LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in El Sobrante, CA
I also have extensive experience working with adolescents and providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Have you gone through difficult events or are you involved in an environment that doesn’t work for you? I empower individuals who have experienced continuous stress to get in touch with their strengths, move toward healing, and a renewed sense of agency. I am attuned to ways thoughts, feelings, and body sensations become misaligned and can support you in a shift toward more positive experiences across these areas. My practice of strengths-based and EMDR techniques help you transform depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues, so they become less challenging.
I also have extensive experience working with adolescents and providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ communities.
Have you gone through difficult events or are you involved in an environment that doesn’t work for you? I empower individuals who have experienced continuous stress to get in touch with their strengths, move toward healing, and a renewed sense of agency. I am attuned to ways thoughts, feelings, and body sensations become misaligned and can support you in a shift toward more positive experiences across these areas. My practice of strengths-based and EMDR techniques help you transform depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues, so they become less challenging.
Welcome! If you are a parent, or an adult struggling with depression, anxiety or memories of painful events, I can help you. I can help you with difficult child behaviors. If your child is angry, if they are fighting in school, or has learning difficulties, I can help you. For many years, I have been investing all my professional skills and my heart into helping wonderful children and families to heal. Please, tell me about your relationship with yourself, and with the world. Please, tell me how I can support and nurture you.
Welcome! If you are a parent, or an adult struggling with depression, anxiety or memories of painful events, I can help you. I can help you with difficult child behaviors. If your child is angry, if they are fighting in school, or has learning difficulties, I can help you. For many years, I have been investing all my professional skills and my heart into helping wonderful children and families to heal. Please, tell me about your relationship with yourself, and with the world. Please, tell me how I can support and nurture you.
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or "too much". Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world, often still dealing with painful wounds from childhood or versions of their younger selves. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
People come to me because they are struggling and tired. They are struggling in their relationships with others and with themselves. Often, that includes self harm or suicidal thoughts. They might be told they tend to overreact, are dramatic, or "too much". Many are struggling with identity, how they see the world and how they see themselves in the world, often still dealing with painful wounds from childhood or versions of their younger selves. My clients want to feel more balanced and in control. People come to me because day to day tasks can be so distressing and overwhelming and they want to have a better quality of life.
Hello and welcome. Thank you for taking the time to consider working together. I am a clinical psychologist. I work with life transitions and people on a journey of self discovery and self improvement. I have specialized training to treat trauma. I have a warm and collaborative style and enjoy working with people from all walks of life.
Hello and welcome. Thank you for taking the time to consider working together. I am a clinical psychologist. I work with life transitions and people on a journey of self discovery and self improvement. I have specialized training to treat trauma. I have a warm and collaborative style and enjoy working with people from all walks of life.
More Therapists Nearby
Bren Benoit
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Pablo, CA 94806 (Online Only)
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
Many years of non-profit employment have afforded me the opportunity to work with a vast array of clients who struggle with managing symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, substance abuse, chronic mental illness, trauma, family issues, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ issues, and socio-cultural issues.
Hi. My name is Sanya Litch and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Everyone’s needs are unique. I tailor my approach accordingly to assist you in acquiring awareness, making choices, and initiating those choices to overcome challenges. Some challenges that I focus on are depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and socio-cultural issues.
Many years of non-profit employment have afforded me the opportunity to work with a vast array of clients who struggle with managing symptoms of depression, symptoms of anxiety, substance abuse, chronic mental illness, trauma, family issues, grief and loss, LGBTQ+ issues, and socio-cultural issues.
Hi. My name is Sanya Litch and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Everyone’s needs are unique. I tailor my approach accordingly to assist you in acquiring awareness, making choices, and initiating those choices to overcome challenges. Some challenges that I focus on are depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and socio-cultural issues.
Mary Ann Dawkins-Padigela
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pinole, CA 94564 (Online Only)
I am deeply committed to working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), formerly incarcerated, LGBTQ ally, non-normative relationships, trans, Law Enforcement/First Responders as well as Veteran communities.
