LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Kirkwood, MO
I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
Liz Davis Goldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am glad to provide care to clients with a variety of presenting issues. I particularly value providing affirmative care to members of diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. My hope as a therapist is to help clients connect with their love and respect for themselves, as well as find new strategies for coping.
I am glad to provide care to clients with a variety of presenting issues. I particularly value providing affirmative care to members of diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. My hope as a therapist is to help clients connect with their love and respect for themselves, as well as find new strategies for coping.
Some specialties include working with LGBTQ+ persons, those with sensory sensitives/highly sensitive persons (HSPs), those experiencing familial and relationship concerns, life transitions, difficulties with body acceptance, mood regulation, and anxiety.
Some of us have been taught to fear or push away certain emotions and parts of who we really are. We’ve been taught to disregard what our body and feelings are telling us in order to make others comfortable. While this might seem like the path to approval, it often leads to shame and disconnection. A way to combat these messages are to move towards authenticity and acceptance of all our parts. To learn to advocate for ourselves, heal from our wounds, and stand firm in who we are. I would be honored to work alongside you in the journey.
Some specialties include working with LGBTQ+ persons, those with sensory sensitives/highly sensitive persons (HSPs), those experiencing familial and relationship concerns, life transitions, difficulties with body acceptance, mood regulation, and anxiety.
Some of us have been taught to fear or push away certain emotions and parts of who we really are. We’ve been taught to disregard what our body and feelings are telling us in order to make others comfortable. While this might seem like the path to approval, it often leads to shame and disconnection. A way to combat these messages are to move towards authenticity and acceptance of all our parts. To learn to advocate for ourselves, heal from our wounds, and stand firm in who we are. I would be honored to work alongside you in the journey.
Marsha Yost Bradford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Marsha has been working with and the LGBT community for over 20 years.
While serving the community since 1995, Marsha has established a non-judgmental and informative view of those in need. She works with individuals, groups and couples to help them attain a better more centered life while helping to educate them on better relaxation skills, self improvement techniques and better overall mental and physical health. Marsha focuses on the whole person and not on diagnoses or disorders. While Marsha enjoys working with clients she also helps to mold future therapists. Marsha has worked in the mental health field for over 23 years.
Marsha has been working with and the LGBT community for over 20 years.
While serving the community since 1995, Marsha has established a non-judgmental and informative view of those in need. She works with individuals, groups and couples to help them attain a better more centered life while helping to educate them on better relaxation skills, self improvement techniques and better overall mental and physical health. Marsha focuses on the whole person and not on diagnoses or disorders. While Marsha enjoys working with clients she also helps to mold future therapists. Marsha has worked in the mental health field for over 23 years.
Many clients are working through their gender identity, sexual orientation, fetishes, kinks, swinging, sexual exploration or expression, alternative sexuality, queer issues, polyamory, ethical non monogamy, out of control sexual behavior issues, infidelity, trauma, & lifestyle situations.
Throughout my career, I've worked with many people in difficult or painful situations. Many clients have dealt with issues like anxiety, stress, job problems, shame, guilt, life decisions, substance use, relationship issues & chronic illness. One of my goals is to make you comfortable in being heard and seen for who you really are. I want to be a safe space where you can explore, relate, unpack, or rehearse. I want to support you to be the you that you idealize. I offer not just compassion or empathy but understanding. I listen without judgement.
Many clients are working through their gender identity, sexual orientation, fetishes, kinks, swinging, sexual exploration or expression, alternative sexuality, queer issues, polyamory, ethical non monogamy, out of control sexual behavior issues, infidelity, trauma, & lifestyle situations.
Throughout my career, I've worked with many people in difficult or painful situations. Many clients have dealt with issues like anxiety, stress, job problems, shame, guilt, life decisions, substance use, relationship issues & chronic illness. One of my goals is to make you comfortable in being heard and seen for who you really are. I want to be a safe space where you can explore, relate, unpack, or rehearse. I want to support you to be the you that you idealize. I offer not just compassion or empathy but understanding. I listen without judgement.
