LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Mendocino, CA
Brett Collins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendocino, CA 95460
Areas I specialize in include Early Childhood Mental Health; Social Justice (including High Control Religious Communities); and Queer, Poly & Kink identified folks.
Hi! I’m Brett (she/her) and I help people to change or improve their relationships. I am licensed in California and New Mexico and serve clients exclusively via Telehealth. My style is relaxed and collaborative. Common goals of my clients are to heal from trauma, to build or strengthen coping skills, and/or to explore their identities. As a Social Worker, I believe that therapy can be a tool for social justice and welcome clients who want to examine their privilege and/or who seek liberation from controlling relationships and oppressive environments.
Areas I specialize in include Early Childhood Mental Health; Social Justice (including High Control Religious Communities); and Queer, Poly & Kink identified folks.
Hi! I’m Brett (she/her) and I help people to change or improve their relationships. I am licensed in California and New Mexico and serve clients exclusively via Telehealth. My style is relaxed and collaborative. Common goals of my clients are to heal from trauma, to build or strengthen coping skills, and/or to explore their identities. As a Social Worker, I believe that therapy can be a tool for social justice and welcome clients who want to examine their privilege and/or who seek liberation from controlling relationships and oppressive environments.
Over years in private practice I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, interpersonal, career, and life transitions.
When choosing a therapist, experience matters. As a seasoned psychotherapist, scholar, and consultant with substantial training, I know there is no set formula for you and your situation. My holistic approach includes attention to your unique circumstance and goals including emotional, spiritual, and psychological health from a mind, body, spirit, perspective. There is no substitute for working with a professional who is fully attentive and present to what you are bringing to the experience, whom you can trust in helping you meet your goals and enhance your life quality.
Over years in private practice I have worked with individuals, couples, and families for a range of issues including depression, anxiety, interpersonal, career, and life transitions.
When choosing a therapist, experience matters. As a seasoned psychotherapist, scholar, and consultant with substantial training, I know there is no set formula for you and your situation. My holistic approach includes attention to your unique circumstance and goals including emotional, spiritual, and psychological health from a mind, body, spirit, perspective. There is no substitute for working with a professional who is fully attentive and present to what you are bringing to the experience, whom you can trust in helping you meet your goals and enhance your life quality.
Times are challenging. If you're feeling dissatisfied, depressed, unfulfilled, nervous, or disconnected from others, I can offer guidance and support. The therapy I provide is grounded in compassion, non-judgment, and curiosity. Utilizing an integrative approach, we'll find a path that works for you. Some of the issues my clients navigate: grief and loss; depression and anxiety; relationships (friends, family, romantic partners); life transitions (parenting, gender, career, marriage/divorce, menopause/mid-life); finding purpose/meaning; creating healthy boundaries; perfectionism; healing trauma (historical, childhood, etc.).
Times are challenging. If you're feeling dissatisfied, depressed, unfulfilled, nervous, or disconnected from others, I can offer guidance and support. The therapy I provide is grounded in compassion, non-judgment, and curiosity. Utilizing an integrative approach, we'll find a path that works for you. Some of the issues my clients navigate: grief and loss; depression and anxiety; relationships (friends, family, romantic partners); life transitions (parenting, gender, career, marriage/divorce, menopause/mid-life); finding purpose/meaning; creating healthy boundaries; perfectionism; healing trauma (historical, childhood, etc.).
In my forty years years in private practice as a licensed psychologist and registered expressive arts therapist, I offer therapy sessions, which weaves together expressive Arts Therapy and Jungian Psychology to individuals, adolescents and couples.This approach allows each client to understand their internal world, trauma, and obsolete styles that hinder their growth and happiness as it opens up new possibilities, resources and creativity to address life issues.As a result of this approach, clients also define what is meaningful to maintain their healing and growth. .
In my forty years years in private practice as a licensed psychologist and registered expressive arts therapist, I offer therapy sessions, which weaves together expressive Arts Therapy and Jungian Psychology to individuals, adolescents and couples.This approach allows each client to understand their internal world, trauma, and obsolete styles that hinder their growth and happiness as it opens up new possibilities, resources and creativity to address life issues.As a result of this approach, clients also define what is meaningful to maintain their healing and growth. .
My goal is to help you to meet your own goals - whether that means successfully navigating the complex challenges of life in the here and now or dealing with issues from the past. Specializing in Couples work & Trauma (both complex and single-incident), my approach is compassionate, supportive and, when appropriate, direct and active. In addition to specific treatment approaches like EMDR I also offer a wide mixture of therapeutic approaches from family systems to gestalt to mindfulness practices.
