LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Oakwood, OH
Welcome to a space where understanding meets healing! Hi, I am Laura, thank you for checking-out my profile. I am compassionate and dedicated therapist committed to serving clients from all walks of life. This includes fostering a warm and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and those seeking culturally sensitive therapy. My expertise spans areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and self-esteem. With a client-centered approach, I create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgement.
Welcome to a space where understanding meets healing! Hi, I am Laura, thank you for checking-out my profile. I am compassionate and dedicated therapist committed to serving clients from all walks of life. This includes fostering a warm and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and those seeking culturally sensitive therapy. My expertise spans areas such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and self-esteem. With a client-centered approach, I create a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgement.
Do you repeat self-defeating behaviors but don't know how to stop? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, or unresolved trauma? Maybe you just feel overwhelmed and can't even name what is wrong. I can help you make sense of the senseless, make peace with shame and blame, and gain the happiness you thought impossible. I provide compassionate, inclusive care for adults, teens (13+), couples, and families. I am LGBTQ+ and multicultural sensitive, offer telehealth, and am accepting new clients. My approach is holistic and client-centered.
Do you repeat self-defeating behaviors but don't know how to stop? Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, or unresolved trauma? Maybe you just feel overwhelmed and can't even name what is wrong. I can help you make sense of the senseless, make peace with shame and blame, and gain the happiness you thought impossible. I provide compassionate, inclusive care for adults, teens (13+), couples, and families. I am LGBTQ+ and multicultural sensitive, offer telehealth, and am accepting new clients. My approach is holistic and client-centered.
Being a therapist means to me that regardless of background or identity, I will do my utmost to provide for you a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space so that we can explore challenging thoughts and ideas. I do my best work when we can focus our efforts in therapy on specific areas of concern relating to stress, mood and anxiety disorders. Throughout the course of therapy, we will find ways to break down those areas of concern and then structure treatment to suit your unique mental health goals. I’m confident that not only will you find therapy a positive experience, but one where you will see yourself getting better.
Being a therapist means to me that regardless of background or identity, I will do my utmost to provide for you a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space so that we can explore challenging thoughts and ideas. I do my best work when we can focus our efforts in therapy on specific areas of concern relating to stress, mood and anxiety disorders. Throughout the course of therapy, we will find ways to break down those areas of concern and then structure treatment to suit your unique mental health goals. I’m confident that not only will you find therapy a positive experience, but one where you will see yourself getting better.
Have you spent your life overachieving, working hard, taking care of others, doing all the right things, and yet thing aren't working out how you expected them to? Are your relationships very often one-sided, where you give a lot but no one takes care of you? I see you. My practice focuses on those who have "done all the right things," and are wondering why things are still so hard. Unfortunately, being hard on ourselves, working hard, achieving all the things, and taking care of everyone around us doesn't often lead to the sort of healing and peace we long for.
Have you spent your life overachieving, working hard, taking care of others, doing all the right things, and yet thing aren't working out how you expected them to? Are your relationships very often one-sided, where you give a lot but no one takes care of you? I see you. My practice focuses on those who have "done all the right things," and are wondering why things are still so hard. Unfortunately, being hard on ourselves, working hard, achieving all the things, and taking care of everyone around us doesn't often lead to the sort of healing and peace we long for.
My philosophy is that within each of us is the capacity to flourish. Counseling can be transformational for people working through life transitions, painful emotions, challenging relationships, and so much more. Together we can work to implement practical strategies that cultivate positive wellbeing and decrease stress. I help my clients to deepen their awareness and self-compassion so that they can feel empowered to make nurturing choices for themselves each day.
My philosophy is that within each of us is the capacity to flourish. Counseling can be transformational for people working through life transitions, painful emotions, challenging relationships, and so much more. Together we can work to implement practical strategies that cultivate positive wellbeing and decrease stress. I help my clients to deepen their awareness and self-compassion so that they can feel empowered to make nurturing choices for themselves each day.
You're wanting to feel alive and comfortable in your own skin, but you find yourself freezing up or overwhelmed with images from the past or stuck in ways you can't explain. While talking about it can be helpful, if you're dealing with a trauma or ingrained stress response, it gets stuck in the body and talking alone doesn't unlock the trauma patterns in the body. Body-based modalities combined with talking really help to unwind trauma patterns. If you come see me, we won't only sit in chairs talking.
