Featured In: Our Interview With Lily Thrope, Clinical Social Worker And Founder Of Thrope Therapy

Lily was featured on Inspira Advantage and spoke about inclusive care:

“Lily Thrope is a Clinical Social Worker and Founder of Thrope Therapy, a practice that specializes in working with young adults, students, and professionals in NYC.

What makes the work at Thrope Therapy unique in advancing LGBTQ health and equity?‍

At Thrope Therapy, we know that LGBTQ individuals often carry unique and disproportionate burdens when it comes to mental health, body image, and eating disorders. Research shows that LGBTQ people are at significantly higher risk of developing eating disorders, not only because of societal pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards, but also due to the added stress of stigma, discrimination, and identity-based trauma.

Our approach is both individualized and humanistic. We believe that every client is the expert of their own story, and our role is to create a therapeutic environment where that expertise is honored and centered. Rather than imposing one definition of health or recovery, we walk alongside clients as they define what healing looks like for them. Utilizing a health at every size approach allows our clinicians to help clients connect with an understanding of health that fits their individual values.

Many LGBTQ clients have experienced trauma in their lives, related to family, community, or the healthcare system itself, we bring a trauma-informed lens to every interaction. All of our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and prioritize safety, trust, and collaboration in the therapeutic relationship. A safe and nonjudgmental space isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation for effective care.

We also take seriously the intersection of gender, sexuality, and body size, and how these factors impact health outcomes. Too often, medical and mental health systems overlook the ways structural barriers such as weight stigma, cisnormativity, heteronormativity, or lack of provider training make care less accessible and less effective for LGBTQ people. True inclusivity is more than just a welcoming message on a website. It’s an ongoing practice of empathy, openness, and cultural responsiveness, and a willingness to listen and adapt. At Thrope Therapy, we see this as a lifelong commitment rather than a box to check. Our goal is to create a space where every LGBTQ client feels seen, respected, and valued.

What lessons or qualities should future doctors and healthcare leaders develop if they want to provide more inclusive care?‍

If there’s one word I would emphasize for future healthcare leaders, it’s listening. So many of the challenges LGBTQ clients face in healthcare, feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or gaslit, stem not from a lack of technical knowledge, but from not being listened to. Every individual has a unique story, shaped by their body, identity, and lived experience. When providers pause, listen, and approach patients with curiosity rather than assumption, they open the door to more inclusive and effective care.

As therapists, we are fortunate to have the gift of time with our clients. We hear in detail about their experiences with the healthcare system both the pain of being unseen and the relief when someone takes them seriously. I empathize deeply with doctors, who often don’t have the same time we do, but even small shifts can make a big difference. A few extra moments of attentive listening, a validating statement, or collaboration with therapists and other providers who know the client well can transform the patient’s experience.

Inclusive care also requires humility and an openness to continual learning. No provider will ever “arrive” at being fully inclusive; identities are complex, language evolves, and the needs of communities shift over time. The most impactful providers are those who approach their patients with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to admit what they don’t know.

Ultimately, inclusivity in healthcare is not just about avoiding harm. It’s about building trust, creating safety, and helping every patient feel that their health and wellbeing matter. When providers commit to that kind of care, they don’t just improve health outcomes they help build a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Lily Thorpe to help pre-med students understand the importance of culturally responsive care and inclusive support for diverse communities.”