LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Westfield, NJ

My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to work on themselves. They are a client who attends each session as scheduled and on time, coming into it with an open mind and willingness to grow. The client would ideally be an adult who is within the LGBTQIA+ community and is coming to me to work on bettering themselves. Their issues would include depression, anxiety, and questioning their gender and sexual identity.

We help teens, adults, LGBTQIA+ folks, couples, families and parents manage anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting challenges. We are a female owned and operated virtual practice, led by Raelyn Sprenkle, LCSW, MEd, with over a decade of experience offering support. Our mission is to create a safe, judgment-free space for you to explore your emotions. We offer tailored therapy services, including individual, couples, and family therapy, all centered around your unique needs and goals.

I help people cope with difficult situations and learn ways to manage stress at home, work, or school. People work with me to develop effective communication skills and the ability to advocate for themselves, their needs, and their interests. My clients find more meaning, purpose, and connection in their day-to-day lives by better understanding themselves and their capacity for self-compassion, peace, and joy. I also help people learn practical skills for managing time and responsibilities, navigate life transitions and changes, explore body image and relationships with food, and process LGBTQIA+ issues and experiences.

Working with children, adolescents, and young adults is my passion and specialty. In working with my clients, my goal is to establish a connection and trusting therapeutic relationship in a nonjudgmental and safe environment that can encourage emotional growth. Each client is unique, so treatment will be tailored to individual needs. My approach is eclectic, incorporating various therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, psychodynamic, and solution-focused therapy. I hold a Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Social Work from Rutgers University.

All clients have their own unique, individual experiences that, while may overlap with others, are still inherently their own. I truly wish to help these individuals navigate whatever issues they are presenting with, which tend to be far from ideal.

My name is Stephanie & I have provided therapy exclusively via telehealth for the last 3 years (previously in person). If you have been struggling with depression or anxiety, particularly if related to a traumatic experience, I would love the opportunity to work with you to reduce your mood- or anxiety-related symptoms, & to help you experience a present that is not negatively impacted by events from your past. I place a high value on authenticity, empathy, & self-awareness as critical parts of the therapeutic process & aim to validate my clients’ experiences without judgment & provide the most basic of needs: to feel seen and heard

My goal is to create a safe space where everyone can feel heard and validated. I have experience treating depression, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, and transitional issues. I have a passion for working with adolescents, both individually and with their families. Adolescence can be a challenging times for families and I believe in creating an open environment for encouraging both communication and the acceptance of needed privacy. I have extensive training and experience in systemic family therapy. This means that I am able to treat not only the individual, but also the entire family of origin, where appropriate.

It's hard to admit needing help sometimes. Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, lost, or inertia about self-motivated change? If you're struggling with managing anxiety or depression, infertility, adoption issues, trauma, LGBTQ, ADHD, child behavior, mariage, or impulse control I can help. I will "meet you where you are" emotionally, and together we can navigate what you are experiencing. I want to walk with you while you find mental wellness, manage stressors, obtain clarity, and gain the peace of mind that you deserve. There's much healing in being heard, understood, and taking time to process emotions.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as an ideal client. The human experience is far too vast and varying for one to be considered an ideal therapeutic client. It is my pleasure to engage with any individual who has the strength and awareness to seek mental health treatment and it is my privilege to be allowed into their lives. In my work as a therapist, it is my hope to work with my clients in such a way that encourages and inspires them to pursue their authentic-selves while building healthy, sustainable skills to cope with the myriad of struggles, obstacles, and experiences that life can entail.

Struggling with practicing good mental wellness is sometimes not a choice, but healing is. Often life can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, insecure, checked out, isolated, have racing thoughts or unwanted memories, struggling with everyday tasks (school, work, parenting, etc.), dealing with depression, anxiety and maybe undesirable thoughts. Our current mental wellness, whether healthy or not, impact adults, our youth and our relationships. Together in therapy, we will work with you to feel safe, maintain strength, set healthy boundaries and learn how to function better in life.

