Meet Harley Quinzel, LCSW | LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy | Therapy for Women of Color
Harley Quinzel, LCSW, is the newest member of the Stella Nova team. As a licensed clinical social worker, she specializes in online therapy for Black women, women of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. She has expertise in treating ADHD, anxiety, relationship issues, burnout, life transitions, and more.
We sat down with Harley to learn more about her and her work!
Q: How did you become a therapist?
Honestly, this wasn’t the first career path I chose — I started off in the creative arts and performing. I also considered becoming a veterinarian, but realized that I didn’t want to dissect animals. I was ok with insects, but when we got to the frog, with its eyes wide open, I was done. So I started to think about what else I was interested in.
One thing was that I always felt different from other people in a way that I couldn’t quite pinpoint. My interest in psychology started with wanting to help myself. For the longest time, I thought I didn’t like people, but now I realize what I didn’t like was feeling othered and not accepted. In wanting to understand other people, I thought that it could help my relationships and friendships. I also noticed that people looked to me as someone who was good at giving advice and offering comfort; I kind of naturally fell into that role. I was always doing my best to help other people in the community.
So eventually I decided to apply to graduate school. I had low expectations of getting in, but I ended up attending NYU, where I got my masters degree.
Q: What do you wish more people knew about therapy or mental health?
I wish more people knew that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. That everybody could benefit from support in some way shape or form. It’s not due to inadequacy on their part, or something being wrong with them. It’s like going to the doctor when you’re sick.
Over the years I’ve seen it become less stigmatized than before, but that’s true in some communities more than others. I like seeing that there’s more open talk on social media; the conversation is happening. Gen Z is very open.
Q: How can therapy help people with ADHD?
First of all, therapy can be a place to unpack how ADHD is impacting you. If someone’s interested in the science behind it, I’m happy to talk about it — it can be really normalizing and help challenge that feeling that something’s inherently wrong with them. ADHD can really play at a person’s confidence. We often talk about adjustments they can make to support their day-to-day functioning, like with communication, emotion regulation, or time management.
Finally, working with an ADHD-competent therapist can be really validating, to have a space to talk where you don’t have to worry about talking excessively, or being judged for not thinking in a linear way.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or TV show that deals with mental health themes?
I loved Monk! The main character, Monk, has OCD and he’s also a bit depressed because he’s grieving the loss of his wife, who was murdered. In the series, he works as a consultant on murders, helping the detective notice things that they’ve overlooked. It’s a comedy, but it gives you some insight into the way that compulsions can impact someone’s confidence in themselves. And he also has some unique abilities.
Q: What’s it like supporting LGBTQIA+ mental health these days? Do you notice any themes or trends in your work?
My work is really varied. I have some clients right now who are earlier in their journey, and are exploring their identity and relationships. I work with other people who are well into their journey, seasoned clients, and maybe now are also a parent to a child who is queer. And I have lots of clients who aren’t necessarily working on anything related to their queer identity, but maybe working on relationship issues or life transitions. I love this work.
What’s challenging when it comes to supporting my clients is what’s happening on a political level. It’s challenging, but it’s also rewarding, because I get to show up authentically, and I can relate and understand some of the plight. There are so many things that are outside our control that we have to learn to live with: safety, what it means for our futures, how it might impact kids.
Q: What’s your favorite self-care practice?
Self-care for me looks different now than it used to. Presently, I’m big on routine. I get off from work, take my dog outside in the front yard, do 5 minutes of breathing, and work out. Then I shower and listen to music that I like. I’m trying to listen to music more because I notice that I feel better throughout the day. At the end of the day, I like to watch Shark Tank. Once I start my me time, I don’t interrupt it to engage with other people.
Q: What’s something people are surprised to learn about you?
Most people don’t expect me to be into any of the things I’m into, likely based on what I look like. People wouldn’t guess I’m into pop punk music, or that I cosplay every month. I’m also into the battle rap scene (from the audience). I love the wordplay. It’s like poetry but more aggressive. I’ve always felt really comfortable and respected there—I can just float around and be a butterfly in that setting.
Want to learn more about Harley or schedule a consultation with her?
Visit her therapist profile for more information!
About Stella Nova Psychology
Stella Nova Psychology is an online therapy practice focused on high quality mental health support for women, couples, and the LGBTQIA+ community. We currently offer telehealth services for California and New York residents from the convenience of your home. Our therapists specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout, BIPOC mental health, and more.
Are you interested in working with Harley or another Stella Nova therapist to support your mental health? Schedule a free, 20-minute phone consultation to get started today.
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