LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Olmsted Falls, OH
Gabrielle Gallet de St. Aurin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, IMFT
Verified Verified
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
When we live in spaces of meeting other people’s expectations, how can we ever discover who we authentically are? My role as a therapist is to create a space where you are able to be authentically yourself. We are not simple and isolated beings. We are influenced and impacted by various different relationships and experiences throughout our lives. There is no road map on how to be. So, let’s create it together. I specialize in working with families of all shapes, sizes and experiences, and specifically those that identify within the LGBTQIA+ community.
When we live in spaces of meeting other people’s expectations, how can we ever discover who we authentically are? My role as a therapist is to create a space where you are able to be authentically yourself. We are not simple and isolated beings. We are influenced and impacted by various different relationships and experiences throughout our lives. There is no road map on how to be. So, let’s create it together. I specialize in working with families of all shapes, sizes and experiences, and specifically those that identify within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Susan Zacharias received her master's degree in clinical pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Kent State University. She has more than 15 years of counseling experience including work in community and private practice settings. She currently provides individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults ages 6 to 65+. Her treatment areas of specialty include trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and substance use disorders. She is also trained in the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Susan Zacharias received her master's degree in clinical pastoral counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Kent State University. She has more than 15 years of counseling experience including work in community and private practice settings. She currently provides individual, couples and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults ages 6 to 65+. Her treatment areas of specialty include trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and substance use disorders. She is also trained in the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Brookana Bonezzi is a board certified advanced practice nurse with dual certification in pediatrics and mental health care. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University and her master's degree from the University of Akron. She also earned post-master's certification in psychiatric mental health from the University of Cincinnati. She has more than 10 years of nursing experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has served a variety of patients across the life span including children, adolescents and adults.
Brookana Bonezzi is a board certified advanced practice nurse with dual certification in pediatrics and mental health care. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University and her master's degree from the University of Akron. She also earned post-master's certification in psychiatric mental health from the University of Cincinnati. She has more than 10 years of nursing experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings and has served a variety of patients across the life span including children, adolescents and adults.
Tanya Morrow spent 25 years at the children and families social services agency Beech Brook, most recently as director of theEarly Childhood program. She is experienced in the treatment of behavior disorders and post-traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD) resulting fromabuse as well astrauma informed care, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and LGBTQI issues. She hasspecial interest in treatment of women's issues, self-care and empowerment,life coaching, social skill development and resilience.
Tanya Morrow spent 25 years at the children and families social services agency Beech Brook, most recently as director of theEarly Childhood program. She is experienced in the treatment of behavior disorders and post-traumatic stressdisorder (PTSD) resulting fromabuse as well astrauma informed care, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and LGBTQI issues. She hasspecial interest in treatment of women's issues, self-care and empowerment,life coaching, social skill development and resilience.
Michael Weatherford
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Dr. Weatherford (He/him) is a licensed professional counselor with five years of clinical experience working with adolescents and adults in an outpatient setting with differing presenting concerns. He has specialized training in behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Weatherford primarily works with adolescents and adults (Ages 13-60) with a wide range of concerns. He has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with varying depression diagnoses, varying anxiety-related diagnoses, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD.
Dr. Weatherford (He/him) is a licensed professional counselor with five years of clinical experience working with adolescents and adults in an outpatient setting with differing presenting concerns. He has specialized training in behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Weatherford primarily works with adolescents and adults (Ages 13-60) with a wide range of concerns. He has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with varying depression diagnoses, varying anxiety-related diagnoses, ADHD, adjustment disorders, and PTSD.
Trista Piccola is a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2007. Trista provides care for individuals and families seeking help need to be able to do so without any fear of stigma or judgment. She focuses on helping people feel at ease so they can start the process of problem-solving and healing. Outside of work, Trista is an animal lover.