Having trouble navigating through life? Hitting roadblocks within different relationships? Do you have doubt about your identity and worth? I am available to provide a safe, open space in which we can work collaboratively to support you in your journey of healing. I have a background of working with youth and children dealing with depression, anxiety and the throws of life. Personally I identify as a cis-female, Black and Filipina, heterosexual therapist. I have personally experienced prenatal loss/ stillbirth. I also have a background as a former LEO as well as military veteran for almost a decade.
I am deeply committed to working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color), formerly incarcerated, LGBTQ ally, non-normative relationships, trans, Law Enforcement/First Responders as well as Veteran communities.
Having trouble navigating through life? Hitting roadblocks within different relationships? Do you have doubt about your identity and worth? I am available to provide a safe, open space in which we can work collaboratively to support you in your journey of healing. I have a background of working with youth and children dealing with depression, anxiety and the throws of life. Personally I identify as a cis-female, Black and Filipina, heterosexual therapist. I have personally experienced prenatal loss/ stillbirth. I also have a background as a former LEO as well as military veteran for almost a decade.
Adults/teens, couples/relationships, and groups. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, sexuality, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. Build self awareness, self acceptance, self compassion. Strengthen your relationships and work through communication barriers. Work through trauma, get support through addiction, be present and live more fully. LGBTQ+, BIMPOC, non-monogamy, sex work competent and responsive. I come with 18+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
Adults/teens, couples/relationships, and groups. Bring your anxiety or depression, issues with identity, sexuality, life purpose and meaning, your trauma, your grief. Build self awareness, self acceptance, self compassion. Strengthen your relationships and work through communication barriers. Work through trauma, get support through addiction, be present and live more fully. LGBTQ+, BIMPOC, non-monogamy, sex work competent and responsive. I come with 18+ years of experience as a case manager, special educator, and wilderness first responder.
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
EMDR trained, culturally sensitive, clinically adept, provided in a warm, nurturing and safe environment for individuals to help facilitate their growth and development. My specialties are working with VOC, Addictions, Grief/Loss, Parent-Teen issues (Adolescents), Mood Disorders and Early on-set Psychosis Assessments. My philosophy is ..." While keeping your best interest in mind, I believe all individuals have the capacity to reach their "individual" full potential, live their lives to the fullest and maintain a healthy balance".
Why do therapy? Why embark on a relationship with someone you don't know, to talk about difficulties or challenges in your life? Sometimes, when we tell family or friends how we are feeling, they react personally or try to explain away our experiences rather than make room for them. I believe that a relationship with a therapist is one in which significant change can take place. The neutral environment of therapy provides space to explore our experiences without worrying about angering, hurting, or upsetting someone else.
Why do therapy? Why embark on a relationship with someone you don't know, to talk about difficulties or challenges in your life? Sometimes, when we tell family or friends how we are feeling, they react personally or try to explain away our experiences rather than make room for them. I believe that a relationship with a therapist is one in which significant change can take place. The neutral environment of therapy provides space to explore our experiences without worrying about angering, hurting, or upsetting someone else.
Accepting New Clients. Do you find it hard to cope with life due to relationship or career-related stress, grief, depression, childhood trauma and PTSD, unresolved family dynamics, or parenting challenges? Sometimes "feeling stuck" could be due to a recent or prior trauma or thinking that you are undeserving. Are you a couple or family who is out of sync or finding hard to communicate? Are you a First/Second generation struggling with family/culture-based expectations or trying to negotiate between 2 cultures? My style is warm, engaged & curious, and my role is to increase awareness and help you develop effective coping strategies.
Accepting New Clients. Do you find it hard to cope with life due to relationship or career-related stress, grief, depression, childhood trauma and PTSD, unresolved family dynamics, or parenting challenges? Sometimes "feeling stuck" could be due to a recent or prior trauma or thinking that you are undeserving. Are you a couple or family who is out of sync or finding hard to communicate? Are you a First/Second generation struggling with family/culture-based expectations or trying to negotiate between 2 cultures? My style is warm, engaged & curious, and my role is to increase awareness and help you develop effective coping strategies.