You're wanting to feel alive and comfortable in your own skin, but you find yourself freezing up or overwhelmed with images from the past or stuck in ways you can't explain. While talking about it can be helpful, if you're dealing with a trauma or ingrained stress response, it gets stuck in the body and talking alone doesn't unlock the trauma patterns in the body. Body-based modalities combined with talking really help to unwind trauma patterns. If you come see me, we won't only sit in chairs talking.
I believe all people have the ability to overcome even the most dis-empowering obstacles, and sometimes we need help finding the way to do this. I work across a range of mental health and addiction concerns, to help you, to help yourself. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and am honored by the opportunity to help you tap into your expertise. My practice uses principles of Mindfulness, compassion, personal empowerment, and hope. Together, we will discover your strengths, and learn how to use your own power to conquer challenges, to grow, and heal.
I believe all people have the ability to overcome even the most dis-empowering obstacles, and sometimes we need help finding the way to do this. I work across a range of mental health and addiction concerns, to help you, to help yourself. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and am honored by the opportunity to help you tap into your expertise. My practice uses principles of Mindfulness, compassion, personal empowerment, and hope. Together, we will discover your strengths, and learn how to use your own power to conquer challenges, to grow, and heal.
Susan C Wawrose
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MSEd, JD, LPCC
Verified Verified
Oakwood, OH 45419
My expertise is with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and difficulty adjusting to life changes. Often clients come to me feeling stuck, seeking relief from stress, or feeling disconnected and alone. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental setting where clients feel safe to address these issues. My goal is to help clients gain insight and draw on their strengths to find the best way forward through difficult times.
My expertise is with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and difficulty adjusting to life changes. Often clients come to me feeling stuck, seeking relief from stress, or feeling disconnected and alone. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental setting where clients feel safe to address these issues. My goal is to help clients gain insight and draw on their strengths to find the best way forward through difficult times.
My approach to therapy is both focused on finding solutions and gaining understanding. First, I believe it is important to incorporate effective coping skills to mitigate the effects of any mental health concern. It is then often necessary to build insight as to the causes of these concerns in order to change problematic patterns in how we relate to ourselves and others. Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship matters - I attempt to foster self-compassion and understanding in order to lighten the burden of difficult life situations.
My approach to therapy is both focused on finding solutions and gaining understanding. First, I believe it is important to incorporate effective coping skills to mitigate the effects of any mental health concern. It is then often necessary to build insight as to the causes of these concerns in order to change problematic patterns in how we relate to ourselves and others. Anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship matters - I attempt to foster self-compassion and understanding in order to lighten the burden of difficult life situations.
Over the years I have worked with clients of all backgrounds and issues. I believe you are the most important person who walks into my office. I believe your experience in therapy should be helpful and that you feel you are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve. Our building a relationship is important in this process. You are the leader in managing your treatment and my job is to listen and follow your lead. For many families, adoption was an option to building that family. As a parent of nine adopted children who are now adults, I appreciate the special challenges we have faced.
Over the years I have worked with clients of all backgrounds and issues. I believe you are the most important person who walks into my office. I believe your experience in therapy should be helpful and that you feel you are treated with the dignity and respect you deserve. Our building a relationship is important in this process. You are the leader in managing your treatment and my job is to listen and follow your lead. For many families, adoption was an option to building that family. As a parent of nine adopted children who are now adults, I appreciate the special challenges we have faced.
I believe that people come to therapy for many reasons but their overall goal is to improve upon their lives and themselves. My main focus and overall goal as a therapist is to help my clients foster a better understanding of themselves and their relationships, in order to achieve a happier, more successful and productive life! I integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to find the best combination to elicit change and personal growth in my clients.
I believe that people come to therapy for many reasons but their overall goal is to improve upon their lives and themselves. My main focus and overall goal as a therapist is to help my clients foster a better understanding of themselves and their relationships, in order to achieve a happier, more successful and productive life! I integrate Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy to find the best combination to elicit change and personal growth in my clients.
