LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Berkeley, CA
I work with individuals and couples across many backgrounds, particularly within queer and trans community, kink and polyamory, and people who are in recovery and survivors.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
I work with individuals and couples across many backgrounds, particularly within queer and trans community, kink and polyamory, and people who are in recovery and survivors.
Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. I know that looking for a therapist can be hard, especially when you’re hurting or feeling low. I may be able to help. You might feel lonely, anxious, or full of guilt…or you might not know what you feel. You may be confused about the choices you make in life, or you may feel frustrated with the unjust world you live in. Many critical thought patterns, painful feelings, and unwanted behaviors started out as survival strategies to protect us during difficult life experiences. These strategies helped us cope in the past, but can lead to conflict and suffering in the present.
Shallyn Wells
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/ transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
This can look like grappling with your relationship (or society’s relationship) to: trauma, queerness/gender identity, burnout, growing up, messiness, chronic pain/illness, anxiety/depression, attachment patterns, and relationship models/ transitions.
Welcome! I’m Shallyn, a queer, non-binary somatic therapist. I work with adults, teens, and relationships. I believe that healing happens "at the speed of trust," in relationship, and beyond the binaries of good/bad, broken/healed. I believe that the healing container we make together will be a space where you can start where you are (as the world’s expert of your own lived and felt experience); where you can notice and honor what your body is already doing to heal and protect itself; and where you can exist beyond stifling binaries and norms in unfolding relationship to your body, yourself, your people, and your world.
Eliot M. Lev
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94720 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
In the journey towards healing and self-discovery, finding a therapist who truly understands the intersectionality of your experiences is key. As a therapist and part of the trans, queer, ethnic minority, multicultural, immigrant, trauma survivor, and (dis)ability communities, I'm dedicated to honoring all that makes you - you. The uniqueness of your journey, recognition of your experiences, and collaboration will be at the core of our work.
Specializations include LGBTQ+ Issues, Complex Trauma, Outdoor Ecotherapy, and Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy.
I work one-on-one with adults who are seeking to heal from trauma and loss, to understand and accept themselves more fully, to feel more present and connected, and to pursue new directions of personal growth. Most of my clients have been in therapy before—some for many years, but with limited results. They often arrive at my practice seeking an alternative to traditional “talk therapy” and the medical model of mental health. I offer a holistic approach that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world.
Specializations include LGBTQ+ Issues, Complex Trauma, Outdoor Ecotherapy, and Cannabis-Assisted Somatic Psychotherapy.
I work one-on-one with adults who are seeking to heal from trauma and loss, to understand and accept themselves more fully, to feel more present and connected, and to pursue new directions of personal growth. Most of my clients have been in therapy before—some for many years, but with limited results. They often arrive at my practice seeking an alternative to traditional “talk therapy” and the medical model of mental health. I offer a holistic approach that honors the body, mind, spirit, and natural world.
Meryl Franklin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I am Black, non-binary, and queer.
Need a place to explore your identity? Need support around microaggressions you have been experiencing? You may be in need of a non-judgmental healing space to process the daily stressors that come with holding oppressed identities. You deserve to feel empowered and supported.
I am Black, non-binary, and queer.
Need a place to explore your identity? Need support around microaggressions you have been experiencing? You may be in need of a non-judgmental healing space to process the daily stressors that come with holding oppressed identities. You deserve to feel empowered and supported.
Josephine Kelly
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I love working with the LGBTQ+ community, especially the Bs and the Ts.
Queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to the front! Do you want to live an authentic and empowered life but you’re not sure how? Are you having trouble figuring out your purpose in this chaotic world? A traumatic past doesn't have to define your future. Whether you're rebuilding your bodily autonomy after sexual violence, resisting internalized oppressive narratives, or wanting to cultivate a more compassionate connection with your body I'm ready to be a collaborator on your journey. Let's figure out where you're living out of alignment with your values and develop ways to have a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself.
I love working with the LGBTQ+ community, especially the Bs and the Ts.
