LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in 92703
Yessenia Torres
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92703 (Online Only)
Bienvenidxs! I am a Mexican-American, bilingual, queer therapist, dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their authenticity and heal from within. I create a safe and inclusive space for my clients to explore their depths and discover their inner resilience. My approach blends holistic therapeutic techniques honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. My tailored strategies, integrate your interests with evidence-based practices. I have completed certifications in EFT and ADHD. If you’re ready to be challenged, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Bienvenidxs! I am a Mexican-American, bilingual, queer therapist, dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their authenticity and heal from within. I create a safe and inclusive space for my clients to explore their depths and discover their inner resilience. My approach blends holistic therapeutic techniques honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. My tailored strategies, integrate your interests with evidence-based practices. I have completed certifications in EFT and ADHD. If you’re ready to be challenged, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Robert Donaldson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92703 (Online Only)
Each person’s journey into therapy is a unique act of courage. I am a California-licensed marriage and family therapist and saw my first therapy client in 2004. I work with individuals in various stages of life and career transitions, stressed college students, people dealing with LGBT, gender identity, and coming out issues, creative writers and artists, and successful professionals overwhelmed with a busy life. With the right practical psychological tools, it's possible to bring a sense of enjoyment back into the routines of daily life. It's not always easy, but it is possible.
Each person’s journey into therapy is a unique act of courage. I am a California-licensed marriage and family therapist and saw my first therapy client in 2004. I work with individuals in various stages of life and career transitions, stressed college students, people dealing with LGBT, gender identity, and coming out issues, creative writers and artists, and successful professionals overwhelmed with a busy life. With the right practical psychological tools, it's possible to bring a sense of enjoyment back into the routines of daily life. It's not always easy, but it is possible.
Hi, I'm Ryan. I am a proud Mexican-American and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am passionate about providing affirmative therapy and a safe space for all of my clients. I enjoy working with people who want to work on improving their situations. I believe all people are unique and therapy is not a “one size fits all”. Because everyone brings in their own unique set of skills, based on their circumstances, I will meet you where you are.
Hi, I'm Ryan. I am a proud Mexican-American and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I am passionate about providing affirmative therapy and a safe space for all of my clients. I enjoy working with people who want to work on improving their situations. I believe all people are unique and therapy is not a “one size fits all”. Because everyone brings in their own unique set of skills, based on their circumstances, I will meet you where you are.
Hi there, I'm Gina! I'm a licensed clinical social worker with over 16 years of experience. My focus is addressing anxiety, depression, job stress, codependency, and gender identity issues. I work with women, LGBTQ+, older adults with depression, working professionals, and college/graduate students. My formal training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I find that adjunctive mindfulness and other eastern Psychology principles can be quite powerful as well. My primary goal is that you feel heard, seen, and respected by me. At the same time, we will sharpen your coping skills and get you feeling better.
Hi there, I'm Gina! I'm a licensed clinical social worker with over 16 years of experience. My focus is addressing anxiety, depression, job stress, codependency, and gender identity issues. I work with women, LGBTQ+, older adults with depression, working professionals, and college/graduate students. My formal training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I find that adjunctive mindfulness and other eastern Psychology principles can be quite powerful as well. My primary goal is that you feel heard, seen, and respected by me. At the same time, we will sharpen your coping skills and get you feeling better.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Lao Tzo Congratulations, you have taken the first step, and I am honored to work with you. Each experience/event is a chapter in your life. No one experience defines who you are or will become. You are the author of your own story, so I will not tell you what to do. Instead I will help you determine what you want the next chapter in your life to look like and help you get there. I provide a relaxed environment, using a collaborative and supportive approach.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. Lao Tzo Congratulations, you have taken the first step, and I am honored to work with you. Each experience/event is a chapter in your life. No one experience defines who you are or will become. You are the author of your own story, so I will not tell you what to do. Instead I will help you determine what you want the next chapter in your life to look like and help you get there. I provide a relaxed environment, using a collaborative and supportive approach.