Becky Heck
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122 (Online Only)
I have worked with individuals with serious and persistent mental health issues, addiction, dual diagnosis/co-occurring, Bi Polar disorder, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+.
Sometimes we all feel a little bit broken, we can get so caught up in what's going wrong or what's not working. Sometimes life get's hard, too much stress at home or work, relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety or feeling like we have just lost our way. No matter what is going on, you have taken that first step and you have come to the right place.
I have worked with individuals with serious and persistent mental health issues, addiction, dual diagnosis/co-occurring, Bi Polar disorder, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+.
Sometimes we all feel a little bit broken, we can get so caught up in what's going wrong or what's not working. Sometimes life get's hard, too much stress at home or work, relationship issues, grief and loss, addiction, depression, anxiety or feeling like we have just lost our way. No matter what is going on, you have taken that first step and you have come to the right place.
Gayle Poynter, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122 (Online Only)
In-Network Availability in the states of CA & MO. Accept most Insurance plans & Out of Network. Trauma Specialist with over 30 years experience specializing in the treatment of Adult & Childhood Abuse Trauma/ PTSD, Grief & Loss, Relationship issues, Work Stress, and Life Transitions. I have worked cross-culturally across multiple, diverse cultures to include American Indian Nations. I am gender affirming & LGBTQ+ allied. I bring forward professional and personal life experiences in addressing various life transitions. If you have struggled to understand your own feelings you may need help to make sense of your experiences.
In-Network Availability in the states of CA & MO. Accept most Insurance plans & Out of Network. Trauma Specialist with over 30 years experience specializing in the treatment of Adult & Childhood Abuse Trauma/ PTSD, Grief & Loss, Relationship issues, Work Stress, and Life Transitions. I have worked cross-culturally across multiple, diverse cultures to include American Indian Nations. I am gender affirming & LGBTQ+ allied. I bring forward professional and personal life experiences in addressing various life transitions. If you have struggled to understand your own feelings you may need help to make sense of your experiences.
Specialties: Physical/Sexual Abuse Survivors, Depression/Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Self-Injury, Binge Eating, Family/Couples, LGBTQ+ Issues, Stress, OCD, Multicultural Issues, Codependency/Assertiveness, Relationships, and Work-Related Issues.
If you need a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe to explore, learn, and make changes, you've come to the right place! I work with people from diverse backgrounds in a compassionate manner focusing on improving communication, recovering from past trauma, and developing effective strategies for stress/coping. I am directive at times and will challenge you to take on new perspectives and try out new behaviors, but at a pace that is comfortable to you. I use cognitive-behavioral techniques, role-playing, goal setting, exposure/response prevention, assertiveness training, internal family systems, and others.
Specialties: Physical/Sexual Abuse Survivors, Depression/Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Self-Injury, Binge Eating, Family/Couples, LGBTQ+ Issues, Stress, OCD, Multicultural Issues, Codependency/Assertiveness, Relationships, and Work-Related Issues.
If you need a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe to explore, learn, and make changes, you've come to the right place! I work with people from diverse backgrounds in a compassionate manner focusing on improving communication, recovering from past trauma, and developing effective strategies for stress/coping. I am directive at times and will challenge you to take on new perspectives and try out new behaviors, but at a pace that is comfortable to you. I use cognitive-behavioral techniques, role-playing, goal setting, exposure/response prevention, assertiveness training, internal family systems, and others.
Elizabeth Stallone-Lowder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
LGBTQIA welcoming.
Elizabeth Stallone-Lowder is considered an expert in the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the midwest region. She is highly trained in pregnancy and birth trauma and has been working with women as an LCSW for almost twenty years. You can find her recent publication "The Sweet Spot of Self-Care for Moms' on Amazon.
LGBTQIA welcoming.
Elizabeth Stallone-Lowder is considered an expert in the field of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in the midwest region. She is highly trained in pregnancy and birth trauma and has been working with women as an LCSW for almost twenty years. You can find her recent publication "The Sweet Spot of Self-Care for Moms' on Amazon.
