-perfectionism/
A Holistic & Somatic Approach to Healing
True healing involves the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. My approach is holistic and person-centered, moving beyond traditional talk therapy to incorporate somatic awareness and mindfulness. This is particularly impactful for those navigating the “minority stress” and trauma often associated with queer and trans identities, as well as the physical exhaustion of burnout. By reconnecting with the body’s wisdom, we can move toward a sense of balance and wholeness that feels sustainable and real.
Specialized Expertise:
Trans-Affirming Care: Navigating gender identity, transition, and medical advocacy.
Perfectionism & High-Functioning Anxiety: Managing the “inner critic” and the pressure to perform.
Vocational Burnout: Specialized support for professionals, caregivers, and “helpers.”
Queer-Identified Adolescents & Adults: Addressing the unique stressors of identity development.
Trauma & PTSD: Utilizing a somatic, trauma-informed lens to heal from systemic harm or rejection.
Relational Dynamics: Working with couples and families through an affirming lens.
Why I Practice
I believe that being genuinely seen is the catalyst for transformation. I am passionate about walking beside my clients as they reclaim their authenticity and rewrite their stories. My work is defined by three pillars: being Affirming, Authentic, and Mindful. I know what it’s like to navigate spaces that don’t feel safe, and that perspective drives my unwavering commitment to meeting you with empathy, respect, and clinical excellence.
Outside the Therapy Room
When I’m not working with clients, I find balance and connection in my life with my wife and our dogs. Whether exploring the outdoors, traveling, or writing, I feel most grounded when connected to nature and my own creativity.
My video