Struggling with intrusive thoughts, downward spirals, lack of motivation, effects of trauma or feeling invalidated? Playing those “what if” scenarios again and again in your head? If you’re seeking an authentic, empathetic connection to overcome challenges around anxiety, trauma, depression, or identity issues then I am here for you. As a passionate therapist, I strive to understand your needs, whether you're a child, teenager, or young adult. Through evidence-based treatments, I'll provide you with the right tools to help you reduce your worries and symptoms, while making sure you achieve your life goals!

My ideal client is open to insight and a different perspective. They are perhaps ready for a change and will walk a path that may be uncomfortable at times. My ideal client has dealt with everything from existential crises, searching for life's meaning, addiction, behavior issues, trauma, and attachment issues, to name a few that stand out.

Let's be partners in building insight and progressing toward feeling more grounded and free. Compassion, curiosity, safety, and empathy will guide our relationship, as together we honor core emotions to live more fully. In my broad career, I have had the opportunity to partner with a wide range of clients in different capacities from various ages and backgrounds. As a clinical therapist, I have aligned with clients to identify, analyze and treat various emotional disorders and challenges. I was also a school counselor and guided students in transitioning to the rigors of high school.

If you’ve been feeling discouraged, disconnected, or constantly comparing yourself to others, maybe it’s time to talk to someone. Therapy offers a nonjudgmental space where the priority is building an affirming therapeutic relationship that lets us move at your pace toward your goals. I work with adults of all ages and walks of life who are facing life transitions, struggling with self-esteem, feeling stuck and “going nowhere,” or coping with past trauma. You’ll be able to discover the patterns that show up in your everyday life, identify the tools and wisdom you already possess, and heal the parts of you that need attention.

Educational Background: I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montclair State University, and my Bachelor's degree in Psychology, with a minor in Cultural Anthropology. Throughout my graduate and undergraduate internships, I gained experience working with a variety of ages and populations, from children and adults with developmental disabilities, to adults of all ages with chronic mental illness. I have over 10 years of experience in Case Management, as well as supervisory experience in the field of Human and Social Services.

Michelle Poff is a Licensed Professional Counselor in New Jersey who has been practicing since 2023. Michelle is open to being eclectic in order to personalize an effective approach and treatment for each individual. She believes the therapeutic process is a collaborative one and wants to help individuals find their inner strengths in taking on emotional challenges for those who seek it. Michelle is compassionate and has a warm disposition in providing a safe space for individuals to understand and process their emotions.

Emily Beasley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas who has been practicing since 2015. She has a BA in Psychology and an MA in Professional Counseling. Emily strives for a balance between the process-oriented exploration of feelings and the development of practical coping skills. She focuses on helping clients recognize and trust their own capacities for growth and self-direction. Emily encourages clients to set their own goals and take ownership of their therapeutic journey. Outside of work, Emily enjoys embroidery and loves creating pieces inspired by the people she loves.

There are times when we are uncertain how to respond to issues, we may become overwhelmed by having to make decisions or we may feel depleted because we tried everything possible but the problem(s) persist and seem to grow. We may also feel isolated as our personal and professional relationships become conflicted. We might be responding to problems never before experienced, or we may lack the knowledge experience and skills to be objective to find a solution. Sometimes we may not have had role models or personal, academic or professional mentors to help guide us through various situations.

Hi! I am extremely passionate about helping each and every client through caring & empathetic counseling, with a focus on reaching solutions and your highest potential. I strive to create the most comfortable and kindest environment for my clients. I specialize in working with Adolescents who are struggling with fitting in, bullying, self-esteem, body image, behavioral issues, organizational skills, academic issues, eating disorders, family conflict, Obsessive-Compulsive, Peer Relationships, Substance Abuse, Teen Violence, Addiction, Anger Management, Impulsivity, Depression, Grief, Oppositional Defiance, Relationship Issues, Self-Harming, Suicidal Ideation, & Anxiety. I also work with adults in the areas mentioned above as well as Career Counseling.