Lily has over a decade of experience serving individuals, couples, adolescents, families & relationship systems. She specializes in eating disorders, sexual disorders and relationship issues. Further, she is skilled in addressing mood disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD), trauma-related disorders (sexual, physical, emotional abuse, PTSD), and personality disorders (borderline personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder). Her integrative approach includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Systems Theory, the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other modalities in order to meet each client's individual needs.
Lily has over a decade of experience serving individuals, couples, adolescents, families & relationship systems. She specializes in eating disorders, sexual disorders and relationship issues. Further, she is skilled in addressing mood disorders (anxiety, depression, OCD), trauma-related disorders (sexual, physical, emotional abuse, PTSD), and personality disorders (borderline personality disorder, dissociative identity disorder). Her integrative approach includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Systems Theory, the Gottman Method, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and other modalities in order to meet each client's individual needs.
My job is to offer nonjudgmental support while helping you grow at whatever pace feels right for you. Whether you've been struggling with emotions, substances, relationships, all of the above, or something else entirely, you don't have to struggle anymore. Give me a call or email and I'll be happy to help.
My job is to offer nonjudgmental support while helping you grow at whatever pace feels right for you. Whether you've been struggling with emotions, substances, relationships, all of the above, or something else entirely, you don't have to struggle anymore. Give me a call or email and I'll be happy to help.
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Are you ready to set healthy boundaries in your relationships? Have you been wanting to explore your sexuality but didn't know where to start? Is your non-monogamous relationship experiencing friction? Maybe you are the survivor, strong friend, and problem solver who appears to have it all together. Yet on the inside you feel overwhelmed while also wondering, "Is this worth going to therapy for?" If your boundaries leave you questioning yourself, if you want to explore your sexuality, or if you and your partner(s) want support, it's worth going to therapy for. Our relationship, sexuality, and trauma experts are here for you.
Are you ready to set healthy boundaries in your relationships? Have you been wanting to explore your sexuality but didn't know where to start? Is your non-monogamous relationship experiencing friction? Maybe you are the survivor, strong friend, and problem solver who appears to have it all together. Yet on the inside you feel overwhelmed while also wondering, "Is this worth going to therapy for?" If your boundaries leave you questioning yourself, if you want to explore your sexuality, or if you and your partner(s) want support, it's worth going to therapy for. Our relationship, sexuality, and trauma experts are here for you.
Are you struggling with disordered eating, negative body image, anxiety, depression, and/or unresolved trauma? Creating Your Journey has three therapist that specializes in treating eating disorders, body dysmorphia, mood disorder and trauma related disorders.
Are you struggling with disordered eating, negative body image, anxiety, depression, and/or unresolved trauma? Creating Your Journey has three therapist that specializes in treating eating disorders, body dysmorphia, mood disorder and trauma related disorders.
Paula Heller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC, RDT
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122 (Online Only)
I believe change is possible! I help people just like you improve their relationships and build healthy interpersonal and family interactions by highlighting your strengths and resources, and helping you develop new coping strategies. I help families in crisis due to school issues, relationship issues and economic issues. I work with grief and specializes in issues related to pregnancy loss, infertility, life transitions for women including career issues, relationships, child birth, adoption, empty nesting, divorce and menopause.
I believe change is possible! I help people just like you improve their relationships and build healthy interpersonal and family interactions by highlighting your strengths and resources, and helping you develop new coping strategies. I help families in crisis due to school issues, relationship issues and economic issues. I work with grief and specializes in issues related to pregnancy loss, infertility, life transitions for women including career issues, relationships, child birth, adoption, empty nesting, divorce and menopause.
Rachael Arnold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
I work within the perinatal population; particularly with clients who wish to process becoming a parent, are struggling with infertility, are looking to adopt and/or have a baby through surrogate, have suffered perinatal loss and/or grief, want to work through a traumatic experience before giving birth (including previous traumatic births and sexual assault,) are struggling with postpartum depression and/or anxiety, who need guidance and support as they transition back to work after parental leave, and/or who have children under the age of 3 are are looking to process the struggles of parenting.
