LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Suttons Bay, MI
Zane Schwaiger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LLC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
In my work with couples and families, I provide a warm, non-judgmental presence to help you share your story, make discoveries, and meet your goals. I have a particular passion for helping couples, and I also work with individuals of all ages. I see family members as part of a connected system, and I honor each person's need for belonging and independence within their closest relationships. My background in education and love for the natural world shape my connection with clients.
In my work with couples and families, I provide a warm, non-judgmental presence to help you share your story, make discoveries, and meet your goals. I have a particular passion for helping couples, and I also work with individuals of all ages. I see family members as part of a connected system, and I honor each person's need for belonging and independence within their closest relationships. My background in education and love for the natural world shape my connection with clients.
Cierra Bengel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LISW
Verified Verified
Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (Online Only)
We all deserve to have our feelings and experiences validated, valued, and held; however, we often feel like we have unmet needs, that we aren’t seen or understood. This is particularly true for those of us who are caregivers. Our parents, elders, teachers, healthcare providers, people of color, femme folks, and those with many other identities hold so much in our society. While these responsibilities can be beautiful, they are often overwhelming as we navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, struggles with attachment and connection, and other stressors.
We all deserve to have our feelings and experiences validated, valued, and held; however, we often feel like we have unmet needs, that we aren’t seen or understood. This is particularly true for those of us who are caregivers. Our parents, elders, teachers, healthcare providers, people of color, femme folks, and those with many other identities hold so much in our society. While these responsibilities can be beautiful, they are often overwhelming as we navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, struggles with attachment and connection, and other stressors.
I strongly believe in the transformative power of relationships and recognize that change often occurs through meaningful connections. Specializing in working with individuals experiencing mood changes during the perinatal period, I focus on fertility/conception, adoption, pregnancy and infant loss, postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I approach my work with intentionality and flexibility, embracing imperfections and validating the complexities of life and the systems individuals navigate. I empower my clients to navigate challenges and embrace their resilience, firmly believing that we can do hard things.
I strongly believe in the transformative power of relationships and recognize that change often occurs through meaningful connections. Specializing in working with individuals experiencing mood changes during the perinatal period, I focus on fertility/conception, adoption, pregnancy and infant loss, postpartum depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. I approach my work with intentionality and flexibility, embracing imperfections and validating the complexities of life and the systems individuals navigate. I empower my clients to navigate challenges and embrace their resilience, firmly believing that we can do hard things.
Welcome! Are you ready to unburden from ingrained patterns, heal trauma wounds, and welcome joy, connectedness, and wonderment into your life? I can help. I'm an attachment-focused and trauma-informed psychotherapist with a curious mind, open heart, and hearty sense of humor. I believe that therapy should feel nourishing and meaningful - and the effects should be transformative. As a Narrative, Mindfulness, Sandtray, and IFS trained therapist, I helps clients “re-author” their lives — often using experiential and expressive arts activities or guided ‘parts’ exercises in order to make space for new ways of thinking and understanding.
Welcome! Are you ready to unburden from ingrained patterns, heal trauma wounds, and welcome joy, connectedness, and wonderment into your life? I can help. I'm an attachment-focused and trauma-informed psychotherapist with a curious mind, open heart, and hearty sense of humor. I believe that therapy should feel nourishing and meaningful - and the effects should be transformative. As a Narrative, Mindfulness, Sandtray, and IFS trained therapist, I helps clients “re-author” their lives — often using experiential and expressive arts activities or guided ‘parts’ exercises in order to make space for new ways of thinking and understanding.
Life is about feeling our feelings, processing our experiences, overcoming hurdles and truly LIVING our lives in abundance. These elements contribute to living in the present with our whole hearts. My practice is called LIVE TRUE. I am always being lured to living true. To myself. To others. And to an abundant life. The Live True motto: Summoning strength and beauty. Igniting courage and compassion. May we all pursue what it means to truly LIVE! I offer individual and group counseling. Specialties include single mothers, teenagers, divorce, grief, loss, trauma, relationships, life transitions and career-related issues.