My goal is to help you to meet your own goals - whether that means successfully navigating the complex challenges of life in the here and now or dealing with issues from the past. Specializing in Couples work & Trauma (both complex and single-incident), my approach is compassionate, supportive and, when appropriate, direct and active. In addition to specific treatment approaches like EMDR I also offer a wide mixture of therapeutic approaches from family systems to gestalt to mindfulness practices.
Welcome. You may have come here because you are feeling confused or sad. Perhaps you are reaching a point in your life when you are asking existential questions or simply wish to find ways to feel better and to cope with uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Each individual has an original journey to make and every therapeutic relationship is unique. I would like to accompany you and help you discover your inner world and learn practical approaches to regulate your emotions and manage stress. I treat a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders and other forms of psychic imbalance.
Welcome. You may have come here because you are feeling confused or sad. Perhaps you are reaching a point in your life when you are asking existential questions or simply wish to find ways to feel better and to cope with uncomfortable thoughts and emotions. Each individual has an original journey to make and every therapeutic relationship is unique. I would like to accompany you and help you discover your inner world and learn practical approaches to regulate your emotions and manage stress. I treat a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, addiction, eating disorders and other forms of psychic imbalance.
Jill Ann Ruppel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mendocino, CA 95460
Hello, thanks for stopping in! I believe that most pain and anxiety is rooted in attachment trauma from child-caregiver relationships. I utilize the therapeutic relationship to create a secure attachment where client's can access their authentic selves and find inner peace. I work with client's from all backgrounds and ages who are wanting to do the deep work to create better relationships with themselves and others. I use an integrative, holistic approach to help client's learn to take care of their mind, body, and soul.
Hello, thanks for stopping in! I believe that most pain and anxiety is rooted in attachment trauma from child-caregiver relationships. I utilize the therapeutic relationship to create a secure attachment where client's can access their authentic selves and find inner peace. I work with client's from all backgrounds and ages who are wanting to do the deep work to create better relationships with themselves and others. I use an integrative, holistic approach to help client's learn to take care of their mind, body, and soul.
Giovanna Pagano
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mendocino, CA 95460
Not accepting new clients
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered: I view therapy as a co-creative process in which we collaborate to meet your goals. I believe you already have the internal resources you need to heal and grow, and I am a guide. In addition to talk therapy, I utilize mind-body processes to draw out your inner strengths and resources, and to release stuck patterns that no longer serve you. My clinical interests are working with life transitions, decision-making, changing habit patterns, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, couples communication, and personal and spiritual growth.
My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and client-centered: I view therapy as a co-creative process in which we collaborate to meet your goals. I believe you already have the internal resources you need to heal and grow, and I am a guide. In addition to talk therapy, I utilize mind-body processes to draw out your inner strengths and resources, and to release stuck patterns that no longer serve you. My clinical interests are working with life transitions, decision-making, changing habit patterns, trauma, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, parenting challenges, couples communication, and personal and spiritual growth.
Michael Phillips Rice
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT, MC
Verified Verified
Mendocino, CA 95460
Not accepting new clients
I’m opening a new practice emphasizing a holistic approach. I specialize in treating trauma. A safe and relaxing container and integration are key and my clients feel comfortable and relaxed with me quickly. 20 years as a MFT and over 40 years practicing other therapies give me the tools that make my therapy effective. I offer guided relaxation and imagery, Soulwork and Alchemical hypnotherapy to allow a quick access to the subconscious and conscious contact with your High Self. This is Parts Work, similar to IFS. Also the latest in trauma relief exercises .
I’m opening a new practice emphasizing a holistic approach. I specialize in treating trauma. A safe and relaxing container and integration are key and my clients feel comfortable and relaxed with me quickly. 20 years as a MFT and over 40 years practicing other therapies give me the tools that make my therapy effective. I offer guided relaxation and imagery, Soulwork and Alchemical hypnotherapy to allow a quick access to the subconscious and conscious contact with your High Self. This is Parts Work, similar to IFS. Also the latest in trauma relief exercises .
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We are facing a challenging, unprecedented time with the pandemic. Routines are changing, family dynamics are shifting, jobs are being lost, We are all under inordinate stress trying to create new routines for ourselves, our families, learning how to connect with others across computer screens. Many of us are grieving losses of jobs, careers, financial stability, life cycle events like weddings, even attending funerals, sitting shivas over video. We all need support. . Please reach out. You do not need to shoulder the stresses alone. I am here to support you as you journey through these uncharted territories.
