LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Demarest, NJ
If you find yourself constantly caught up in a cycle of overthinking & overachieving, seeking balance and centeredness in your life, I am here to help. Through therapy, we will explore strategies to calm the racing thoughts, ease the pressure of constant doing, and rediscover a sense of harmony within yourself. While we may not possess the ability to directly control our thoughts & feelings, we do hold the power to consciously choose our responses to these internal experiences. Together, we can navigate the challenges you face, while embracing laughter, acceptance, and an authentic connection that promotes growth & well-being.
If you find yourself constantly caught up in a cycle of overthinking & overachieving, seeking balance and centeredness in your life, I am here to help. Through therapy, we will explore strategies to calm the racing thoughts, ease the pressure of constant doing, and rediscover a sense of harmony within yourself. While we may not possess the ability to directly control our thoughts & feelings, we do hold the power to consciously choose our responses to these internal experiences. Together, we can navigate the challenges you face, while embracing laughter, acceptance, and an authentic connection that promotes growth & well-being.
Each of us is a truly original, unrepeatable, irreplaceable, unique, sacred, precious, creative, talented and healthy self that through a process of nature and nurture spends each moment of time evolving and expressing ourselves through love, compassion, caring, empathy and other virtuous relationships.
Therapy is a process of celebrating the evolution of each person's true self. It is our way, modern and ancient, eastern and western, artistic and technological, spiritual and practical of Self development. Therapy is also our newest and oldest path of protecting, nurturing, supporting and upholding all that is virtuous, positive, meritorious, innocent, ethical, benevolent and philanthropic in ourselves while learning to handle, manage, cope, organize, and select our purpose, meaning and priorities in life. Therapy teaches us the surivival skills that help us become efficacious and masterful in life. We establish, goals we wish to achieve, priorities we wish to establish, a clear plan of action, which evolves as we evolve, with the help of a trained professional who respects both our free will and our fate, our unique mission and our destiny.
Each of us is a truly original, unrepeatable, irreplaceable, unique, sacred, precious, creative, talented and healthy self that through a process of nature and nurture spends each moment of time evolving and expressing ourselves through love, compassion, caring, empathy and other virtuous relationships.
Therapy is a process of celebrating the evolution of each person's true self. It is our way, modern and ancient, eastern and western, artistic and technological, spiritual and practical of Self development. Therapy is also our newest and oldest path of protecting, nurturing, supporting and upholding all that is virtuous, positive, meritorious, innocent, ethical, benevolent and philanthropic in ourselves while learning to handle, manage, cope, organize, and select our purpose, meaning and priorities in life. Therapy teaches us the surivival skills that help us become efficacious and masterful in life. We establish, goals we wish to achieve, priorities we wish to establish, a clear plan of action, which evolves as we evolve, with the help of a trained professional who respects both our free will and our fate, our unique mission and our destiny.
Marianela Cortes
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Demarest, NJ 07627
Therapy can be a healing and ultimately freeing journey. In my experience, it allows individuals at any age to get in touch with and learn to understand their feelings. In being able to better understand ourselves, we can better recognize not only what prevents us, but also, what allows us to have a more fulfilling life. There is no better feeling as a therapist than seeing your clients realize and embrace their inner strengths, humbling resilience, and acquire the tools to manage their struggles in healthier and more productive ways.
Therapy can be a healing and ultimately freeing journey. In my experience, it allows individuals at any age to get in touch with and learn to understand their feelings. In being able to better understand ourselves, we can better recognize not only what prevents us, but also, what allows us to have a more fulfilling life. There is no better feeling as a therapist than seeing your clients realize and embrace their inner strengths, humbling resilience, and acquire the tools to manage their struggles in healthier and more productive ways.
Are you overly attentive to other people's moods/feelings? Is it difficult to trust others? Do you often feel not good enough? Is it difficult to know what you want because you worry so much about what is expected of you? Do you experience guilt often? Do you resist asking for help or mentorship due to fear of being criticized or judged? Is it very difficult to ask for what you need in relationships? Feel the need to fix or manage your closest relationships? Carrying resentment, avoiding conflict and fear of rejection is heavy, isolating, disempowering and keeps you stuck in a vicious shame inducing cycle.