Life is about feeling our feelings, processing our experiences, overcoming hurdles and truly LIVING our lives in abundance. These elements contribute to living in the present with our whole hearts. My practice is called LIVE TRUE. I am always being lured to living true. To myself. To others. And to an abundant life. The Live True motto: Summoning strength and beauty. Igniting courage and compassion. May we all pursue what it means to truly LIVE! I offer individual and group counseling. Specialties include single mothers, teenagers, divorce, grief, loss, trauma, relationships, life transitions and career-related issues.
Kari Schmidt LPC, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MHIMP, CCATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suttons Bay, MI 49682 (Online Only)
Providing inclusive and affirming care to individuals across all populations throughout the state of Michigan. Kari started her work in 2012 in providing trauma informed therapy with adolescents and adults. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in providing treatment for a wide range of areas including complex trauma, emotion management, attachment, gender identity, neurodivergence and maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
Providing inclusive and affirming care to individuals across all populations throughout the state of Michigan. Kari started her work in 2012 in providing trauma informed therapy with adolescents and adults. She is highly knowledgeable and experienced in providing treatment for a wide range of areas including complex trauma, emotion management, attachment, gender identity, neurodivergence and maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
You are taking a courageous first step towards finding relief and feeling like yourself again. I believe through a safe and supporting relationship, healing and growth can happen. I am specialized in areas around women's health and mental health experiences, including perinatal wellness( pregnancy, birth and postpartum), attachment, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss. Parenthood and the path to parenthood releases symptoms we never expected, and old wounds that we never thought would surface and rupture. I believe mental health is your intrinsic right. You deserve to be seen, to be heard, and to be well.
You are taking a courageous first step towards finding relief and feeling like yourself again. I believe through a safe and supporting relationship, healing and growth can happen. I am specialized in areas around women's health and mental health experiences, including perinatal wellness( pregnancy, birth and postpartum), attachment, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss. Parenthood and the path to parenthood releases symptoms we never expected, and old wounds that we never thought would surface and rupture. I believe mental health is your intrinsic right. You deserve to be seen, to be heard, and to be well.
Lindsay K. King
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Waitlist for new clients
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”-Rumi. You matter. What you think and feel matters. How you are treated matters. What you have been through matters. Perhaps you are a new mom, feeling overwhelmed and scared to admit things aren’t picture perfect. Perhaps you’re going though a hard transition, and feeling alone, lost, or confused. Maybe you’re no longer sure a relationship, or a job, is right for you, and are tired of not feeling seen or heard, valued or understood. Maybe constant worrying, or a hurtful past, is keeping you from living your life the way you want-with laughter, love, and hope.
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”-Rumi. You matter. What you think and feel matters. How you are treated matters. What you have been through matters. Perhaps you are a new mom, feeling overwhelmed and scared to admit things aren’t picture perfect. Perhaps you’re going though a hard transition, and feeling alone, lost, or confused. Maybe you’re no longer sure a relationship, or a job, is right for you, and are tired of not feeling seen or heard, valued or understood. Maybe constant worrying, or a hurtful past, is keeping you from living your life the way you want-with laughter, love, and hope.
Melissa Joy (Ryba) Hall
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Waitlist for new clients
My focus is on helping clients find joy and fulfillment in their lives. I provide a supportive and transformative environment where clients can work on anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma while embracing a happier and more joyful life. Many of us are spending much needed energy reacting to our emotions and letting them control our day to day life. Emotions are important, but they do not have to control you! To learn more about my practice you can visit melissajoytherapy.com!
My focus is on helping clients find joy and fulfillment in their lives. I provide a supportive and transformative environment where clients can work on anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma while embracing a happier and more joyful life. Many of us are spending much needed energy reacting to our emotions and letting them control our day to day life. Emotions are important, but they do not have to control you! To learn more about my practice you can visit melissajoytherapy.com!