Trista Piccola is a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2007. Trista provides care for individuals and families seeking help need to be able to do so without any fear of stigma or judgment. She focuses on helping people feel at ease so they can start the process of problem-solving and healing. Outside of work, Trista is an animal lover.
Susanne Sacco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW, MEd
Verified Verified
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Waitlist for new clients
I believe in an individualized approach for every client and working with you to determine the best methodology to get you where you want to be. I will help you tell your life story, and will work with you to find insight and meaning for the future. While on your journey, you will find that I can offer and link you with additional resources to empower you beyond the therapy room. Finally, if a relationship with me as a therapist is not working, I encourage my clients to be open and honest so that we can get them on the correct path to healing.
I believe in an individualized approach for every client and working with you to determine the best methodology to get you where you want to be. I will help you tell your life story, and will work with you to find insight and meaning for the future. While on your journey, you will find that I can offer and link you with additional resources to empower you beyond the therapy room. Finally, if a relationship with me as a therapist is not working, I encourage my clients to be open and honest so that we can get them on the correct path to healing.
Dr. Kelsey Jager
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
I can help you transcend self-defeating patterns and cultivate a more conscious, authentic, and effective way of being.
Sometimes, things fall apart seemingly all at once. A relationship ends, a job is lost. You are diagnosed with a health problem or sustain a debilitating injury. Other times, things gradually build to feel like you are being slowly buried alive. You have trouble falling asleep because you dread waking up the next day. You are no longer enjoying life, seeing it as a series of obstacles to “get through”. Detached, hollowed out, energetically drained, and wondering how many more days you can live like this. If you are feeling stuck, ready for a change and greater clarity, I will dedicate myself to your cause.
I can help you transcend self-defeating patterns and cultivate a more conscious, authentic, and effective way of being.
Sometimes, things fall apart seemingly all at once. A relationship ends, a job is lost. You are diagnosed with a health problem or sustain a debilitating injury. Other times, things gradually build to feel like you are being slowly buried alive. You have trouble falling asleep because you dread waking up the next day. You are no longer enjoying life, seeing it as a series of obstacles to “get through”. Detached, hollowed out, energetically drained, and wondering how many more days you can live like this. If you are feeling stuck, ready for a change and greater clarity, I will dedicate myself to your cause.
I have experience working with trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, ADHD, school and behavioral concerns, stress and emotion management, life transitions, wellness and self-care, and family conflict.
I view counseling as a collaborative process between the client and the therapist, with the client being the expert on their own lives. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to support my clients in achieving the goals they set for themselves. My background includes working with adolescents in a residential treatment and hospital setting, working as a school-based mental health provider, providing counseling services in a university counseling center to undergraduate students, and working with clients ages 5 through 75 in an outpatient setting.
I have experience working with trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, ADHD, school and behavioral concerns, stress and emotion management, life transitions, wellness and self-care, and family conflict.
I view counseling as a collaborative process between the client and the therapist, with the client being the expert on their own lives. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to support my clients in achieving the goals they set for themselves. My background includes working with adolescents in a residential treatment and hospital setting, working as a school-based mental health provider, providing counseling services in a university counseling center to undergraduate students, and working with clients ages 5 through 75 in an outpatient setting.
Hello! I am now accepting new clients for morning and early daytime. Although I enjoy working with a diverse population, I have extensive experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults. I also work with adult clients dealing with stress, life transitions, relationship issues, and grief. Need help with parenting? I provide one on one coaching for parents seeking help with parenting strategies, dealing with unruly behavior, discipline, and more. In partnering with my clients, together we will identify problems getting in the way and thoughtfully apply skills to help you improve your everyday life!
Hello! I am now accepting new clients for morning and early daytime. Although I enjoy working with a diverse population, I have extensive experience helping children, adolescents, and young adults. I also work with adult clients dealing with stress, life transitions, relationship issues, and grief. Need help with parenting? I provide one on one coaching for parents seeking help with parenting strategies, dealing with unruly behavior, discipline, and more. In partnering with my clients, together we will identify problems getting in the way and thoughtfully apply skills to help you improve your everyday life!