Are you overly attentive to other people's moods/feelings? Is it difficult to trust others? Do you often feel not good enough? Is it difficult to know what you want because you worry so much about what is expected of you? Do you experience guilt often? Do you resist asking for help or mentorship due to fear of being criticized or judged? Is it very difficult to ask for what you need in relationships? Feel the need to fix or manage your closest relationships? Carrying resentment, avoiding conflict and fear of rejection is heavy, isolating, disempowering and keeps you stuck in a vicious shame inducing cycle.
More Therapists Nearby
I specialize in supporting adults and teens, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or performing artists, who are feeling anxious, sad, and overwhelmed.
Struggling to navigate life's challenges? Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, work stress, or a sense of being stuck, these obstacles can trigger anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The fear of judgment or the dread of something terrible happening can weigh heavily on your mind. High standards, whether self-imposed or external, might feel impossible to meet, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can develop effective strategies to help you embrace life fully, fostering a sense of control and freedom.
I specialize in supporting adults and teens, particularly those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or performing artists, who are feeling anxious, sad, and overwhelmed.
Struggling to navigate life's challenges? Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, work stress, or a sense of being stuck, these obstacles can trigger anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The fear of judgment or the dread of something terrible happening can weigh heavily on your mind. High standards, whether self-imposed or external, might feel impossible to meet, leaving you feeling overwhelmed. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Together, we can develop effective strategies to help you embrace life fully, fostering a sense of control and freedom.
Will Mills
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
com to set up your free consult & transform your mental health into mental wealth!.
Will has over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment to New Jerseyans. Having worked in all levels of care — from inpatient to residential programs/group homes to outpatient settings — Will is able to support an array of clients from all walks of life. As Lead Therapist and Owner of Will Inspire You Counseling, he is immensely passionate about supporting people of all ages. Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating. Within his repertoire is a particular focus on LGBTQ+ health.
com to set up your free consult & transform your mental health into mental wealth!.
Will has over 10 years of experience providing mental health treatment to New Jerseyans. Having worked in all levels of care — from inpatient to residential programs/group homes to outpatient settings — Will is able to support an array of clients from all walks of life. As Lead Therapist and Owner of Will Inspire You Counseling, he is immensely passionate about supporting people of all ages. Will specializes in supporting individuals living with ADHD, Anxiety and other related disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as Eating Disorders and disordered eating. Within his repertoire is a particular focus on LGBTQ+ health.
Peter J Paterno
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670
Offering affirming and supportive psychotherapy to the LGBTQ community.
"Helping clients to promote meaningful change in their lives." Overcome anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, relationship challenges, OCD and substance abuse. Working with Teens to adults in a warm, comfortable and supportive professional space.
Offering affirming and supportive psychotherapy to the LGBTQ community.
"Helping clients to promote meaningful change in their lives." Overcome anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, relationship challenges, OCD and substance abuse. Working with Teens to adults in a warm, comfortable and supportive professional space.
In these settings, I worked closely with the LGBTQ+ communities on campus by offering support, empowering individual students through their identities, and advocating on their behalf as they faced the difficulty of navigating their identities.
I am a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting teens, young adults, and adults on their journey to mental well-being. I believe in empowering my clients by supplying a supportive environment to build connections, gain insight, and challenge oneself when necessary. Together, by utilizing a safe space for exploration and growth, we will work on exploring patterns in relationships, problem-solving to facilitate positive change, and promoting self discovery.
In these settings, I worked closely with the LGBTQ+ communities on campus by offering support, empowering individual students through their identities, and advocating on their behalf as they faced the difficulty of navigating their identities.
I am a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting teens, young adults, and adults on their journey to mental well-being. I believe in empowering my clients by supplying a supportive environment to build connections, gain insight, and challenge oneself when necessary. Together, by utilizing a safe space for exploration and growth, we will work on exploring patterns in relationships, problem-solving to facilitate positive change, and promoting self discovery.