Hi! I'm Lindsey Garber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in a variety of different settings to help individuals work through life's challenges while providing support and empathy. I feel truly privileged to be able to provide a safe space to work with you through whatever it is that brings you to therapy! I enjoy working with adult clients in varying life stages with a variety of needs.
Hi! I'm Lindsey Garber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have worked in a variety of different settings to help individuals work through life's challenges while providing support and empathy. I feel truly privileged to be able to provide a safe space to work with you through whatever it is that brings you to therapy! I enjoy working with adult clients in varying life stages with a variety of needs.
Megan Bennett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Ana, CA 92703 (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Megan Bennett, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about empowering my clients to overcome various life struggles and promoting growth and healing so they can lead the lives they truly deserve to live. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based while utilizing a trauma-informed lens. I meet my clients where they are at in their healing journey by providing empathy and unconditional positive regard. I know that my clients are the experts in their own lives while acknowledging that everyone needs help and guidance from time to time.
Hi there! My name is Megan Bennett, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about empowering my clients to overcome various life struggles and promoting growth and healing so they can lead the lives they truly deserve to live. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based while utilizing a trauma-informed lens. I meet my clients where they are at in their healing journey by providing empathy and unconditional positive regard. I know that my clients are the experts in their own lives while acknowledging that everyone needs help and guidance from time to time.
Hello, I am Sheila Smith; I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. I genuinely enjoy listening to people's experiences. I learn so much from my clients. I can work with just about anyone, but I especially like young people and the elderly population. My approach to therapy may appear casual, and I hope my clients feel relaxed and comfortable when we're together. I will work with my clients to figure out what will work best for them. I am direct but gentle. I listen much more than I speak in sessions. I work at understanding their lives from their point of view. My clients feel safe and heard with me.
Hello, I am Sheila Smith; I've been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2000. I genuinely enjoy listening to people's experiences. I learn so much from my clients. I can work with just about anyone, but I especially like young people and the elderly population. My approach to therapy may appear casual, and I hope my clients feel relaxed and comfortable when we're together. I will work with my clients to figure out what will work best for them. I am direct but gentle. I listen much more than I speak in sessions. I work at understanding their lives from their point of view. My clients feel safe and heard with me.
Jalee Carder is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience in different therapeutic settings. With specialties in Addiction, Grief-Recovery, Domestic Violence, Family Systems, Coupe's Therapy, Trauma, and Acute Psych, Jalee is able to work with a diverse population of clients to better understand themselves and have the knowledge to move forward in a positive direction in their lives. Jalee uses a variety of clinical techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused, Psychodynamics, and Healthy Communication Skills.
Jalee Carder is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with years of experience in different therapeutic settings. With specialties in Addiction, Grief-Recovery, Domestic Violence, Family Systems, Coupe's Therapy, Trauma, and Acute Psych, Jalee is able to work with a diverse population of clients to better understand themselves and have the knowledge to move forward in a positive direction in their lives. Jalee uses a variety of clinical techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused Therapy, Solution Focused, Psychodynamics, and Healthy Communication Skills.
I am here to help you navigate transitions and support you on your emotional and physical journey.
My name is Jackie Rabinowitz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with people who are dealing with chronic illness and other medical and physical challenges, as well as people experiencing non-medical life transitions such as parenthood, divorce, career changes, and launching. Depending on the best fit for the client, some modalities I use are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness.
I am here to help you navigate transitions and support you on your emotional and physical journey.
My name is Jackie Rabinowitz and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles, working with clients throughout California via telehealth. I work with people who are dealing with chronic illness and other medical and physical challenges, as well as people experiencing non-medical life transitions such as parenthood, divorce, career changes, and launching. Depending on the best fit for the client, some modalities I use are CBT, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Narrative Therapy, and mindfulness.