Jill Blake
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CDCA
Verified Verified
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Waitlist for new clients
I offer an integrative approach to psychological healing that works directly with the mind-body connection allowing access to the stories that trick our brains into believing hopeless, anxious, or burdensome thoughts. This gentle and powerful approach to the change process recognizes the biological, psychological, and social elements of suffering. We will work together to design a therapeutic experience that aligns with your values, comfort level, story, and symptoms.
I offer an integrative approach to psychological healing that works directly with the mind-body connection allowing access to the stories that trick our brains into believing hopeless, anxious, or burdensome thoughts. This gentle and powerful approach to the change process recognizes the biological, psychological, and social elements of suffering. We will work together to design a therapeutic experience that aligns with your values, comfort level, story, and symptoms.
More Therapists Nearby
LGBTQ+ Counseling and Support
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MEd
Verified Verified
North Olmsted, OH 44070
As our client, you can utilize clinical services for as long as necessary while you navigate your own process or journey, explore your identity understanding, and navigate opportunities and challenges as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Taking a step to do something for your self is the right thing to do. Start slow and easy if that helps, see how it goes, or jump right in. Either way - we are here for you and can help.
As our client, you can utilize clinical services for as long as necessary while you navigate your own process or journey, explore your identity understanding, and navigate opportunities and challenges as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Taking a step to do something for your self is the right thing to do. Start slow and easy if that helps, see how it goes, or jump right in. Either way - we are here for you and can help.
Through life’s messiness, it can be easy to lose track of who we are and where we want to go. Therapy can help remind us that our past traumas and current stressors shape us, but need not define us. As a therapist, it’s with compassion, understanding, and humor that I offer a space for self-discovery and self-actualization. Whatever brought you here, I strive to connect not just as therapist-and-client, but as people. My areas of focus include trauma, grief, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions.
Through life’s messiness, it can be easy to lose track of who we are and where we want to go. Therapy can help remind us that our past traumas and current stressors shape us, but need not define us. As a therapist, it’s with compassion, understanding, and humor that I offer a space for self-discovery and self-actualization. Whatever brought you here, I strive to connect not just as therapist-and-client, but as people. My areas of focus include trauma, grief, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions.
Adrienne Wood-Wheeler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berea, OH 44017
I embrace the neurodiversity paradigm, affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals, and welcome those who identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Hello! I am a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, conduct/defiant behaviors, and interpersonal conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with families, groups, and neurodivergent populations such as autistic people and individuals with ADHD.
I embrace the neurodiversity paradigm, affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals, and welcome those who identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and People of Color.
Hello! I am a Licensed Social Worker who specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, conduct/defiant behaviors, and interpersonal conflicts. I also have extensive experience working with families, groups, and neurodivergent populations such as autistic people and individuals with ADHD.
Kara Baird
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LICDC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berea, OH 44017 (Online Only)
Weekend ONLINE appointments available now. Are you ready for change, but are not quite sure where to start? Have you been experiencing similar patterns in life and continue to struggle no matter how hard you try? If you are ready to commit wholeheartedly to the therapy, I believe change is possible and the results can be life changing. Anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions are happening all around you, making it challenging to take the time you need to focus on yourself.
Weekend ONLINE appointments available now. Are you ready for change, but are not quite sure where to start? Have you been experiencing similar patterns in life and continue to struggle no matter how hard you try? If you are ready to commit wholeheartedly to the therapy, I believe change is possible and the results can be life changing. Anxiety, depression, grief/loss, life transitions are happening all around you, making it challenging to take the time you need to focus on yourself.
Cassie has experience working with a variety of different populations and specializes in working with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions.
Cassie has experience working with a variety of different populations and specializes in working with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, grief, and difficult life transitions.
My areas of focus include couples/relationships, anxiety, panic, grief, and life transitions.