Rocio Elisa Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pablo, CA 94803
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
Reach Your Goal Now with Dr. Cio! Whether it is learning to love yourself, love your life, preparing for a marathon, improving your relationships, making a new relationship with a challenging diagnosis, traumatic experience, changing body, or you want to pass that big test that is holding you back from your future, I have helped thousands of people reach their goals. I would be honored to help you reach your your goal now. I also specialize in immigration evaluations and teach a course for others wanting to add to their practice.
I am a LMFT serving first responders, military and their families in the State of California. I offer counseling services to first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, dispatchers, medical professionals and their families. I educate my clients on recognizing the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, empowering them to identify intrusive thoughts, emotional detachment, relationship challenges and other symptoms commonly associated with trauma exposure. By fostering a supportive environment, I strive to promote resilience, and coping skills.
I am a LMFT serving first responders, military and their families in the State of California. I offer counseling services to first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, veterans, dispatchers, medical professionals and their families. I educate my clients on recognizing the signs of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, empowering them to identify intrusive thoughts, emotional detachment, relationship challenges and other symptoms commonly associated with trauma exposure. By fostering a supportive environment, I strive to promote resilience, and coping skills.
Jennifer Nicole Caldwell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806 (Online Only)
My work has been focused on helping others find emotional stability, process trauma, work through transitions in relationships and identity, and engage meaningfully in processing grief and loss.
I will accompany you through the work of recognizing what your mind is experiencing and learning ways to give your self more care and love so that you can embrace life, growth, and relationships with optimism, hope, care and intentions. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming space that allows you to grow, challenge, and heal so that you can live your life with authenticity, joy, and loving relationships. I am sex possible, body positive, gender affirming, and embracing of all spiritual, sexual orientation, and lifestyle communities and an ally to all who want to exist in a loving and open hearted world.
My work has been focused on helping others find emotional stability, process trauma, work through transitions in relationships and identity, and engage meaningfully in processing grief and loss.
I will accompany you through the work of recognizing what your mind is experiencing and learning ways to give your self more care and love so that you can embrace life, growth, and relationships with optimism, hope, care and intentions. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming space that allows you to grow, challenge, and heal so that you can live your life with authenticity, joy, and loving relationships. I am sex possible, body positive, gender affirming, and embracing of all spiritual, sexual orientation, and lifestyle communities and an ally to all who want to exist in a loving and open hearted world.
Larry Yavorsky Therapy & Relationship Enhancement
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RN, MA
Verified Verified
Richmond, CA 94806
Including: mindfulness training, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, somatic, transpersonal and approaches for exploring developmental patterns, & emotional triggers.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
Including: mindfulness training, hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, somatic, transpersonal and approaches for exploring developmental patterns, & emotional triggers.
You can be happier, healthier & find life more fulfilling, by engaging in therapy with Larry Yavorsky. I am LMFT and RN with 40 years of experience in the areas of enhancing individual, sexual, and relationship health and satisfaction. I invite you to call me at (510) 401-3935 for free phone consultation. My passion is to help clients explore and understand themselves, to become free of troubling symptoms and of relationship distress. Using methods which promote emotional, mental, and physical awareness and health, I have had success in treating a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety,PTSD, relationship/sexual distress.
Kathryn Buys
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, ACSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Pablo, CA 94806
If any of this resonates, even if your logical mind feels fear or hesitation, I see a potential transformation for you.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
If any of this resonates, even if your logical mind feels fear or hesitation, I see a potential transformation for you.
