LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Secaucus, NJ
Doctor Domenico Psychotherapy Services LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, MSEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Secaucus, NJ 07094 (Online Only)
My goal of working with you is to assist you in navigating difficulties, issues, and problems within your life that you would like to address in a supportive and empathic manner. I work specifically with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I treat clients for an array of quality of life issues including: depression, anxiety, work related stress, grief and loss, and family conflict. Further, I am here to create a safe space to work on past trauma and other issues that are impacting your life. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and I am here to listen and to join you on this journey.
My goal of working with you is to assist you in navigating difficulties, issues, and problems within your life that you would like to address in a supportive and empathic manner. I work specifically with adolescents, young adults, and adults. I treat clients for an array of quality of life issues including: depression, anxiety, work related stress, grief and loss, and family conflict. Further, I am here to create a safe space to work on past trauma and other issues that are impacting your life. I believe that you know yourself better than anyone and I am here to listen and to join you on this journey.
Kardelen Dogan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2021. She earned a Master's degree in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology from University College London, UK, where she delved into the intricate facets of psychological development and psychoanalytic theories. Following her studies in the UK, she pursued further academic and practical expertise by completing a program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Victoria, Texas.
Kardelen Dogan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2021. She earned a Master's degree in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology from University College London, UK, where she delved into the intricate facets of psychological development and psychoanalytic theories. Following her studies in the UK, she pursued further academic and practical expertise by completing a program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston Victoria, Texas.
Val Ventura is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2013. She has a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University and an MA in Clinical Psychology from William Paterson University. Val has an eclectic training background that allows her to create a person centered and goal-oriented treatment plan and adapt her therapeutic approach to fit the unique identity and needs of her patients to help them not only heal but thrive. Val has a history of working with children, adults, and families from all backgrounds.
Val Ventura is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2013. She has a BA in Psychology from Rutgers University and an MA in Clinical Psychology from William Paterson University. Val has an eclectic training background that allows her to create a person centered and goal-oriented treatment plan and adapt her therapeutic approach to fit the unique identity and needs of her patients to help them not only heal but thrive. Val has a history of working with children, adults, and families from all backgrounds.
Devin M McManus is a Licensed Associated Counselor (LAC) who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from King's College (Wilkes-Barre, PA) with a degree in Psychology (BA) and from William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ) with a degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (MA). Devin believes in using a variety of approaches to help her clients, with a primary focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness approaches. She believes that no single approach is the right fit for every person and works with the client on identifying the approaches that work best for them.
Devin M McManus is a Licensed Associated Counselor (LAC) who has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from King's College (Wilkes-Barre, PA) with a degree in Psychology (BA) and from William Paterson University (Wayne, NJ) with a degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology (MA). Devin believes in using a variety of approaches to help her clients, with a primary focus in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness approaches. She believes that no single approach is the right fit for every person and works with the client on identifying the approaches that work best for them.
Education and experience: I received my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from William Paterson University. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. My experience has allowed me to work with diverse populations of various ages with different issues. These include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting, sexual abuse, and assertiveness. My therapeutic treatment approaches include Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness and Play Therapy in individual and group settings.
Education and experience: I received my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from William Paterson University. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor, as well as a National Certified Counselor. My experience has allowed me to work with diverse populations of various ages with different issues. These include anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, parenting, sexual abuse, and assertiveness. My therapeutic treatment approaches include Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral, Mindfulness and Play Therapy in individual and group settings.
Amina Ellrott is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is board certified and has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Montclair State University with a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Amina also has a masters degree in School Psychology from Rowan University. Amina believes that the counselor-client relationship is the cornerstone to treatment success. She takes the time to learn about clients from each of their unique experiences with the understanding that it is critical to recognize how their identities have shaped the way they see the world.
Amina Ellrott is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is board certified and has been practicing since 2019. She graduated from Montclair State University with a masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Amina also has a masters degree in School Psychology from Rowan University. Amina believes that the counselor-client relationship is the cornerstone to treatment success. She takes the time to learn about clients from each of their unique experiences with the understanding that it is critical to recognize how their identities have shaped the way they see the world.
In my practice, I see the normal, everyday person who needs help managing their emotions and behaviors. We make mistakes and life can be confusing. I’m here to help with that. I am a warm, caring, compassionate professional with a special interest in working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. I am dedicated to helping individuals find their strengths, accept their flaws, and motivate themselves to make positive changes in their lives. I help people make goals, motivate themselves to change, and find ways to implement strategies to make those adjustments in their lives.