We are facing a challenging, unprecedented time with the pandemic. Routines are changing, family dynamics are shifting, jobs are being lost, We are all under inordinate stress trying to create new routines for ourselves, our families, learning how to connect with others across computer screens. Many of us are grieving losses of jobs, careers, financial stability, life cycle events like weddings, even attending funerals, sitting shivas over video. We all need support. . Please reach out. You do not need to shoulder the stresses alone. I am here to support you as you journey through these uncharted territories.
Sarah Quesnell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Bragg, CA 95437 (Online Only)
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”- Joseph Campbell. Welcome! Servicios en español. Services en français. I’m passionate about helping people achieve transformation and well-being during challenging times in life. Over the years, many of my clients have shared with me that they’ve benefited from my ability to deeply listen, and to hold space for them during their most difficult moments. I’m so honored by this feedback. It serves as my inspiration to continue to assist in facilitating change and relief for my clients.
“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”- Joseph Campbell. Welcome! Servicios en español. Services en français. I’m passionate about helping people achieve transformation and well-being during challenging times in life. Over the years, many of my clients have shared with me that they’ve benefited from my ability to deeply listen, and to hold space for them during their most difficult moments. I’m so honored by this feedback. It serves as my inspiration to continue to assist in facilitating change and relief for my clients.
Creating Connections Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Albion, CA 95410
Now that you have organized your space let's get started on your mind! With our world changing every moment and with all this uncertainty I am offering online and phone sessions to new and existing clients. If you are having trouble with being in the same space with your loved ones, we can help with individual and group video sessions. We can help make your time together healthy and productive. Call now
Now that you have organized your space let's get started on your mind! With our world changing every moment and with all this uncertainty I am offering online and phone sessions to new and existing clients. If you are having trouble with being in the same space with your loved ones, we can help with individual and group video sessions. We can help make your time together healthy and productive. Call now
Hannah-Leigh Bull
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Waitlist for new clients
Do you seek greater influence over life? Have people and experiences clouded your vision of meaningful life participation? My collaborative approach to therapy respects you as ultimate authority in your life and the one who knows yourself best; you can integrate holistic well-being, on physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and ethical areas of life. You can work to resolve trauma and unrest from depression, anxiety, and anger. Trauma resolution, couple and familial relationships, codependency, compromised attachment, destructive narcissism, and harassment are areas of focus in my practice.
Do you seek greater influence over life? Have people and experiences clouded your vision of meaningful life participation? My collaborative approach to therapy respects you as ultimate authority in your life and the one who knows yourself best; you can integrate holistic well-being, on physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and ethical areas of life. You can work to resolve trauma and unrest from depression, anxiety, and anger. Trauma resolution, couple and familial relationships, codependency, compromised attachment, destructive narcissism, and harassment are areas of focus in my practice.
I'm a geek for self-discovery and making room for building new foundations. I continue to be passionate about cultivating self-acceptance and also being authentic even if it means making hard choices. I have had my own trauma and mental health path and work hard to learn from these experiences. While no one is the same, my experiences inform who I am as a person and as a psychotherapist. You're the boss of your one precious life. I will be in your corner to provide a clear mirror for you. You know more than you think you know about where you've been and where you're headed.
I'm a geek for self-discovery and making room for building new foundations. I continue to be passionate about cultivating self-acceptance and also being authentic even if it means making hard choices. I have had my own trauma and mental health path and work hard to learn from these experiences. While no one is the same, my experiences inform who I am as a person and as a psychotherapist. You're the boss of your one precious life. I will be in your corner to provide a clear mirror for you. You know more than you think you know about where you've been and where you're headed.
Therapy doesn't have to be a serious, scary or daunting process. In therapy with me, you will feel comfortable and supported while receiving the support and tools you need to meet your goals and move forward. I have been a licensed clinician for 15 years and, in that time, have loved working with clients who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, life stress and life transitions including parenthood, career changes, going to college and relationship changes and peer concerns just to name a few.
Therapy doesn't have to be a serious, scary or daunting process. In therapy with me, you will feel comfortable and supported while receiving the support and tools you need to meet your goals and move forward. I have been a licensed clinician for 15 years and, in that time, have loved working with clients who struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, life stress and life transitions including parenthood, career changes, going to college and relationship changes and peer concerns just to name a few.
