LGBTQ/Poly/ALT

My Commitment: Sex, Sexuality, Gender, and Relationship Affirming

My practice is your safe haven — however you define your sex, gender, and sexuality, whatever your sexual practices, and whatever type of relationship or family you are in or want to be in. You will be treated with respect here at my practice. I am not going to try to change who you are, but instead I will work with you to achieve mindfulness and clarity, maximize healthy connections and decrease obstacles so that you get what you want out of life, intimacy, and relationships.

I am not merely “welcoming” or “accepting,” but actually Knowledgable and Affirming of diverse identities, practices, orientations, and relationship constellations. I have worked for years supporting Non Monogamous and Monogamous individuals and relationships, Poly, ENM, LGB, Straight, Transgender, Cisgender, Queer, Questioning, Genderqueer, Intersex, Kink/BDSM, Sex Workers, and relationships/family constellations ranging from typical to Alternative. I never, ever pathologize identities and consensual practices. All identities and orientations are honored, understood, and supported in this psychotherapy practice.

Rev. Deb serves as a dean at One Spirit Seminary where she teaches courses on the affirmation of sex, sexuality, gender, and relationships in spiritual communities. Dr. Deb holds a Doctorate in Pastoral Counseling and Clinical Education from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion where she authored the groundbreaking study: Understanding the Spiritual and Faith Community Needs of People in Alternative Relationships.

a collection of LGBT and other related flags

Real Stories of Change from Our Community

“Rev. Deb is a beacon of hope, warmth, and healing for Queer and Alt spiritual seekers. An effing great coach and counselor.”

Dr. Barbara Carrellas, Urban Tantra

“I've been pleased to call Rev Dr Deb a trusted colleague for many years now, and she has been my go to expert whenever I have a clinical question or need a referral or resources on the intersection of spirituality and alternative sexualities and lifestyles. Whether you're a professional or an organization looking for consultation or a client looking for guidance, you will be in knowledgeable and caring hands in your work with Rev Deb.”

Dr. Dulcinea Alex Pitagora, KinkDoctor.com

“Rev Deb is one of those people I can literally say anything to and feel totally safe expressing myself as a queer woman, as a relationship anarchist, and as a Goddess. I strongly recommend working with Rev Deb.”

Goddess Marilyn Hammer, Founder of Amsterdomme

“I have had the pleasure of attending several of Rev. Deb's groups and workshops and always came away with a renewed sense of grace and serenity.”

Rev. Kyle Applegate, Founder, Polyamory NYC

“Deb is a luminary in the field... she contributed singularly and uniquely to the growing landscape of new spiritualities and ministry opportunities for serving LGBTQ+ communities – through creating this especially needed space in our world!”

Jennifer Harper, Director, Doctor of Ministry program, Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute for Religion

“Rev. Deb is a perfect confidante, the kindest of listeners. Perhaps her greatest asset, however, is her incredible sense of humor. She always makes me laugh and laugh, and sometimes that is the only healing you ever need at any given moment. I recommend Rev. Deb to anyone who needs an empathetic and wise guide through the thorny sections of life’s path.”

Dito Van Reigersberg, aka Martha Graham Cracker

“PrideMinistry fills the gap so many spiritual seekers feel, when our identity stretches beyond what is truly accepted in our spiritual community. Deb and her team help us accept our wholeness, allowing us to ask for what we need in the spaces we value and also from the people we love.”

Rev Sarah Bowen, interspiritual minister and author of "Spiritual Rebel"

“Rev. Deb is a deep and introspective thinker, a serious spiritual seeker, and a brilliant counselor. Anyone who has the good fortune to be her counseling client will find themselves better as a result."

Coach Nathan Lake

“Pride Ministry and Reverend Deb are amazing! They not only bring spirituality to the world, they bring it with love and care in a supportive environment.”

BDSM Education Center

“Rev. Dr. Deb Berman has an extraordinary presence that communicates openness and acceptance. Whether leading workshops, facilitating groups, or interacting one-on-one, she masterfully creates spaces of deep care and connection. These qualities are rivaled only by her abilities to inform and inspire others as a scholar and educator on topics related to sexuality. I have experienced few, if any, people who possess her rare combination of gifts and talents.”

Rev. Dr. Salome Raheim, 1st Year Dean, One Spirit Interfaith Seminary Professor Emeritus, University at Albany State University of New York; Dean Emeritus, University of Connecticut School of Social Work

“Rev Deb Berman is a truly affirming presence, fostering personal exploration and growth through her monthly OSLA Alt Faith Collective group. Her compassionate nature and genuine belief in the potential of others create a nurturing space for transformative experiences.”

Professor Emeritus, University at Albany State University of New York; Dean Emeritus, University of Connecticut School of Social Work

“Rev. Dr. Deb Berman is an intuitive and deeply compassionate counselor and healer. Her clinical experience, expansive knowledge of spirituality, and love of all people combine to make her a gifted soul who is able to offer hope and help to those who need both.”

Rev Dr. Thaeda Franz