Jon Prezant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LSW, MA
Verified Verified
Haworth, NJ 07641 (Online Only)
I offer expert, judgment-free support for individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ and sexually marginalized communities.
As a licensed social worker specializing in sex therapy and existentital and emotionally focused approaches, I offer a safe space for individuals, couples, and poly relationships to explore and heal. My expertise includes LGBTQIA+ concerns, sexual functioning, desire issues, and trauma recovery. Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, shame, or identity questions, we'll work together to build resilience and authenticity. With experience supporting diverse clients, including refugees and assault survivors, I'm committed to fostering growth through a strong therapeutic alliance.
I offer expert, judgment-free support for individuals and couples from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ and sexually marginalized communities.
As a licensed social worker specializing in sex therapy and existentital and emotionally focused approaches, I offer a safe space for individuals, couples, and poly relationships to explore and heal. My expertise includes LGBTQIA+ concerns, sexual functioning, desire issues, and trauma recovery. Whether you're grappling with depression, anxiety, shame, or identity questions, we'll work together to build resilience and authenticity. With experience supporting diverse clients, including refugees and assault survivors, I'm committed to fostering growth through a strong therapeutic alliance.
Adrienne Lee Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, LIMHP, CMSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
Adrienne also has experience volunteering with Planned Parenthood and working with individuals on depression, anxiety, trauma, transracial adoption and identity issues, gender and sexuality, and neurodivergence.
Adrienne is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) practicing psychotherapy and providing clinical consultation in New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Florida. She is a warm, attentive therapist who works with you to determine your individual needs and goals and to help you move toward finding clarity, healing, and happiness. Adrienne’s interest in counseling began as a volunteer on The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline. Her early career focused on working with LGBTQIA+ youth at The Ali Forney Center before transitioning to an outpatient hospital clinic for adolescents and adults with HIV/AIDS.
Adrienne also has experience volunteering with Planned Parenthood and working with individuals on depression, anxiety, trauma, transracial adoption and identity issues, gender and sexuality, and neurodivergence.
Adrienne is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-R) practicing psychotherapy and providing clinical consultation in New York, New Jersey, Nebraska, and Florida. She is a warm, attentive therapist who works with you to determine your individual needs and goals and to help you move toward finding clarity, healing, and happiness. Adrienne’s interest in counseling began as a volunteer on The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention and crisis intervention lifeline. Her early career focused on working with LGBTQIA+ youth at The Ali Forney Center before transitioning to an outpatient hospital clinic for adolescents and adults with HIV/AIDS.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with native language skills in both English and Spanish. Much of my experience includes working within the LGBTQ community which has allowed me to work with diverse client populations who present with equally diverse experiences as it relates to race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexuality. I rely on a person-centered therapeutic approach as I seek to help you gain insight on your social and behavioral patterns, develop skills to increase feelings of empowerment, and reduce feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-doubt.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with native language skills in both English and Spanish. Much of my experience includes working within the LGBTQ community which has allowed me to work with diverse client populations who present with equally diverse experiences as it relates to race, ethnicity, age, gender, and sexuality. I rely on a person-centered therapeutic approach as I seek to help you gain insight on your social and behavioral patterns, develop skills to increase feelings of empowerment, and reduce feelings of shame, anxiety, and self-doubt.
My experience has been with individuals, couples, and groups in an array of areas including Stress Management, Relationships, both PTSD and C-PTSD, BPD, Emotional Dysregulation, Non-Suicidal Self- Harm and LGBTQ+ identity formation.
I get it. Life happens. Sometimes you just need to talk and have someone listen. Whether therapy is new for you or you are revisiting it, my goal is help you create a fulfilling and happy life that you are excited to live. Whether you are looking to develop healthy coping skills or seek to dig deeper inside, I will work with you on your journey to a better understanding of who you are and who you may want to become. Note- To all the early birds: there is always time for therapy. I offer virtual sessions as early as 5am. There is always time for therapy!