In my practice, I see the normal, everyday person who needs help managing their emotions and behaviors. We make mistakes and life can be confusing. I’m here to help with that. I am a warm, caring, compassionate professional with a special interest in working with adults, children, adolescents, and families. I am dedicated to helping individuals find their strengths, accept their flaws, and motivate themselves to make positive changes in their lives. I help people make goals, motivate themselves to change, and find ways to implement strategies to make those adjustments in their lives.
Colleen Makowsky
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Secaucus, NJ 07094 (Online Only)
My passion is helping others. Learning how to move through problems instead of resisting them reduces uncomfortable feelings. How we respond to life determines our level of fulfillment. I help clients improve life functioning and relationships in order to reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, school/academic issues, and relationship turmoil can get in the way.
My passion is helping others. Learning how to move through problems instead of resisting them reduces uncomfortable feelings. How we respond to life determines our level of fulfillment. I help clients improve life functioning and relationships in order to reach their potential. Depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, eating disorders, school/academic issues, and relationship turmoil can get in the way.
Kaylan Michas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Secaucus, NJ 07094 (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxious thoughts that leave you feeling upset, nervous, or afraid? Are you feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Are you having a hard time communicating with your friends and loved ones? Trauma and anxiety can often leave us feeling confused, lost, lonely, or afraid. You are not alone in your pain. I will walk with you on your path of healing towards a life that holds peace, happiness, and self-love. We will work to identify memories that are holding you back, learn ways to help you reconnect to your body, and help you live your authentic life. You deserve to heal; you deserve to feel whole again.
Are you struggling with anxious thoughts that leave you feeling upset, nervous, or afraid? Are you feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Are you having a hard time communicating with your friends and loved ones? Trauma and anxiety can often leave us feeling confused, lost, lonely, or afraid. You are not alone in your pain. I will walk with you on your path of healing towards a life that holds peace, happiness, and self-love. We will work to identify memories that are holding you back, learn ways to help you reconnect to your body, and help you live your authentic life. You deserve to heal; you deserve to feel whole again.
Life can at times make even the most resilient person feel defeated, hopeless, helpless, demotivated and discouraged. I believe that in spite of feeling mishandled by life and sometimes by people, humans have an innate ability to refocus, redefine, reshape and overcome the complications we may be facing. Working through life's many unwanted, unwarranted, and unimaginable circumstances we are able to gain perspective, find a new way of defining the difficulty, and ultimately develop new ways of navigating through the environmental, emotional, and psychological obstacles barring or disallowing us access to living our best life.
Life can at times make even the most resilient person feel defeated, hopeless, helpless, demotivated and discouraged. I believe that in spite of feeling mishandled by life and sometimes by people, humans have an innate ability to refocus, redefine, reshape and overcome the complications we may be facing. Working through life's many unwanted, unwarranted, and unimaginable circumstances we are able to gain perspective, find a new way of defining the difficulty, and ultimately develop new ways of navigating through the environmental, emotional, and psychological obstacles barring or disallowing us access to living our best life.
Ruth E. Viera, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Secaucus, NJ 07096
Working with a therapist that you trust can be a life changing experience. Are you having problems with a relationship or work, financial stress, substance abuse or another addiction? Or are you anxious, sad, or overwhelmed? Things can get better. One of my clients told me that my office was a sacred space. In this environment you may feel free to truly express yourself and face the problems that are bothering you. Some of my work has been with people who were in unhealthy relationships or exposed to trauma in their early years.
Working with a therapist that you trust can be a life changing experience. Are you having problems with a relationship or work, financial stress, substance abuse or another addiction? Or are you anxious, sad, or overwhelmed? Things can get better. One of my clients told me that my office was a sacred space. In this environment you may feel free to truly express yourself and face the problems that are bothering you. Some of my work has been with people who were in unhealthy relationships or exposed to trauma in their early years.
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Doctor Domenico Psychotherapy Services LLC
Jamielee Smith
Kaylan Michas
Sophia Mai
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Secaucus, NJ 07094 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you a high achiever? But despite how much you have accomplished, you still feel that you are hindered by low self-esteem? Do you often feel confused or ashamed when thinking about your childhood experiences? I understand how isolated you may feel when you are not able to get the help you need. Isolation leads to feelings of loneliness and that heavy feeling is such a huge burden to carry. Imagine working with a warm, compassionate, and validating therapist, who can hold your hand, while processing your childhood stories with you. Together, we make the unconscious conscious, and eventually, help you become your authentic self.