Kristy Wiersema
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Not accepting new clients
On the outside you're trying to keep it all together. On the inside you're falling apart. You feel stressed, overwhelmed, and everything is a struggle. No matter what you do it's never good enough. You're tired of feeling tired and ready for change. I specialize in helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. This may show up in your life as low self-esteem, difficulty staying motivated, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions. You've taken a big step in looking for help. Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with is an important part.
On the outside you're trying to keep it all together. On the inside you're falling apart. You feel stressed, overwhelmed, and everything is a struggle. No matter what you do it's never good enough. You're tired of feeling tired and ready for change. I specialize in helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. This may show up in your life as low self-esteem, difficulty staying motivated, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions. You've taken a big step in looking for help. Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with is an important part.
Ty Curtis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Not accepting new clients
You are struggling, and have no one to turn to. You have come here seeking solutions, and I can help you find them. Sometimes life does not go the way we planned, or the way we wanted. Whether it's illness, depression, anxiety, doubt, grief, or shame, the end of a relationship, an engagement or marriage, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, or the achievement of a long-term goal, I can help you remove the roadblocks and get back on the path to your best life.
You are struggling, and have no one to turn to. You have come here seeking solutions, and I can help you find them. Sometimes life does not go the way we planned, or the way we wanted. Whether it's illness, depression, anxiety, doubt, grief, or shame, the end of a relationship, an engagement or marriage, the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, or the achievement of a long-term goal, I can help you remove the roadblocks and get back on the path to your best life.
More Therapists Nearby
Carolyn Madry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
A wise philosopher once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small changes, even increasing self-awareness, can collect and snowball into life-changing transformations. These changes and transformations currently may be hard to imagine or fully believe, and we can still choose to bravely take that step. Whatever length your journey, I offer support along the road and a safe space for exploration, expression, insight, and transformation.
A wise philosopher once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small changes, even increasing self-awareness, can collect and snowball into life-changing transformations. These changes and transformations currently may be hard to imagine or fully believe, and we can still choose to bravely take that step. Whatever length your journey, I offer support along the road and a safe space for exploration, expression, insight, and transformation.
Mental Wellness Counseling is a Northern Michigan Counseling Practice. Our counselors use their passion, experience and specialties to help clients heal from traumatic experiences, address symptoms related to anxiety and depression, help strengthen relationships and help guide you through the journey of finding the best version of yourself. When you call we try to make the best fit for you based on your needs and goals. We offer face to face and virtual sessions to best meet your needs. We now have 3 locations! Two in Traverse City and a new office in Manistee!
Mental Wellness Counseling is a Northern Michigan Counseling Practice. Our counselors use their passion, experience and specialties to help clients heal from traumatic experiences, address symptoms related to anxiety and depression, help strengthen relationships and help guide you through the journey of finding the best version of yourself. When you call we try to make the best fit for you based on your needs and goals. We offer face to face and virtual sessions to best meet your needs. We now have 3 locations! Two in Traverse City and a new office in Manistee!
Online Therapists
Karen Andrea Mueller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Karen and I am a therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate trauma and LGBTQ-related issues as well as depression, anxiety, parenting and pregnancy concerns. Over my 20+ years of experience in this field, I have witnessed the transformative power of therapy and am committed to being a guiding light on your path to healing and growth. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, and I firmly believe in meeting my clients exactly where they are. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space, I encourage you to express your emotions and experiences openly.
Hello! My name is Karen and I am a therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate trauma and LGBTQ-related issues as well as depression, anxiety, parenting and pregnancy concerns. Over my 20+ years of experience in this field, I have witnessed the transformative power of therapy and am committed to being a guiding light on your path to healing and growth. My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, and I firmly believe in meeting my clients exactly where they are. Creating a safe and non-judgmental space, I encourage you to express your emotions and experiences openly.
LGBTQ trained and sensitive.
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
LGBTQ trained and sensitive.
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
Ryver Maddern
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49686 (Online Only)
As a queer/trans therapist, I understand the complexities of gender and sexuality.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ topics including Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Religious & Complex Trauma. I can also write letters of support for medical gender-affirming care including HRT and top surgery. I have a strong background in intersectional feminism and social justice. Every person deserves to be valued and every person is valuable. I have lived experience navigating our society as a visibly trans/queer/lesbian and neurodivergent individual living in Northern Michigan. My wife and I live upstate in a small town with our three cats!