I enjoy working with people during any phase of their journey. It's rewarding to connect with couples, adolescents, and adults going through stage of life changes and or trauma. I find joy in collaborating to cultivate peoples' motivations to change in a way that allows them to gain insight into their behaviors and achieve optimal health. I view people through a holistic lens thus seeing the whole person rather than their symptoms.
I enjoy working with people during any phase of their journey. It's rewarding to connect with couples, adolescents, and adults going through stage of life changes and or trauma. I find joy in collaborating to cultivate peoples' motivations to change in a way that allows them to gain insight into their behaviors and achieve optimal health. I view people through a holistic lens thus seeing the whole person rather than their symptoms.
Coping with stress, low self-esteem, navigating a life transition, or anxiety and depression? Perhaps a trusted person in your life told you it was time to try therapy. We can explore your communication, expectations, and own boundaries for a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Choose to work on yourself in a safe environment with no judgment. I'll walk next to you on your journey helping you to find what works for you, so you can pursue your pathway to healing and growth. I operate a private pay office. We accept HSA, FSA, and credit cards. I do not work directly with insurance.
Coping with stress, low self-esteem, navigating a life transition, or anxiety and depression? Perhaps a trusted person in your life told you it was time to try therapy. We can explore your communication, expectations, and own boundaries for a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Choose to work on yourself in a safe environment with no judgment. I'll walk next to you on your journey helping you to find what works for you, so you can pursue your pathway to healing and growth. I operate a private pay office. We accept HSA, FSA, and credit cards. I do not work directly with insurance.
I find great joy in creating an atmosphere where my clients can learn to let go of shame and embrace their authentic selves with humor, compassion, and curiosity. My goal as a therapist is to guide my client to develop an understanding of their inner beliefs in order to help them develop the skills and flexibility to enact they change or acceptance they desire. My goal as a couples counselor is to help my clients learn to speak each others language, and help them build trust and learn to have fun with one another again.
I find great joy in creating an atmosphere where my clients can learn to let go of shame and embrace their authentic selves with humor, compassion, and curiosity. My goal as a therapist is to guide my client to develop an understanding of their inner beliefs in order to help them develop the skills and flexibility to enact they change or acceptance they desire. My goal as a couples counselor is to help my clients learn to speak each others language, and help them build trust and learn to have fun with one another again.
Elizabeth Anne Hardy
Psychologist, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Oakwood, OH 45419
Not accepting new clients
People strive to create meaningful relationships. Many enter psychotherapy because that need isn't being met, wasn't met, or because they fear it won't be met. People feel/behave for reasons often outside awareness. Attempts to master psychological pain determine why people behave consistently, predictably, and sometimes self-destructively. The therapeutic relationship is determined by my ability to provide a safe forum for examining thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by maintaining a nonjudgmental, empathic rapport. Successful treatment integrates cognitive and emotional components of people developing increasing self-awareness. It includes supportive and interpretive interventions, while also leveraging strengths.
People strive to create meaningful relationships. Many enter psychotherapy because that need isn't being met, wasn't met, or because they fear it won't be met. People feel/behave for reasons often outside awareness. Attempts to master psychological pain determine why people behave consistently, predictably, and sometimes self-destructively. The therapeutic relationship is determined by my ability to provide a safe forum for examining thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by maintaining a nonjudgmental, empathic rapport. Successful treatment integrates cognitive and emotional components of people developing increasing self-awareness. It includes supportive and interpretive interventions, while also leveraging strengths.
More Therapists Nearby
I have crafted a career working with Transgender and Gender Diverse individuals, recognizing their unique challenges, providing specialized care that validates their identities, and receiving specialty training and support through WPATH. Additionally, my expertise extends to working with Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, building an accommodating environment to optimize therapeutic outcomes and enhance a sense of identity. I have a particular focus on addressing Racial Stress and Trauma, ensuring culturally competent care. We all have unique perspectives and strengths that can be cultivated to overcome any challenge.
I have crafted a career working with Transgender and Gender Diverse individuals, recognizing their unique challenges, providing specialized care that validates their identities, and receiving specialty training and support through WPATH. Additionally, my expertise extends to working with Autistic and Neurodivergent individuals, building an accommodating environment to optimize therapeutic outcomes and enhance a sense of identity. I have a particular focus on addressing Racial Stress and Trauma, ensuring culturally competent care. We all have unique perspectives and strengths that can be cultivated to overcome any challenge.
Human connection is vital to the therapeutic practice and so during therapy, I do my best to provide a safe space to explore emotions and challenges as well as providing a space that is LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist and Disability Justice Oriented. While I work with clients who experience a spectrum of challenges such as anxiety, depression, and work stress, I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma using cognitive, existential, somatic and polyvagal approaches.
Human connection is vital to the therapeutic practice and so during therapy, I do my best to provide a safe space to explore emotions and challenges as well as providing a space that is LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist and Disability Justice Oriented. While I work with clients who experience a spectrum of challenges such as anxiety, depression, and work stress, I specialize in helping clients heal from trauma using cognitive, existential, somatic and polyvagal approaches.
You are not your problems, the problem is the problem! Together we can begin to discern the difference and take action toward change. I am a white, genderqueer therapist dedicated to facilitating personal, interpersonal and collective healing through relationships and organizing. I specialize in supporting people experiencing issues related to boundaries, self-respect, burnout, anger, social/racial justice, healing trauma, identity development, existential questions, sexuality, gender identity, and life transitions. LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome. More at: www.riverscapecounseling.com
You are not your problems, the problem is the problem! Together we can begin to discern the difference and take action toward change. I am a white, genderqueer therapist dedicated to facilitating personal, interpersonal and collective healing through relationships and organizing. I specialize in supporting people experiencing issues related to boundaries, self-respect, burnout, anger, social/racial justice, healing trauma, identity development, existential questions, sexuality, gender identity, and life transitions. LGBTQ, poly, and kink identities welcome. More at: www.riverscapecounseling.com
As an individual within the LGBT+ community, I bring lived experience allowing me to empathize with those within marginalized communities.
Many of us find ourselves feeling called to living a deeper and more emotionally fulfilled life. Whether you are struggling with managing stress, navigating life's transitions, looking for deeper meaning, exploring your identity, or trying to understand a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, it's helpful to have a safe environment to explore what is and is not working for you. Using trauma-informed practices, I work with individuals ready to find lasting change in their lives. Special areas of interest include LGBT+ issues, navigating university, exploring spiritual identity, and healing from trauma.
As an individual within the LGBT+ community, I bring lived experience allowing me to empathize with those within marginalized communities.
Many of us find ourselves feeling called to living a deeper and more emotionally fulfilled life. Whether you are struggling with managing stress, navigating life's transitions, looking for deeper meaning, exploring your identity, or trying to understand a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, it's helpful to have a safe environment to explore what is and is not working for you. Using trauma-informed practices, I work with individuals ready to find lasting change in their lives. Special areas of interest include LGBT+ issues, navigating university, exploring spiritual identity, and healing from trauma.
My primary experience has been with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but I have studied many tactics and techniques to facilitate people experiencing narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationships, specifically those which include gaslighting.
Every person's journey through life is unique and will inevitably bring about challenging situations, particularly when we feel unable to handle the challenges we face. As your therapist, my goal is to provide you with a trusting and warm environment, to allow you to explore and gain understanding of the challenges you face, as well as the possibilities that may create a positive change. I utilize person-centered and integrated approaches in therapy to address the dynamics of your life and commit to supporting your emotional growth, which allows me to create a therapeutic experience that's unique to each client.
My primary experience has been with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but I have studied many tactics and techniques to facilitate people experiencing narcissistic and emotionally abusive relationships, specifically those which include gaslighting.
Every person's journey through life is unique and will inevitably bring about challenging situations, particularly when we feel unable to handle the challenges we face. As your therapist, my goal is to provide you with a trusting and warm environment, to allow you to explore and gain understanding of the challenges you face, as well as the possibilities that may create a positive change. I utilize person-centered and integrated approaches in therapy to address the dynamics of your life and commit to supporting your emotional growth, which allows me to create a therapeutic experience that's unique to each client.
See more therapy options for Oakwood
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Oakwood
- Beavercreek
- Bellbrook
- Centerville
- Dayton
- Fairborn
- Huber Heights
- Kettering
- Medway
- Miamisburg
- Springboro
- Vandalia
- Xenia
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.