My experience has been with individuals, couples, and groups in an array of areas including Stress Management, Relationships, both PTSD and C-PTSD, BPD, Emotional Dysregulation, Non-Suicidal Self- Harm and LGBTQ+ identity formation.
I get it. Life happens. Sometimes you just need to talk and have someone listen. Whether therapy is new for you or you are revisiting it, my goal is help you create a fulfilling and happy life that you are excited to live. Whether you are looking to develop healthy coping skills or seek to dig deeper inside, I will work with you on your journey to a better understanding of who you are and who you may want to become. Note- To all the early birds: there is always time for therapy. I offer virtual sessions as early as 5am. There is always time for therapy!
I have experience treating many different issues including: depression, anxiety, bereavement, family conflict, divorce, relationship issues, self-esteem, social skills deficits, life transitions, LGBTQ issues, behavioral problems, and many others.
Therapy can be a life-changing and empowering experience. It is a courageous step towards personal growth, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance. I offer a non-judgmental and confidential space for you to explore your feelings and personal issues at a pace that is comfortable to you. I use a mix of different therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-dynamic approaches, mindfulness, and many others.
I have experience treating many different issues including: depression, anxiety, bereavement, family conflict, divorce, relationship issues, self-esteem, social skills deficits, life transitions, LGBTQ issues, behavioral problems, and many others.
Therapy can be a life-changing and empowering experience. It is a courageous step towards personal growth, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance. I offer a non-judgmental and confidential space for you to explore your feelings and personal issues at a pace that is comfortable to you. I use a mix of different therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, psycho-dynamic approaches, mindfulness, and many others.
I take a compassionate approach in working with clients of diverse identities— racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, LGBTQ, or religious/spiritual—viewing each person holistically.
Authentic relationships and a deep exploration of life's most challenging questions are essential to genuine healing. While we have all faced pain, struggles, or difficult transitions, we may not have had the chance to reflect, heal, and find meaning in these experiences within a safe and supportive environment. I believe that a collaborative and therapeutic relationship, which includes exploration into your meaning of life, can be transformative. It helps you process current and past pain, gain self-awareness, discover your life's purpose, build more meaningful connections, and ultimately, thrive in your life.
I take a compassionate approach in working with clients of diverse identities— racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, LGBTQ, or religious/spiritual—viewing each person holistically.
Authentic relationships and a deep exploration of life's most challenging questions are essential to genuine healing. While we have all faced pain, struggles, or difficult transitions, we may not have had the chance to reflect, heal, and find meaning in these experiences within a safe and supportive environment. I believe that a collaborative and therapeutic relationship, which includes exploration into your meaning of life, can be transformative. It helps you process current and past pain, gain self-awareness, discover your life's purpose, build more meaningful connections, and ultimately, thrive in your life.
Lisa Fedder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Tenafly, NJ 07670
LGBTQ inclusive.
Whether struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image, or low self esteem or facing problems at school, work or home, I can help you develop your core strength to more effectively deal with life's challenges. When fixing a car, you want a top mechanic with the right set of tools to diagnose the problem and make the repairs. Why not treat yourself as well? Working together we can expand your "toolbox" so you have the confidence and skills to manage whatever comes your way.
LGBTQ inclusive.
Whether struggling with anger, depression, anxiety, disordered eating, body image, or low self esteem or facing problems at school, work or home, I can help you develop your core strength to more effectively deal with life's challenges. When fixing a car, you want a top mechanic with the right set of tools to diagnose the problem and make the repairs. Why not treat yourself as well? Working together we can expand your "toolbox" so you have the confidence and skills to manage whatever comes your way.
Becky Diaz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpine, NJ 07620 (Online Only)
I am an affirming (celebratory) therapist allied with the LGBTQIA+ population.
I am available to come alongside my clients in their pain, challenges, and also successes. I provide a compassionate ear that understands the reality of the patterns that shape our lives. I believe I can work with you towards growth, self-compassion, and empowerment. I recognize the real challenges developing and keeping healthy and healing relationships. Therefore I can help individuals, couples, and families to begin a journey of healing and repair that will benefit their relationships, past, present and future.