The stories we remember and tell about our lives inform who we are and who we want to be. It is a privilege to hold space for the stories my clients tell as we work together to find meaning and purpose within them. I utilize an eclectic combination of techniques including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help my clients through the hardships of being human. If you are struggling to communicate with your partner, are having difficulty managing your anxiety, or are generally feeling overwhelmed by life's many changes and demands, then you are in the right place.
My areas of focus include couples/relationships, anxiety, panic, grief, and life transitions.
The stories we remember and tell about our lives inform who we are and who we want to be. It is a privilege to hold space for the stories my clients tell as we work together to find meaning and purpose within them. I utilize an eclectic combination of techniques including CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy to help my clients through the hardships of being human. If you are struggling to communicate with your partner, are having difficulty managing your anxiety, or are generally feeling overwhelmed by life's many changes and demands, then you are in the right place.
Virtual daytime openings! It is exciting to see clients achieving their wellness goals, improving relationships, work satisfaction, and increasing self-awareness and coping skills. If you have considered therapy as a way to improve your life, I would be happy to work with you! I am an EMDR therapist, and have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, panic disorder, depression, college transition, trauma, grief, and ADHD/executive function concerns. I enjoy exploring coping skills, resilience, career, parenting and work-life balance issues with my clients. I often use creative modalities and mindfulness in my practice.
Virtual daytime openings! It is exciting to see clients achieving their wellness goals, improving relationships, work satisfaction, and increasing self-awareness and coping skills. If you have considered therapy as a way to improve your life, I would be happy to work with you! I am an EMDR therapist, and have experience working with clients who experience anxiety, panic disorder, depression, college transition, trauma, grief, and ADHD/executive function concerns. I enjoy exploring coping skills, resilience, career, parenting and work-life balance issues with my clients. I often use creative modalities and mindfulness in my practice.
Let’s be real. Life is hard. You may feel stuck repeating the same patterns in your life, exhausted from fighting the negative stories your mind tells you, overwhelmed from constant stress, or weighed down by the past no matter how hard you try to let go. You desire to build self-compassion, live with intention, regulate your nervous system, and feel securely attached in your relationships. Therapy can help you deepen the relationship you have with yourself and others, process complex emotions, learn skills to manage stress, and heal from the wounds that once harmed you.
Let’s be real. Life is hard. You may feel stuck repeating the same patterns in your life, exhausted from fighting the negative stories your mind tells you, overwhelmed from constant stress, or weighed down by the past no matter how hard you try to let go. You desire to build self-compassion, live with intention, regulate your nervous system, and feel securely attached in your relationships. Therapy can help you deepen the relationship you have with yourself and others, process complex emotions, learn skills to manage stress, and heal from the wounds that once harmed you.
Life can quickly become stressful and overwhelming, especially when we are giving so much of ourselves to others. You feel tired of the way things are, or overwhelmed by the reality of what's on your plate. Is it time for you to offer yourself some of the time and attention you so graciously give to others? Maybe you have specific goals in mind, or perhaps you don't quite know what it is, but you know you want to feel differently. I offer a safe and reliable space to share and heal from past and current stressors in life and to grow into the version of yourself you'd most like to be.
Life can quickly become stressful and overwhelming, especially when we are giving so much of ourselves to others. You feel tired of the way things are, or overwhelmed by the reality of what's on your plate. Is it time for you to offer yourself some of the time and attention you so graciously give to others? Maybe you have specific goals in mind, or perhaps you don't quite know what it is, but you know you want to feel differently. I offer a safe and reliable space to share and heal from past and current stressors in life and to grow into the version of yourself you'd most like to be.
See more therapy options for Olmsted Falls
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Olmsted Falls
- Avon
- Bay Village
- Berea
- Brook Park
- Elyria
- Fairview Park
- Middleburg Heights
- North Olmsted
- North Ridgeville
- Rocky River
- Strongsville
- Westlake
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.