Queer, trans, and nonbinary folks to the front! Do you want to live an authentic and empowered life but you’re not sure how? Are you having trouble figuring out your purpose in this chaotic world? A traumatic past doesn't have to define your future. Whether you're rebuilding your bodily autonomy after sexual violence, resisting internalized oppressive narratives, or wanting to cultivate a more compassionate connection with your body I'm ready to be a collaborator on your journey. Let's figure out where you're living out of alignment with your values and develop ways to have a kinder, more honest relationship with yourself.
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and community from rural areas, as someone who understands the experience of isolation and judgment. I have a warm, soulful, collaborative, empathic, non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to help individuals find their inner voice and truth, heal from new and old wounds, and repair interpersonal conflict with their loved ones. I work with all genders, LGBTQ+, gender expansive clients. Individual, family therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy. Accepting new clients virtually. I am also accepting supervisees currently registered with the BBS.
I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and community from rural areas, as someone who understands the experience of isolation and judgment. I have a warm, soulful, collaborative, empathic, non-judgmental approach to therapy. My goal is to help individuals find their inner voice and truth, heal from new and old wounds, and repair interpersonal conflict with their loved ones. I work with all genders, LGBTQ+, gender expansive clients. Individual, family therapy, couples therapy, sex therapy. Accepting new clients virtually. I am also accepting supervisees currently registered with the BBS.
One of my most valued offerings is my advanced specialization in psychological evaluation, testing, and assessment addressing areas of neurodiversity and learning differences (ADHD, Autism) for diverse communities ( LGBTQ, BIPOC, immigrant, first-gen).
I aim to breathe life and spirit back into those who were made to believe they are not enough. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neurodiversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health. You will feel more balance and peace.
One of my most valued offerings is my advanced specialization in psychological evaluation, testing, and assessment addressing areas of neurodiversity and learning differences (ADHD, Autism) for diverse communities ( LGBTQ, BIPOC, immigrant, first-gen).
I aim to breathe life and spirit back into those who were made to believe they are not enough. In my style of practice we work to improve your understanding of yourself and identify what is inhibiting you from living your best life. We explore internal processes like your feelings & beliefs as well as systemic processes that impact LGBTQ+ BIPOC identit(ies), relationships, and life experiences. I take a similar approach to my assessments which are both strength-based and neurodiversity affirming. All services aim to move you towards your unique treatment goals and improving your mental health. You will feel more balance and peace.
Many of my clients are disabled, queer, and trans. I love to support individuals and families in finding and shifting cycles that keep them stuck. This can look like a cycle of anxiety that keeps swirling and growing no matter how much you try to avoid or reassure it. Or like families that are caught in challenging cycles of communication, who are working to shift things but feel caught in old patterns. My clients are often impacted by multiple layers of social and internalized stigma. Specific issues my clients seek care for include OCD, ADHD, depression, trauma, bereavement, and identity development around disability and gender.
Many of my clients are disabled, queer, and trans. I love to support individuals and families in finding and shifting cycles that keep them stuck. This can look like a cycle of anxiety that keeps swirling and growing no matter how much you try to avoid or reassure it. Or like families that are caught in challenging cycles of communication, who are working to shift things but feel caught in old patterns. My clients are often impacted by multiple layers of social and internalized stigma. Specific issues my clients seek care for include OCD, ADHD, depression, trauma, bereavement, and identity development around disability and gender.
I've worked extensively with individuals from the LGBT community, with those transitioning and questioning.
My approach to the work of psychotherapy is interactive, empathic, and collaborative, relying on intuition, careful listening, offering direct and attuned feedback, and humor to help us build a strong, companionable connection. We will work together to create an atmosphere of trust in which we explore your deeper desires and needs, and examine difficult experiences to better understand and move beyond them to greater self awareness and acceptance. We will talk together in ways that nurture curiosity, compassion, and your creative spirit to help you build more satisfying and mutual relationships, and find the joy in inhabiting yourself more fully.
I've worked extensively with individuals from the LGBT community, with those transitioning and questioning.