If you are a woman ready for more happiness, more peace, & a greater sense of choice, I am here to guide you on your way. Your depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges may be signals that something greater is around the corner. If they persist, though, it’s a good time to find someone who can re-orient you so that you’re on the path of a joyful life, a life of intention, a life where empowerment and “yes!” are within reach. I work with women who feel even just a slight spark of knowing that this path might be available. We may start with mindfulness & how to cope with the effects of trauma and depression so you can thrive.
I believe that you have unique gifts that are worth discovering and sharing with the world and that identifying with and expressing these gifts will allow you to feel whole and to heal. I believe seeking mental health support, while daunting, is one of the most rewarding, courageous, and healing decisions one can make. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice with doctoral training from UC Berkeley. I am relatable, empathic, validating, and committed to our work. I place tremendous emphasis on our alliance and believe we can learn from each other.
I believe that you have unique gifts that are worth discovering and sharing with the world and that identifying with and expressing these gifts will allow you to feel whole and to heal. I believe seeking mental health support, while daunting, is one of the most rewarding, courageous, and healing decisions one can make. I am a licensed psychologist in private practice with doctoral training from UC Berkeley. I am relatable, empathic, validating, and committed to our work. I place tremendous emphasis on our alliance and believe we can learn from each other.
Priscilla Aguirre
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hercules, CA 94547 (Online Only)
Hi! If you’re here, you’ve already shown incredible courage and resiliency. Let’s connect and explore what’s going on so I can support you in reconnecting to yourself. My role isn’t to find what’s “wrong” with you, but to understand what’s happened in a genuine, authentic way. I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and understood. I specialize in working with teens, adults & couples who’ve experienced trauma & PTSD, those navigating challenging relationship patterns, and deep thinkers who often feel misunderstood. Together, we’ll work toward healing and clarity.
Hi! If you’re here, you’ve already shown incredible courage and resiliency. Let’s connect and explore what’s going on so I can support you in reconnecting to yourself. My role isn’t to find what’s “wrong” with you, but to understand what’s happened in a genuine, authentic way. I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and understood. I specialize in working with teens, adults & couples who’ve experienced trauma & PTSD, those navigating challenging relationship patterns, and deep thinkers who often feel misunderstood. Together, we’ll work toward healing and clarity.
What I've learned most is that people just want to be heard. I see you, I hear you, Yes...You! My approach is straightforward..let's talk about it, lets get to the root of it and let's find a solution. Whether it's anxiety, depression, grief, loss, self-esteem issues, relationship concerns, prenatal or postpartum-related stressors you do not have to go through any experience alone. Finding hope and relief no longer has to seem like an impossibility.
What I've learned most is that people just want to be heard. I see you, I hear you, Yes...You! My approach is straightforward..let's talk about it, lets get to the root of it and let's find a solution. Whether it's anxiety, depression, grief, loss, self-esteem issues, relationship concerns, prenatal or postpartum-related stressors you do not have to go through any experience alone. Finding hope and relief no longer has to seem like an impossibility.
It may be a time of transition or uncertainty, I'm glad to help you in making sense of the stress and identifying a healthy response to it.
You are stressed. You can cope with a lot but you might also find yourself avoiding, numbing, distracting, or shutting down. You might be facing a crisis of identity. You might be overwhelmed with work or kids, or you might be at a trouble spot in your relationship. You might have faced trauma or abuse, that cloud your everyday behavior. You might be struggling to live your choices free of needless suffering. You might be in the middle of navigating a complicated transition. You need some help to talk through your feelings about these experiences.
It may be a time of transition or uncertainty, I'm glad to help you in making sense of the stress and identifying a healthy response to it.
You are stressed. You can cope with a lot but you might also find yourself avoiding, numbing, distracting, or shutting down. You might be facing a crisis of identity. You might be overwhelmed with work or kids, or you might be at a trouble spot in your relationship. You might have faced trauma or abuse, that cloud your everyday behavior. You might be struggling to live your choices free of needless suffering. You might be in the middle of navigating a complicated transition. You need some help to talk through your feelings about these experiences.
See more therapy options for El Sobrante
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for El Sobrante
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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.