Are you a high achiever? But despite how much you have accomplished, you still feel that you are hindered by low self-esteem? Do you often feel confused or ashamed when thinking about your childhood experiences? I understand how isolated you may feel when you are not able to get the help you need. Isolation leads to feelings of loneliness and that heavy feeling is such a huge burden to carry. Imagine working with a warm, compassionate, and validating therapist, who can hold your hand, while processing your childhood stories with you. Together, we make the unconscious conscious, and eventually, help you become your authentic self.
More Therapists Nearby
Dr. Miranda Mei Nadeau
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Union City, NJ 07087 (Online Only)
This is especially true for queer and trans folks, Asian Americans, and multiracial and Mixed race folks; I hold it as a privilege and responsibility to provide a safe space for healing members of my communities.
I already know you are worthy of a life full of joy, love, and compassion. While you’re doing your best with the tools you have now, with nonjudgmental support and guidance, you can grow and flourish. As a queer, multiracial Taiwanese American, my lived experience fuels my earnest appreciation and commitment to honoring your intersecting identities. Together, we will develop a healing partnership where you can feel safe when vulnerable, comforted in your struggles, and encouraged as you are guided toward what you need to feel more secure in the world. Empowering and personalized therapy is where we start.
This is especially true for queer and trans folks, Asian Americans, and multiracial and Mixed race folks; I hold it as a privilege and responsibility to provide a safe space for healing members of my communities.
I already know you are worthy of a life full of joy, love, and compassion. While you’re doing your best with the tools you have now, with nonjudgmental support and guidance, you can grow and flourish. As a queer, multiracial Taiwanese American, my lived experience fuels my earnest appreciation and commitment to honoring your intersecting identities. Together, we will develop a healing partnership where you can feel safe when vulnerable, comforted in your struggles, and encouraged as you are guided toward what you need to feel more secure in the world. Empowering and personalized therapy is where we start.
Ben Sheff
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT-LP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Hoboken, NJ 07030
I embrace an LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex and kink positive paradigm, understanding that those in marginalized communities have faced unique challenges navigating their identity.
The world is full of expectations—should and should nots, and molds you may have tried to fit yourself into. If you’re feeling lost, anxious, depressed, or struggling in your relationships, it may be because your experience doesn’t align with those stories. Looking inward creates the opportunity to see yourself and your relationships through a new lens of compassion and care. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, support in your relationship(s), or help navigating family challenges, I'm eager to uplift your inherent empathetic power and help you find greater access to your capacity for healing.
I embrace an LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex and kink positive paradigm, understanding that those in marginalized communities have faced unique challenges navigating their identity.
The world is full of expectations—should and should nots, and molds you may have tried to fit yourself into. If you’re feeling lost, anxious, depressed, or struggling in your relationships, it may be because your experience doesn’t align with those stories. Looking inward creates the opportunity to see yourself and your relationships through a new lens of compassion and care. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, support in your relationship(s), or help navigating family challenges, I'm eager to uplift your inherent empathetic power and help you find greater access to your capacity for healing.
As a bicultural and bilingual therapist, I work with adults, families, teens, and kids facing trauma, ADHD, depression, grief/loss, and LGBTQIA+ challenges. I help individuals and families resolve conflict, intergenerational trauma, and work closely with frustrated parents to navigate the social, behavioral, and academic challenges of their children. In my work, I provide trauma-informed care as a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and am able to bring yoga practices into my psychotherapy work as a Certified Yoga Teacher.
As a bicultural and bilingual therapist, I work with adults, families, teens, and kids facing trauma, ADHD, depression, grief/loss, and LGBTQIA+ challenges. I help individuals and families resolve conflict, intergenerational trauma, and work closely with frustrated parents to navigate the social, behavioral, and academic challenges of their children. In my work, I provide trauma-informed care as a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and am able to bring yoga practices into my psychotherapy work as a Certified Yoga Teacher.
Crystal Beckwith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
North Bergen, NJ 07047 (Online Only)
As a queer-affirming therapist, I provide informed therapy to the LGBTQ+ community.
Are you or your child struggling with worry and panic? Do you find emotions and coping with life overwhelming? When anxiety feels out of control, it can take its toll on every aspect of life. I specialize in Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, and Depression. Whether you are struggling with social anxiety or the parent of a child with high stress levels; now might be the time to get help. Let us work together to develop a plan tailored to your unique needs that allows you and your family to find relief, peace, and balance.