My approach to the work of psychotherapy is interactive, empathic, and collaborative, relying on intuition, careful listening, offering direct and attuned feedback, and humor to help us build a strong, companionable connection. We will work together to create an atmosphere of trust in which we explore your deeper desires and needs, and examine difficult experiences to better understand and move beyond them to greater self awareness and acceptance. We will talk together in ways that nurture curiosity, compassion, and your creative spirit to help you build more satisfying and mutual relationships, and find the joy in inhabiting yourself more fully.
I am incredibly grateful for my work as a therapist & welcome everyone into my practice willing to engage in the hard work of healing & transformation.
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
I am incredibly grateful for my work as a therapist & welcome everyone into my practice willing to engage in the hard work of healing & transformation.
Regardless of our histories, healing is possible. I have experienced it myself & have accompanied people in untenable conditions deepen their awareness & access what they need to heal. I provide therapy for people who want to transform limiting beliefs & patterns, heal attachment trauma and abuse, navigate relationships & complex families, & take accountability for past harm. I support people to feel compassion for all parts of themselves & live with more resilience and joy. My clients are queer & transgender people, social justice organizers, survivors, people impacted by the legal system, addiction, and/or violence.
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I am a queer and trans affirming therapist who is body-positive, sex-positive, and poly & kink knowledgable, here to honor your individuality and uniqueness.
Are you looking for therapy to support & cultivate the wisdom of your whole being – mind, heart, body, & spirit? Would you like your challenges to be doorways to personal transformation? You may be coming to therapy feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, or loss. You may want to heal old trauma, change negative thought patterns, and break free of self-doubt. Or you may be ready to work towards deeper personal and spiritual growth. I support clients with these and many other issues in a warm, nurturing, non-judgmental way, informed by over 15 years of experience as a therapist.
I am a queer and trans affirming therapist who is body-positive, sex-positive, and poly & kink knowledgable, here to honor your individuality and uniqueness.
Are you looking for therapy to support & cultivate the wisdom of your whole being – mind, heart, body, & spirit? Would you like your challenges to be doorways to personal transformation? You may be coming to therapy feeling overwhelmed by life transitions, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, or loss. You may want to heal old trauma, change negative thought patterns, and break free of self-doubt. Or you may be ready to work towards deeper personal and spiritual growth. I support clients with these and many other issues in a warm, nurturing, non-judgmental way, informed by over 15 years of experience as a therapist.
As a gender queer trans person who has survived to adulthood, I have found that a meaningful goal in therapy is recognizing one's own journey and struggles in an empowering light.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, gender queer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
As a gender queer trans person who has survived to adulthood, I have found that a meaningful goal in therapy is recognizing one's own journey and struggles in an empowering light.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, gender queer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and to people with disabilities.
Welcome! My fundamental objective as a therapist is to help clients find and deepen connection – with others as well as with themselves. I seek to co-create warm and well-boundaried relationships that are grounded in safety, healthy attachment and non-judgement. I take an integrative and tailored approach to each client, which takes into account both my own clinical impressions and the client’s interests as well. My practice is informed by tenets of DBT and CBT, as well as mindfulness and somatic techniques. I also work within a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens.
I consider myself an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and to people with disabilities.
Welcome! My fundamental objective as a therapist is to help clients find and deepen connection – with others as well as with themselves. I seek to co-create warm and well-boundaried relationships that are grounded in safety, healthy attachment and non-judgement. I take an integrative and tailored approach to each client, which takes into account both my own clinical impressions and the client’s interests as well. My practice is informed by tenets of DBT and CBT, as well as mindfulness and somatic techniques. I also work within a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens.
I am queer, kink, poly and sex-work affirming.
It is my passion to support and walk alongside others as they explore the depths of their being- that which makes them truly unique. As a clinician, my holistic therapeutic approach is informed by the wisdom and strength that I derive from the body, nature, creative expression and deep inquiry. I am also relational in my orientation- bringing warmth, openness, curiosity, patience, and flexibility to my clients in order to support their dynamic needs as they emerge in the present. I see every individual as autonomous and worthy of respect, compassion and care.
I am queer, kink, poly and sex-work affirming.