I am an affirming (celebratory) therapist allied with the LGBTQIA+ population.
I am available to come alongside my clients in their pain, challenges, and also successes. I provide a compassionate ear that understands the reality of the patterns that shape our lives. I believe I can work with you towards growth, self-compassion, and empowerment. I recognize the real challenges developing and keeping healthy and healing relationships. Therefore I can help individuals, couples, and families to begin a journey of healing and repair that will benefit their relationships, past, present and future.
Ashley Leeds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Alpine, NJ 07620
My motto is that progress is a process when implementing growth. Through exploration of thoughts and feelings, we will build a collaborative avenue for change. I utilize a patient-centered, strengths-based perspective, and trauma-informed lens. Through relationally-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, we will create a safe space filled with empathy, warmth, and challenge. We will partner together to better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how you will build the tools to navigate both positive and difficult situations.
My motto is that progress is a process when implementing growth. Through exploration of thoughts and feelings, we will build a collaborative avenue for change. I utilize a patient-centered, strengths-based perspective, and trauma-informed lens. Through relationally-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, we will create a safe space filled with empathy, warmth, and challenge. We will partner together to better understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how you will build the tools to navigate both positive and difficult situations.
I want to help you gain a greater sense of control over difficult thoughts and feelings. Clients often begin therapy requesting concrete tools to walk away with from each session. This is something I offer through my enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, with a dual focus on techniques for altering unhealthy thoughts and behavior, and for improving insight, awareness, and mindfulness. I have a long track record of creating powerful results for my clients. Please note that I offer in-person CBT therapy in Manhattan.
I want to help you gain a greater sense of control over difficult thoughts and feelings. Clients often begin therapy requesting concrete tools to walk away with from each session. This is something I offer through my enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, with a dual focus on techniques for altering unhealthy thoughts and behavior, and for improving insight, awareness, and mindfulness. I have a long track record of creating powerful results for my clients. Please note that I offer in-person CBT therapy in Manhattan.
Dr. Max Craig Kusovitsky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LSCW, CASAC
Verified Verified
Cresskill, NJ 07626
I am a psychoanalyst specializing in the phenomena of unconscious mental life. Patients are often referred to my practice after previous efforts have felt unhelpful, limited or kept one "stuck" in and out of therapy. My focus is both on the material functioning within awareness, and dynamics operating underneath our wish--and fears--to change. This substance generates felt and unfelt strife within all individuals, regardless of symptoms, situation or diagnosis. That is to say, there is invaluable MEANING and FUNCTION to any thought, feeling or behavior. We do not operate separately from our selves.
I am a psychoanalyst specializing in the phenomena of unconscious mental life. Patients are often referred to my practice after previous efforts have felt unhelpful, limited or kept one "stuck" in and out of therapy. My focus is both on the material functioning within awareness, and dynamics operating underneath our wish--and fears--to change. This substance generates felt and unfelt strife within all individuals, regardless of symptoms, situation or diagnosis. That is to say, there is invaluable MEANING and FUNCTION to any thought, feeling or behavior. We do not operate separately from our selves.
Re-connect with and strengthen the parts of you that have felt unheard and left behind. When we shift our inner relationships, the relationships in our outer world shift too, helping us feel more confident, connected and secure. With more than 30 years of experience, I offer respectful, engaging, holistic support with a healthy dose of humor!
Re-connect with and strengthen the parts of you that have felt unheard and left behind. When we shift our inner relationships, the relationships in our outer world shift too, helping us feel more confident, connected and secure. With more than 30 years of experience, I offer respectful, engaging, holistic support with a healthy dose of humor!
See more therapy options for Demarest
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Demarest
- Alpine
- Bergenfield
- Closter
- Cresskill
- Dumont
- Englewood
- Englewood Cliffs
- Haworth
- Northvale
- Oradell
- River Edge
- Tenafly
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.