I offer a unique approach to traditional counseling, combining Jungian psychology with insights from neuroscience. My work spans two key domains: conditions rooted in psychological symptoms and those with a neurophysiological basis. This distinction is drawn from my extensive experience in both counseling and analyzing the human EEG (brainwaves). In our work together, I blend talk therapy with the potential benefits of neurofeedback. While we explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences through traditional therapy, we can also analyze and train your brain’s neural pathways to promote self-regulation and healing.
I offer a unique approach to traditional counseling, combining Jungian psychology with insights from neuroscience. My work spans two key domains: conditions rooted in psychological symptoms and those with a neurophysiological basis. This distinction is drawn from my extensive experience in both counseling and analyzing the human EEG (brainwaves). In our work together, I blend talk therapy with the potential benefits of neurofeedback. While we explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences through traditional therapy, we can also analyze and train your brain’s neural pathways to promote self-regulation and healing.
Susan Sklar
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
I believe there is a solution to every "problem." I am solution focused and look at the individual as a complete human being with everything needed to be happy and successful right inside. I operate from a wellness model rather than a disease model. Being an adult means taking accountability for what does not benefit one under one's own skin. I take a humanistic, cognitive approach focusing on skills grounded in mindfulness and self-observation. With new insights and skills, we can operate from love instead of fear, from the present moment instead of childhood belief systems, with compassion instead of defenses and blame.
I believe there is a solution to every "problem." I am solution focused and look at the individual as a complete human being with everything needed to be happy and successful right inside. I operate from a wellness model rather than a disease model. Being an adult means taking accountability for what does not benefit one under one's own skin. I take a humanistic, cognitive approach focusing on skills grounded in mindfulness and self-observation. With new insights and skills, we can operate from love instead of fear, from the present moment instead of childhood belief systems, with compassion instead of defenses and blame.
Kamala Horwitz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Beginning therapy is a positive step towards changing the way life is experienced. Someone may have challenges in relationships, may have experienced trauma, may not feel a sense of purpose, may feel sadness or fear. It is healing to be seen, heard and accepted and this is what I offer. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust and safety. Working with clients to explore thoughts, feelings and life experiences paves the way for healing, growth and a chance to live life more authentically. Self-compassion and vulnerability can lead to more connection with oneself and others while feeling less alone in the world.
Beginning therapy is a positive step towards changing the way life is experienced. Someone may have challenges in relationships, may have experienced trauma, may not feel a sense of purpose, may feel sadness or fear. It is healing to be seen, heard and accepted and this is what I offer. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust and safety. Working with clients to explore thoughts, feelings and life experiences paves the way for healing, growth and a chance to live life more authentically. Self-compassion and vulnerability can lead to more connection with oneself and others while feeling less alone in the world.
Grace Marie Sakurada
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Not accepting new clients
A person who would benefit from my services may feel anxious or nervous about reaching out to a therapist, as asking for help is a very difficult thing to do. They may struggle with anxiety and depression on a regular basis. They may be unsure about what symptoms they are experiencing, but they just feel "off". This person may or may not have a history of traumatic experiences. This person will likely be seeking a way to organize/experience/work through thoughts and feelings enough to increase their overall health and enjoyment in their lives.
A person who would benefit from my services may feel anxious or nervous about reaching out to a therapist, as asking for help is a very difficult thing to do. They may struggle with anxiety and depression on a regular basis. They may be unsure about what symptoms they are experiencing, but they just feel "off". This person may or may not have a history of traumatic experiences. This person will likely be seeking a way to organize/experience/work through thoughts and feelings enough to increase their overall health and enjoyment in their lives.
No one chooses to struggle. We don’t decide to get depressed or anxious. Difficulties in close relationships aren’t wished for. Low self-esteem isn’t a preference. We come about these struggles honestly, often from legacies of trauma or adversity, or more subtle, but still difficult developmental contexts. Often, it’s the skillful adaptation to these less-than-ideal contexts that causes us the most struggle. Anxious hypervigilance and mistrust are protective in dangerous contexts. Avoiding our emotions and avoiding seeking support are protective when others reject our bids for care. And, yet, unlearning what protected us is hard.
No one chooses to struggle. We don’t decide to get depressed or anxious. Difficulties in close relationships aren’t wished for. Low self-esteem isn’t a preference. We come about these struggles honestly, often from legacies of trauma or adversity, or more subtle, but still difficult developmental contexts. Often, it’s the skillful adaptation to these less-than-ideal contexts that causes us the most struggle. Anxious hypervigilance and mistrust are protective in dangerous contexts. Avoiding our emotions and avoiding seeking support are protective when others reject our bids for care. And, yet, unlearning what protected us is hard.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Mendocino
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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.