As a queer-affirming therapist, I provide informed therapy to the LGBTQ+ community.
Are you or your child struggling with worry and panic? Do you find emotions and coping with life overwhelming? When anxiety feels out of control, it can take its toll on every aspect of life. I specialize in Anxiety, Autism, ADHD, and Depression. Whether you are struggling with social anxiety or the parent of a child with high stress levels; now might be the time to get help. Let us work together to develop a plan tailored to your unique needs that allows you and your family to find relief, peace, and balance.
Jackie Uveges
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Union City, NJ 07087
I am experienced in working with queer, transgender, and gender expansive individuals, focusing on areas such as relationships, coming out, and identity exploration.
My goal is to support and empower you on your journey towards increased connection with your body, your mind, and with others. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns as well as specializing in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are with a non-judgmental and affirming approach. I view clients as the experts of their own lives and believe that the therapeutic process should be collaborative.
I am experienced in working with queer, transgender, and gender expansive individuals, focusing on areas such as relationships, coming out, and identity exploration.
My goal is to support and empower you on your journey towards increased connection with your body, your mind, and with others. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image concerns as well as specializing in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders. I strongly believe in meeting clients where they are with a non-judgmental and affirming approach. I view clients as the experts of their own lives and believe that the therapeutic process should be collaborative.
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.
Elizabeth D Fraga
Psychologist, MA, MS, NRHSP, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Jersey City, NJ 07307
My speciality areas include: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Ethnic/Racial Identity Development, LGBTQ, Relationship/Dating Themes, ADHD, Compulsive Overeating, Substance Use, Post-Partum Depression, Breast Cancer, Infertility, Multicultural Counseling, People with Disabilities, Health Psychology, Latinx Mental Health, & Bilingual therapy (Spanish).
My therapeutic goals are twofold: remove symptoms and alleviate pain, while also facilitating exploration and clarification of ways to live positively and more fully in relation to self, others, and work. My psychology treatment plan is specialized to your individual goals and needs, varying in terms of time (short term and long term), modality (individual, couple, and family), and focus (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, multicultural, mindfulness, and family/couples system). I utilize treatment interventions that are scientifically researched and found to be effective. In your first visit, we will set goals for treatment to ensure that you are not in therapy longer than is needed.
My speciality areas include: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Ethnic/Racial Identity Development, LGBTQ, Relationship/Dating Themes, ADHD, Compulsive Overeating, Substance Use, Post-Partum Depression, Breast Cancer, Infertility, Multicultural Counseling, People with Disabilities, Health Psychology, Latinx Mental Health, & Bilingual therapy (Spanish).
My therapeutic goals are twofold: remove symptoms and alleviate pain, while also facilitating exploration and clarification of ways to live positively and more fully in relation to self, others, and work. My psychology treatment plan is specialized to your individual goals and needs, varying in terms of time (short term and long term), modality (individual, couple, and family), and focus (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, multicultural, mindfulness, and family/couples system). I utilize treatment interventions that are scientifically researched and found to be effective. In your first visit, we will set goals for treatment to ensure that you are not in therapy longer than is needed.
My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, school-related challenges, social coaching, life transitions, and offering dedicated support to the LGBTQ+ community.
My ideal client is a young adult or adult feeling stuck in life, struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or navigating life transitions. They need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their emotions and build coping strategies. Their goal is to gain clarity, improve self-esteem, and create healthier relationships. They want to feel empowered, break free from patterns holding them back, and learn to embrace change with confidence. Ultimately, they seek growth and self-acceptance, knowing that with the right support, lasting positive change is possible.
My specialties include treating anxiety, depression, school-related challenges, social coaching, life transitions, and offering dedicated support to the LGBTQ+ community.
My ideal client is a young adult or adult feeling stuck in life, struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, or navigating life transitions. They need a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their emotions and build coping strategies. Their goal is to gain clarity, improve self-esteem, and create healthier relationships. They want to feel empowered, break free from patterns holding them back, and learn to embrace change with confidence. Ultimately, they seek growth and self-acceptance, knowing that with the right support, lasting positive change is possible.
See more therapy options for Secaucus
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Secaucus
- Belleville
- East Rutherford
- Edgewater
- Hoboken
- Kearny
- Lyndhurst
- North Bergen
- Rutherford
- Union City
- Weehawken
- West New York
- Wood Ridge
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.