Inside the Practice of Demi McLaren: Virtual Therapy for Queer and Trans Communities

Meet Demi McLaren (she/they), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts. Demi offers virtual, affirming therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families across the state. With over a decade of experience, Demi specializes in supporting queer and trans clients through a strength-based, trauma-informed lens, helping them navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, identity exploration, and life transitions. A Worcester County native, Demi’s journey into social work began with a deep-rooted desire to address the systemic barriers impacting young people. Their diverse professional background spans crisis intervention in Chicago, healthcare case management in Massachusetts, and workforce development in Washington, D.C. Now, as a queer, nonbinary clinician, Demi is dedicated to creating inclusive therapeutic spaces where clients can explore their identities, heal from trauma, and build resilience. ​

In this interview, Demi shares insights into their path to becoming a therapist, their approach to family therapy—particularly in supporting families of queer and trans individuals—and their vision of success that intertwines personal well-being with community care. Whether you're seeking a therapist who truly understands the nuances of queer experiences or looking to support a loved one on their journey, Demi's perspective offers both empathy and expertise.

Can you share your journey to becoming a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and establishing your virtual practice in Massachusetts?

I grew up in Worcester County, and when I went to college to be a teacher I realized that my students had barriers that I had a unique intuition for resolving. That led me to social work for my Masters, and I have done a wonderfully eclectic variety of work ever since. In addition to providing therapy, my resume includes four years of intense school social work and crisis work in the wonderful city of Chicago, social work education support at an Ed Tech company, workforce development administration in Washington DC, and case management experience in healthcare in the state of Massachusetts. I came home to Massachusetts to sink roots in and grow my own family, investing my knowledge, skills, and love back into the community that raised me. I have a vested gratitude toward Massachusetts for giving me a safe place to grow my family, but I know that there is still a lot of hurt and harm here. I’m back to give back and make this a better place for everyone, including my own child, to be their full selves, living joyfully and well.

Could you discuss your approach to family therapy, particularly in assisting families to support their queer and trans members?

For a while, I considered making parents/family members of queer folx a deliberate niche of mine, because I see how critical it is for queer people not to have to do all the heavy lifting with their loved ones around their identity. And it’s so critical for people to have a space to process where they’re not afraid of hurting their LGBTQ loved ones while they’re dealing with change. I love working with these queer-adjacent folks during the transition and discovery of their family and friends, and their own transformation as people as they interact with challenges to deep seeded assumptions about the world. For a queer or trans person’s support system to be strong in this world, their loved ones need a therapist too!

How do you define success for yourself and your business?

I have two answers to this, both are very honest. The first answer is that I want to use my unique skillset to help people in my community to thrive as much as they can. I love the vibrancy and diversity of our community and want to encourage people to be themselves because life is so much more fun that way. The second answer is specifically regarding my business. I will be a successful practice owner when I am both living my values and I earn enough for my family to be financially stable, and have enough time in my life to be a healthy and supportive caregiver for my family. I want the freedom to be with my family and focus on my own health and mental wellness too; I struggle to get all of that with a traditional job.

What are some of your favorite queer owned businesses in New England that our community should know about?

Professionally, I recommend any affirming business on the Everywhere is Queer app! I’m glad to be a part of such a supportive community, and personally it’s been really fun to explore new places.

How do you stay connected with other queer-affirming professionals and organizations in Massachusetts?

Everywhere is Queer App (Charlie built an incredible resource!), New England Gender Specialist Google Group, and Instagram (I am @massachusettssafespacetherapy).

Give us your top favorite queer recommendations:

• Movie/film: Moonlight

• TV show: Queer Ultimatum

• Book: Rainbow Parenting: Raising Queer Kids and Allies by Linz Amer

• Podcast: Two Dykes and a Mic

One of our favorite traditions is asking each interviewee to leave a question for the next—without knowing who they’re passing it to. This question comes from Julian Kane, founder of Althea Floral Design:

"If your identity or journey as a queer person were a bouquet, what flowers, colors, or elements would it include—and why?"

This is an amazing question, and I think I would be a bouquet with sunflowers, thistle, and lavender. Sunflowers have a special place in my heart as a fall baby, and I identify with the metaphor of turning toward the sun, looking on the bright side, and finding joy in my life. Thistle, because it reminds me of my family, and represents my strength, determination, and persistence. I have been a strategic fighter from a young age, and now use this skill set professionally. And lastly, lavender for its healing and calming properties, but also its unique and unmistakable presence. Lavender has long been a favorite, and I also love that it is a symbol of queer resilience as well.

Resources and businesses mentioned in this interview: