LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Wellesley Hills, MA
Brielle Finer, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Not only do I love working with folks courageous enough to work on their issues, I have a particular passion for helping queer individuals understand how personal trauma and larger systems impact your ability to live a full life.
Do you often feel down, lost, or confused about why you feel the way you do? At night, do you replay the events of the day over and over? Maybe you feel confused about who you really are. Facing trauma and PTSD or oppressive systems can leave us feeling stuck, trapped in depression or isolated, unsure of how to live the life we want. You want more. You want to understand yourself and your life better, taking positive steps forward. You want to get a better grasp of your true identity. You want to get to a place where you can embrace your authentic self, feel connected to yourself and to and to the world around you.
Not only do I love working with folks courageous enough to work on their issues, I have a particular passion for helping queer individuals understand how personal trauma and larger systems impact your ability to live a full life.
Do you often feel down, lost, or confused about why you feel the way you do? At night, do you replay the events of the day over and over? Maybe you feel confused about who you really are. Facing trauma and PTSD or oppressive systems can leave us feeling stuck, trapped in depression or isolated, unsure of how to live the life we want. You want more. You want to understand yourself and your life better, taking positive steps forward. You want to get a better grasp of your true identity. You want to get to a place where you can embrace your authentic self, feel connected to yourself and to and to the world around you.
Susan Severson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Hello, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts (LICSW/LCSW). I earned a Master of Social Work degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work in Independent Clinical Practice and Health Care Specialization from Aurora University in 2016. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and received my CADC in 2021. I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, LGBTQ+ issues, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, loneliness, ADHD, OCD, and substance abuse.
Hello, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois, Florida, and Massachusetts (LICSW/LCSW). I earned a Master of Social Work degree in Advanced Clinical Social Work in Independent Clinical Practice and Health Care Specialization from Aurora University in 2016. I am a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor and received my CADC in 2021. I have experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress, LGBTQ+ issues, imposter syndrome, low self-esteem, perfectionism, grief, loneliness, ADHD, OCD, and substance abuse.
Liz Marshall: Emdr Intensives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
Waitlist for new clients
Prior experience has been supporting individuals navigating sexual trauma, DV/IPV, clergy/spiritual abuse, purity culture deconstruction, chronic pain, medical trauma, LGBTQIA+ matters, vicarious trauma, and grief.
My approach as a therapist is relational & warm & I deeply honor the intentional time set aside by each of my clients to engage in the courageous work of change. As a trauma-informed provider, I work to co-create a compassionate and non-judgmental space & value offering clients transparency, power, & choice in our work together. Clients have shared that our work together has empowered them to feel safer in their bodies & emotions, set healthier boundaries & advocate for their needs, understand origins of beliefs & behaviors, create space to discover & practice new responses, & ultimately reclaim agency in their voice & life story.
Prior experience has been supporting individuals navigating sexual trauma, DV/IPV, clergy/spiritual abuse, purity culture deconstruction, chronic pain, medical trauma, LGBTQIA+ matters, vicarious trauma, and grief.
My approach as a therapist is relational & warm & I deeply honor the intentional time set aside by each of my clients to engage in the courageous work of change. As a trauma-informed provider, I work to co-create a compassionate and non-judgmental space & value offering clients transparency, power, & choice in our work together. Clients have shared that our work together has empowered them to feel safer in their bodies & emotions, set healthier boundaries & advocate for their needs, understand origins of beliefs & behaviors, create space to discover & practice new responses, & ultimately reclaim agency in their voice & life story.
Accepting new clients for fall 2024. I am a licensed counselor who provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I have over 25 years experience with a range of issues concerning relationships, anxiety, life transitions, dating, stress, infidelity, betrayal trauma, sexuality, school admissions, LGBTQ+ issues, co-dependency, divorce, elder issues, work, and education. I provide a safe place to share concerns, develop coping strategies, and to discover inner resources that we may not have known were there. The "Goodness of Fit" between client and therapist, and the treatment modality is important to initiate results.
Accepting new clients for fall 2024. I am a licensed counselor who provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families. I have over 25 years experience with a range of issues concerning relationships, anxiety, life transitions, dating, stress, infidelity, betrayal trauma, sexuality, school admissions, LGBTQ+ issues, co-dependency, divorce, elder issues, work, and education. I provide a safe place to share concerns, develop coping strategies, and to discover inner resources that we may not have known were there. The "Goodness of Fit" between client and therapist, and the treatment modality is important to initiate results.
Kate Monaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
You are brave for being here. You have done your best as a parent, and yet your child is still struggling. It hurts to see them beating themselves down, and selling themselves short when you know who they are at their best. You've heard them say "I'm not good enough," "no one understands me," or "things would be better if I weren't here." Maybe they've turned to self harm to manage their emotions. You want to protect them, help them heal, and show them the beauty you see when you look at them.
You are brave for being here. You have done your best as a parent, and yet your child is still struggling. It hurts to see them beating themselves down, and selling themselves short when you know who they are at their best. You've heard them say "I'm not good enough," "no one understands me," or "things would be better if I weren't here." Maybe they've turned to self harm to manage their emotions. You want to protect them, help them heal, and show them the beauty you see when you look at them.
Relational Life Therapist. Cross cultural therapist. I help couples (and other dyads) get to the source of their issues and learn how to create the relationship they long for. Some dyads that see me may be on the brink of relationship rupture and dissolution. Some may be stuck having the same arguments with the same lack of progress and feel like Sisyphus with his boulder. Some may be ahead of the game and seek therapy before they ruin a good thing. All of them want to learn healthy relationship habits that stick. The individual clients I see often struggle with spiritual questions, self acceptance, and/or relationships.
Relational Life Therapist. Cross cultural therapist. I help couples (and other dyads) get to the source of their issues and learn how to create the relationship they long for. Some dyads that see me may be on the brink of relationship rupture and dissolution. Some may be stuck having the same arguments with the same lack of progress and feel like Sisyphus with his boulder. Some may be ahead of the game and seek therapy before they ruin a good thing. All of them want to learn healthy relationship habits that stick. The individual clients I see often struggle with spiritual questions, self acceptance, and/or relationships.
Currently accepting referrals! I provide individuals with the space to process challenges and help them identify and address the barriers impeding growth (unhelpful thinking styles, behaviors, relationship patterns, etc). I utilize interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, and offer flexibility when needed to meet people where they are and address individual needs. I currently work with adolescents (13-17) and adults (18-60). My overall goal for family therapy is to improve communication, understanding, and connection between family members.
Currently accepting referrals! I provide individuals with the space to process challenges and help them identify and address the barriers impeding growth (unhelpful thinking styles, behaviors, relationship patterns, etc). I utilize interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy, and offer flexibility when needed to meet people where they are and address individual needs. I currently work with adolescents (13-17) and adults (18-60). My overall goal for family therapy is to improve communication, understanding, and connection between family members.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, offering individual psychotherapy to adults who may find themselves stuck, dissatisfied, or overwhelmed. I view therapy as a collaborative and active process, with the aims of better understanding one's distress and interpersonal difficulties, and improving one's quality of life. I am committed to helping my clients live more meaningful and authentic lives. I am skilled in the use of empirically supported treatments for psychological problems and I employ these strategies flexibly, with the goal of tailoring each client's treatment to his/her/their individual concerns and unique history.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, offering individual psychotherapy to adults who may find themselves stuck, dissatisfied, or overwhelmed. I view therapy as a collaborative and active process, with the aims of better understanding one's distress and interpersonal difficulties, and improving one's quality of life. I am committed to helping my clients live more meaningful and authentic lives. I am skilled in the use of empirically supported treatments for psychological problems and I employ these strategies flexibly, with the goal of tailoring each client's treatment to his/her/their individual concerns and unique history.
Cara Colgate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
I am an IFS Level 1 & Level 2 trained therapist. IFS- Internalized Family Systems Therapy is a leading evidence based model that allows one to heal internally and live a more fulfilling joyous life. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or dissatisfied at home, school, work, or in an important relationship. You may be feeling like your life is not going how you had hoped or expected. If you're supporting a kid or partner who is struggling, you probably feel lonely, frustrated and discouraged. These are some of the difficulties that bring people to my office.
I am an IFS Level 1 & Level 2 trained therapist. IFS- Internalized Family Systems Therapy is a leading evidence based model that allows one to heal internally and live a more fulfilling joyous life. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed or dissatisfied at home, school, work, or in an important relationship. You may be feeling like your life is not going how you had hoped or expected. If you're supporting a kid or partner who is struggling, you probably feel lonely, frustrated and discouraged. These are some of the difficulties that bring people to my office.
I am a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts with nearly a decade of clinical experience working with a range of people who have complicated backgrounds and experiences, including trauma. I counsel adults, couples, parents, families, pre-teens, adolescents and veterans. At its core, my style is warm and empathic. I will also take an active and engaged stance in order to challenge my clients' limiting beliefs. Ultimately, I focus on helping clients alleviate their pain and suffering so they can find their potential and live life fully.
I am a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts with nearly a decade of clinical experience working with a range of people who have complicated backgrounds and experiences, including trauma. I counsel adults, couples, parents, families, pre-teens, adolescents and veterans. At its core, my style is warm and empathic. I will also take an active and engaged stance in order to challenge my clients' limiting beliefs. Ultimately, I focus on helping clients alleviate their pain and suffering so they can find their potential and live life fully.
As a psychologist, I offer individual therapy for adults and college students. I am warm, engaged, and collaborative. Together we create realization, connection, and understanding that lead to deep and lasting change. My clients want to improve quality of life, strengthen relationships, and create their lives with intention. We will collaborate to reduce anxiety, improve your relationship with food, cope with fertility struggles, and recover from trauma. I am also certified to treat Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I truly enjoy working with anyone who wants to reflect on, and grow from, the inevitable challenges life presents.
As a psychologist, I offer individual therapy for adults and college students. I am warm, engaged, and collaborative. Together we create realization, connection, and understanding that lead to deep and lasting change. My clients want to improve quality of life, strengthen relationships, and create their lives with intention. We will collaborate to reduce anxiety, improve your relationship with food, cope with fertility struggles, and recover from trauma. I am also certified to treat Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I truly enjoy working with anyone who wants to reflect on, and grow from, the inevitable challenges life presents.
15 Second Videos
Brielle Finer, LCSW
Susan Severson
Kate Lipman
Marianne Brandon
Kate Lipman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
I'm warmly accepting new online clients across Massachusetts! All-or-nothing thinking. Predicting the worst possible outcome will come true. Self-defeating behaviors and judgmental views about yourself. If these negative thought patterns and behaviors are familiar and if they fuel anxiety or depression in you, there’s good news! Those thoughts and behaviors can be changed, and you can experience a much brighter outlook and greater joy and self-worth. You can build your ability to manage life’s challenges with a self-assured belief in your own capabilities.
I'm warmly accepting new online clients across Massachusetts! All-or-nothing thinking. Predicting the worst possible outcome will come true. Self-defeating behaviors and judgmental views about yourself. If these negative thought patterns and behaviors are familiar and if they fuel anxiety or depression in you, there’s good news! Those thoughts and behaviors can be changed, and you can experience a much brighter outlook and greater joy and self-worth. You can build your ability to manage life’s challenges with a self-assured belief in your own capabilities.
As a clinician, I work with individuals, couples, and groups to help people live fuller, healthier, more connected lives. My approach to counseling is collaborative and curious. And I draw on several clinical frameworks to meet clients’ needs. Above all, I see therapy as a working relationship – which is to say, a relationship that works. What works is unique to every client. My job is to co-discover the specific ways the therapy relationship can help a client alleviate suffering, meet challenges, and thrive.
As a clinician, I work with individuals, couples, and groups to help people live fuller, healthier, more connected lives. My approach to counseling is collaborative and curious. And I draw on several clinical frameworks to meet clients’ needs. Above all, I see therapy as a working relationship – which is to say, a relationship that works. What works is unique to every client. My job is to co-discover the specific ways the therapy relationship can help a client alleviate suffering, meet challenges, and thrive.
Martha C Pedersen
Counselor, MLA, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients. Therapy can be hard to start but it’s so rewarding. Anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and ADHD are my specialities. These things can cause all kinds of discomfort in everyday life - feeling nervous, overwhelmed, unsure of yourself, and disconnected. But this doesn’t have to be a way of life. Instead, you can feel comfortable in your own skin, confident in what you have to offer and at peace with who you are and what you’ve been through. You can make sense of your life and feel good about yourself.
I am currently accepting new clients. Therapy can be hard to start but it’s so rewarding. Anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and ADHD are my specialities. These things can cause all kinds of discomfort in everyday life - feeling nervous, overwhelmed, unsure of yourself, and disconnected. But this doesn’t have to be a way of life. Instead, you can feel comfortable in your own skin, confident in what you have to offer and at peace with who you are and what you’ve been through. You can make sense of your life and feel good about yourself.
Sophia Fleming
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SEP
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Sophia Fleming, LCSW, SEP offers virtual counseling sessions for adults throughout Massachusetts who are yearning to experience more peace and more joy in their lives. Typically, when one seeks counseling, he or she feels "stuck". Sophia has a knack for guiding clients to untangle the pieces. Sophia has had the honor of working and training at The Meadows, a world-renowned treatment center, and has received training from world-renowned therapists Pia Mellody on codependency, love addiction/ love avoidance, and inner child work, Claudia Black focusing on couples therapy, and Peter Levine developer of Somatic Experiencing.
Sophia Fleming, LCSW, SEP offers virtual counseling sessions for adults throughout Massachusetts who are yearning to experience more peace and more joy in their lives. Typically, when one seeks counseling, he or she feels "stuck". Sophia has a knack for guiding clients to untangle the pieces. Sophia has had the honor of working and training at The Meadows, a world-renowned treatment center, and has received training from world-renowned therapists Pia Mellody on codependency, love addiction/ love avoidance, and inner child work, Claudia Black focusing on couples therapy, and Peter Levine developer of Somatic Experiencing.
Erin Kuehn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CAGS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Hi! I hope that you find this information helpful. Cultivating health, healing & change guides my work as a clinical social worker. As your therapist, I can provide you with a supportive & collaborative partnership to help with your current circumstances & propel you toward your goals. Through connection and compassion, you will be able to increase your self-awareness & make choices about how you want to respond to your experiences. Using various resources & strategies, you will be an active participant in your treatment and develop the skills you need to provide yourself with effective self-care.
Hi! I hope that you find this information helpful. Cultivating health, healing & change guides my work as a clinical social worker. As your therapist, I can provide you with a supportive & collaborative partnership to help with your current circumstances & propel you toward your goals. Through connection and compassion, you will be able to increase your self-awareness & make choices about how you want to respond to your experiences. Using various resources & strategies, you will be an active participant in your treatment and develop the skills you need to provide yourself with effective self-care.
*NOT CURRENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS* Welcome to my psychology practice. Intimate relationships are challenging for just about everyone. Keeping a passionate connection alive over time requires unique skills, persistence and determination. I work with individuals and couples who wish to deepen emotional or sexual intimacy, improve communication, strengthen their romantic bond, heal from affairs, and folks who feel addicted to pornography or other sexual outlets, as well as depression, irritability, anxiety, etc. Probably the best way to get a sense of me quickly is to read my Psychology Today blog, The Future of Intimacy.
*NOT CURRENTLY TAKING NEW CLIENTS* Welcome to my psychology practice. Intimate relationships are challenging for just about everyone. Keeping a passionate connection alive over time requires unique skills, persistence and determination. I work with individuals and couples who wish to deepen emotional or sexual intimacy, improve communication, strengthen their romantic bond, heal from affairs, and folks who feel addicted to pornography or other sexual outlets, as well as depression, irritability, anxiety, etc. Probably the best way to get a sense of me quickly is to read my Psychology Today blog, The Future of Intimacy.
Note: my practice is full at this time. I provide psychotherapy to adults 18+ and my approach is to balance warmth and humor with feedback and direction. I often work with individuals experiencing anxiety, loneliness, relationship struggles, and transitions. Young adults in college or graduate school are an age with whom I have extensive experience. Parenting children with special needs, and cross racial intimate relationships, are specialties as well. Regardless of what brings you here, my goal is for you to feel understood and accepted as you are today, while hopeful about the changes you seek.
Note: my practice is full at this time. I provide psychotherapy to adults 18+ and my approach is to balance warmth and humor with feedback and direction. I often work with individuals experiencing anxiety, loneliness, relationship struggles, and transitions. Young adults in college or graduate school are an age with whom I have extensive experience. Parenting children with special needs, and cross racial intimate relationships, are specialties as well. Regardless of what brings you here, my goal is for you to feel understood and accepted as you are today, while hopeful about the changes you seek.
Dr. Ava Floyd
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Have you found yourself feeling like you just can't find your place, voice, or make space for yourself despite working hard? Have comments and micro aggressions left you feeling like you are at a loss for your next steps? Building a space where your unique identity is centered and prioritized is where our work begins. Dr. Floyd's work is primarily with people who want to reduce their depression or anxiety, improve relationships with family or peers, process racial and sexual trauma, and find more authentic ways to express their identity.
Have you found yourself feeling like you just can't find your place, voice, or make space for yourself despite working hard? Have comments and micro aggressions left you feeling like you are at a loss for your next steps? Building a space where your unique identity is centered and prioritized is where our work begins. Dr. Floyd's work is primarily with people who want to reduce their depression or anxiety, improve relationships with family or peers, process racial and sexual trauma, and find more authentic ways to express their identity.
More Therapists Nearby
I enjoy working with couples, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of color, children, families, those of various cultural backgrounds, those with anxiety and depression, and those navigating life stressors or geographic moves. I like working with clients who are ready to work authentically on stated goals.
I enjoy working with couples, the LGBTQIA+ community, women, people of color, children, families, those of various cultural backgrounds, those with anxiety and depression, and those navigating life stressors or geographic moves. I like working with clients who are ready to work authentically on stated goals.
See more therapy options for Wellesley Hills
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Wellesley Hills
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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.