As a queer/trans therapist, I understand the complexities of gender and sexuality.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ topics including Gender Identity, Sexuality, and Religious & Complex Trauma. I can also write letters of support for medical gender-affirming care including HRT and top surgery. I have a strong background in intersectional feminism and social justice. Every person deserves to be valued and every person is valuable. I have lived experience navigating our society as a visibly trans/queer/lesbian and neurodivergent individual living in Northern Michigan. My wife and I live upstate in a small town with our three cats!
I'm an ally and enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a health psychologist, I have a great deal of experience working with people suffering from one or more chronic illnesses. I may be a good fit if you are coming to terms with a health scare, processing a new diagnosis or treatment, have experienced medical trauma, or are struggling to cope with chronic medical conditions. Prior to hospital work, I spent many years working and training in college counseling centers. Please be willing to self reflect, have an open mind, and be willing to consider how you treat yourself.
I'm an ally and enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a health psychologist, I have a great deal of experience working with people suffering from one or more chronic illnesses. I may be a good fit if you are coming to terms with a health scare, processing a new diagnosis or treatment, have experienced medical trauma, or are struggling to cope with chronic medical conditions. Prior to hospital work, I spent many years working and training in college counseling centers. Please be willing to self reflect, have an open mind, and be willing to consider how you treat yourself.
Rachael T Lee
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Traverse City, MI 49684
I am licensed in Michigan with 20 years of counseling experience. I have worked to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma and abuse as well as attachment and intimacy related issues. I have had the privilege of working with a wide variety of people with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in a strength-based and resilience-informed approach to therapy.
I am licensed in Michigan with 20 years of counseling experience. I have worked to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma and abuse as well as attachment and intimacy related issues. I have had the privilege of working with a wide variety of people with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in a strength-based and resilience-informed approach to therapy.
She is a faith based counselor, LGBTQIA+ ally, and specializes in grief counseling and relational challenges for families living with medical complexities or disabilities.
Do you you have a desire for mental or spiritual growth? Has life thrown you for a loop and you need a safe space to make sense of the challenges? You can do the work with me as your support and believing you are in control of your story.
She is a faith based counselor, LGBTQIA+ ally, and specializes in grief counseling and relational challenges for families living with medical complexities or disabilities.
Do you you have a desire for mental or spiritual growth? Has life thrown you for a loop and you need a safe space to make sense of the challenges? You can do the work with me as your support and believing you are in control of your story.
Sisu Wellness and Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770
Waitlist for new clients
Areas of knowledge include; trauma, anxiety, depression, Transgender, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism, as well as other developmental disabilities.
Hi, I'm Katrina. I have come to believe that we all need to take life “one step at a time”. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to work through issues and stressors that come up while living life. I will focus on your individual needs and goals, help strengthen existing skills, and explore and develop new cognitive and coping tools. I am open, honest and truly care about helping individuals increase their quality of life. I provide a listening ear, information and education, as well as help in finding, exploring, and utilizing any needed resources.
Areas of knowledge include; trauma, anxiety, depression, Transgender, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and autism, as well as other developmental disabilities.
Hi, I'm Katrina. I have come to believe that we all need to take life “one step at a time”. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to work through issues and stressors that come up while living life. I will focus on your individual needs and goals, help strengthen existing skills, and explore and develop new cognitive and coping tools. I am open, honest and truly care about helping individuals increase their quality of life. I provide a listening ear, information and education, as well as help in finding, exploring, and utilizing any needed resources.
See more therapy options for Suttons Bay
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Suttons Bay
See More LGBTQ+ TherapistsNearby Searches for Suttons Bay
- Acme
- Beulah
- Charlevoix
- Elk Rapids
- Glen Arbor
- Interlochen
- Kalkaska
- Kingsley
- Lake Leelanau
- Leland
- Traverse City
- Williamsburg
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.