I work within the perinatal population; particularly with clients who wish to process becoming a parent, are struggling with infertility, are looking to adopt and/or have a baby through surrogate, have suffered perinatal loss and/or grief, want to work through a traumatic experience before giving birth (including previous traumatic births and sexual assault,) are struggling with postpartum depression and/or anxiety, who need guidance and support as they transition back to work after parental leave, and/or who have children under the age of 3 are are looking to process the struggles of parenting.
Tara Hoppe Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling and in need of support. I believe that feeling seen and heard can serve as a powerfully reparative experience, especially in a space of non-judgment and acceptance. I am honored and committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment to help clients connect with themselves in an authentic, safe, and self-compassionate way. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, utilizing a neuro-biologically focused approach that assists restoration of the authentic self with self-regulation, wholeness, and a sense of aliveness. SEI Beginning Level Provider.
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling and in need of support. I believe that feeling seen and heard can serve as a powerfully reparative experience, especially in a space of non-judgment and acceptance. I am honored and committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment to help clients connect with themselves in an authentic, safe, and self-compassionate way. I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, utilizing a neuro-biologically focused approach that assists restoration of the authentic self with self-regulation, wholeness, and a sense of aliveness. SEI Beginning Level Provider.
I work with individuals who are navigating grief and loss, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions and identity development. In therapy, I balance addressing symptoms and looking beyond the surface to address the underlying emotions driving behavioral and interpersonal patterns. By learning new adaptive coping strategies and gaining insight into the early development of current emotional wounds or maladaptive behaviors, clients can feel empowered to create positive change.
I work with individuals who are navigating grief and loss, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions and identity development. In therapy, I balance addressing symptoms and looking beyond the surface to address the underlying emotions driving behavioral and interpersonal patterns. By learning new adaptive coping strategies and gaining insight into the early development of current emotional wounds or maladaptive behaviors, clients can feel empowered to create positive change.
Lainie Barron
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC , LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Waitlist for new clients
Hello there! Often taking the first step to decide to go to therapy is a big decision and I am here to help you and walk beside you in your path towards working to address your concerns. I work with adolescents and adults with concerns ranging from current life issues, relationship issues, or ongoing lifelong issues. I offer openness and collaboration to those I work with and see therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and therapist.
Hello there! Often taking the first step to decide to go to therapy is a big decision and I am here to help you and walk beside you in your path towards working to address your concerns. I work with adolescents and adults with concerns ranging from current life issues, relationship issues, or ongoing lifelong issues. I offer openness and collaboration to those I work with and see therapy as a collaborative effort between the client and therapist.
My name is Rebecca Ehrke and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified EMDR therapist and practice owner of Lifestream Integrative Healing Center. I chose the name, "Lifestream", from the concept of the "stream of life" that Peter Levine refers to in Somatic Experiencing. When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can disrupt the flow of their life path. Lifestream Integrative Healing Center offers holistic trauma treatment that helps individuals heal and return to the lives they were innately meant to have.
My name is Rebecca Ehrke and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Certified EMDR therapist and practice owner of Lifestream Integrative Healing Center. I chose the name, "Lifestream", from the concept of the "stream of life" that Peter Levine refers to in Somatic Experiencing. When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can disrupt the flow of their life path. Lifestream Integrative Healing Center offers holistic trauma treatment that helps individuals heal and return to the lives they were innately meant to have.
Janice Adamek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kirkwood, MO 63122
Immediate availability for in-person and virtual appointments. If you're looking to create meaningful change in your life, you've come to the right place. This is work of courageous healing. My approach is based on talk therapy interwoven with expressive arts, trauma therapy, mind-body and cognitive-behavioral strategies, adapted to suit your strengths and concerns.
Immediate availability for in-person and virtual appointments. If you're looking to create meaningful change in your life, you've come to the right place. This is work of courageous healing. My approach is based on talk therapy interwoven with expressive arts, trauma therapy, mind-body and cognitive-behavioral strategies, adapted to suit your strengths and concerns.
See more therapy options for Kirkwood
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Kirkwood
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Creve Coeur
- Des Peres
- Fenton
- Frontenac
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Richmond Heights
- Sappington
- Webster Groves
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.