It is my passion to support and walk alongside others as they explore the depths of their being- that which makes them truly unique. As a clinician, my holistic therapeutic approach is informed by the wisdom and strength that I derive from the body, nature, creative expression and deep inquiry. I am also relational in my orientation- bringing warmth, openness, curiosity, patience, and flexibility to my clients in order to support their dynamic needs as they emerge in the present. I see every individual as autonomous and worthy of respect, compassion and care.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I work online and am kink and LGBTQ friendly.
Sometimes it seems life asks us to bear the unbearable. A heartbreaking loss, difficult transition, illness of yourself or loved one, the lack of anything that might make your life meaningful and pleasurable—these are some of the issues I respond to and can help with. If you’re suffering or your life lacks purpose look at my website and, if you feel a connection, please reach out. I work from a generous and flexible sliding scale and am committed to providing accessible treatment. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do this alone. Psychoanalytic therapy, especially as practiced by Lacanian analysts, can be transformative.
I am very interested in the ways our cultural and ethnic backgrounds have shaped how we come to know ourselves, and have always included issues of identity in terms of race, culture, LGBTQ, age, and economic class in my work.
Meaningful change requires us to ask new questions ... so that new meanings can be made. One of the hardest things is to change what doesn't work, while not knowing how to make it all different. For the past 24 years, I have worked with folks who are trying hard to build a life in spite of childhood abuse and neglect, or who just don't understand why life isn't working out the way they hoped.
I am very interested in the ways our cultural and ethnic backgrounds have shaped how we come to know ourselves, and have always included issues of identity in terms of race, culture, LGBTQ, age, and economic class in my work.
Meaningful change requires us to ask new questions ... so that new meanings can be made. One of the hardest things is to change what doesn't work, while not knowing how to make it all different. For the past 24 years, I have worked with folks who are trying hard to build a life in spite of childhood abuse and neglect, or who just don't understand why life isn't working out the way they hoped.
I'm excited to explore issues around identity and life transitions.
In life there are many things that influence how we feel, how we think, and in turn how we behave. When working with clients I like to explore how interactions with the social- cultural environment shape their well being. I find it important to focus on the things we can change and find ways to cope with the things we cannot.
I'm excited to explore issues around identity and life transitions.
In life there are many things that influence how we feel, how we think, and in turn how we behave. When working with clients I like to explore how interactions with the social- cultural environment shape their well being. I find it important to focus on the things we can change and find ways to cope with the things we cannot.
Patricia B. Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94707 (Online Only)
Developing a trusting relationship is the most important element in successful psychotherapy. We will create a unique relationship that encourages your expression of inner feelings and learning to know what is true for you. I appreciate depth work, and although weekly sessions are beneficial, up to three sessions per week deepens the process.
I frequently work with the following issues: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, disabilities and chronic illness, self-esteem and LGBTQ issues.
Developing a trusting relationship is the most important element in successful psychotherapy. We will create a unique relationship that encourages your expression of inner feelings and learning to know what is true for you. I appreciate depth work, and although weekly sessions are beneficial, up to three sessions per week deepens the process.
I frequently work with the following issues: depression, anxiety, relationship problems, disabilities and chronic illness, self-esteem and LGBTQ issues.
Savannah Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
Are you looking for a therapist who truly understands what you’re facing? Whether it’s navigating complex relationships, dealing with past/current trauma, managing anxiety, or exploring your identity, I’m here to help. I’m a holistic and integrative therapist, which means I look at you as a whole person—your mind, body, and spirit—while tailoring my approach to fit your unique needs. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, as well as individuals who are neurodivergent or people who are seen as highly sensitive or perfectionists.
Are you looking for a therapist who truly understands what you’re facing? Whether it’s navigating complex relationships, dealing with past/current trauma, managing anxiety, or exploring your identity, I’m here to help. I’m a holistic and integrative therapist, which means I look at you as a whole person—your mind, body, and spirit—while tailoring my approach to fit your unique needs. I have extensive experience working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, as well as individuals who are neurodivergent or people who are seen as highly sensitive or perfectionists.