It seems that whenever, and in whatever ways we are suffering, we have become stuck in a pattern that reflects a limited sense of ourselves, having lost track of who we are meant to be. Through use of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, together we find ways to create a greater sense of wholeness and inner freedom.
It seems that whenever, and in whatever ways we are suffering, we have become stuck in a pattern that reflects a limited sense of ourselves, having lost track of who we are meant to be. Through use of a safe and supportive therapeutic environment, together we find ways to create a greater sense of wholeness and inner freedom.
I work through collaboration and transparency to create real and lasting results.
My approach is exploratory and collaborative. My goal is to facilitate lasting growth and renewed strength. Life has this "amazing" way of forcing change and challenge upon us (whether it is our own doing or not) but no matter what the circumstance I will work alongside you to move though the challenges and emerge healed and whole. I believe that therapy is a time for individuals to experience a transformational process through the partnership of someone who has their very best interest at heart.
I work through collaboration and transparency to create real and lasting results.
My approach is exploratory and collaborative. My goal is to facilitate lasting growth and renewed strength. Life has this "amazing" way of forcing change and challenge upon us (whether it is our own doing or not) but no matter what the circumstance I will work alongside you to move though the challenges and emerge healed and whole. I believe that therapy is a time for individuals to experience a transformational process through the partnership of someone who has their very best interest at heart.
Depression. Anxiety. Relationship and career problems. These very real difficulties of living represent potent opportunities for growth and transformation. In reality, this is not always easy to see. A key step is developing insight, combined with a willingness to accept increasing levels of personal responsibility. As a therapist and coach, my orientation is holistic. I incorporate a whole-person approach that emphasizes physical, mental, emotional, and interpersonal factors. I view human experience as an inherently creative process, and work to empower clients to harness their innate potential to create meaningful and fulfilling lives through committed action based on personal values.
Depression. Anxiety. Relationship and career problems. These very real difficulties of living represent potent opportunities for growth and transformation. In reality, this is not always easy to see. A key step is developing insight, combined with a willingness to accept increasing levels of personal responsibility. As a therapist and coach, my orientation is holistic. I incorporate a whole-person approach that emphasizes physical, mental, emotional, and interpersonal factors. I view human experience as an inherently creative process, and work to empower clients to harness their innate potential to create meaningful and fulfilling lives through committed action based on personal values.
My style and approach are fitting for clientele ages 12 to 99 who experience anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal difficulties exacerbated due to trauma, social pressures, and challenges with life transitions.
My name is Lauresha Z. Hawkins and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and mature adults while specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, and stress. I use several modalities such as Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to help aid clients in making progress toward mental and emotional healing.
My style and approach are fitting for clientele ages 12 to 99 who experience anxiety, depression, stress, and interpersonal difficulties exacerbated due to trauma, social pressures, and challenges with life transitions.
My name is Lauresha Z. Hawkins and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and mature adults while specializing in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders, and stress. I use several modalities such as Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, to help aid clients in making progress toward mental and emotional healing.
Whether they are rooted in depression, anxiety, trauma, or strained relationships, I will guide you in transforming emotional pain into healing and growth.
When trying to navigate life stressors, we can feel as though we’re alone and overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and stress. You may be struggling in your relationships with others and most importantly, the relationship with yourself. You may be wondering, “Why am I like this?” “How do I get through this?” Both children and adults are constantly changing and evolving through life experiences and obstacles. We will work together to explore and discover the best tools for you to fulfill your needs, wants, and goals.
Whether they are rooted in depression, anxiety, trauma, or strained relationships, I will guide you in transforming emotional pain into healing and growth.
When trying to navigate life stressors, we can feel as though we’re alone and overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and stress. You may be struggling in your relationships with others and most importantly, the relationship with yourself. You may be wondering, “Why am I like this?” “How do I get through this?” Both children and adults are constantly changing and evolving through life experiences and obstacles. We will work together to explore and discover the best tools for you to fulfill your needs, wants, and goals.
See more therapy options for 92703
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.