LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Willoughby Hills, OH
Annika Jernigan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Annika has experience counseling those navigating a multitude of challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, discrimination, economic instability, developmental concerns, behavioral difficulties, grief, identity concerns/concerns related to the LGBTQIA experience, self-harm, and suicidality.
Annika has experience counseling those navigating a multitude of challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, discrimination, economic instability, developmental concerns, behavioral difficulties, grief, identity concerns/concerns related to the LGBTQIA experience, self-harm, and suicidality.
Kathleen Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
I enjoy working with adults, adolescents and children. I have pervious experience working with clients who have had concerns related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, behavior issues, trauma, and LGBTQ+ related issues. I work collaboratively with my clients to create goals and a plan that will help my clients grow, heal, and have a happy, fulfilling life.
I enjoy working with adults, adolescents and children. I have pervious experience working with clients who have had concerns related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, behavior issues, trauma, and LGBTQ+ related issues. I work collaboratively with my clients to create goals and a plan that will help my clients grow, heal, and have a happy, fulfilling life.
Kelsey Passov
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Kelsey’s future clients can expect to feel safe and welcome without judgement as she is an ally to her clients, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kelsey works with clients from 12 years old to adulthood. She has experience working with anxiety disorders, trauma history, mood disorders, chronic illness, individuals with family relationship concerns, parents to young children, and neurodivergency. She believes the relationships we create in life impact how we feel about ourselves and interact with others, and explores their impact on clients’ overall wellbeing.
Kelsey’s future clients can expect to feel safe and welcome without judgement as she is an ally to her clients, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kelsey works with clients from 12 years old to adulthood. She has experience working with anxiety disorders, trauma history, mood disorders, chronic illness, individuals with family relationship concerns, parents to young children, and neurodivergency. She believes the relationships we create in life impact how we feel about ourselves and interact with others, and explores their impact on clients’ overall wellbeing.
Megan Long
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, MSSA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Megan is experienced in working with adults experiencing severe mental health concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. She has extensive knowledge on trauma, trauma responses and the neurobiology of trauma, and has facilitated both individual and group counseling for individuals with these concerns. As a queer practitioner, Megan has experience leading both individual and group counseling for LGBTQIA+ populations who may be experiencing concerns related to identity. Megan is aligned and open to working with non-monogamous and alternative relationship styles and orientations.
Megan is experienced in working with adults experiencing severe mental health concerns, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma. She has extensive knowledge on trauma, trauma responses and the neurobiology of trauma, and has facilitated both individual and group counseling for individuals with these concerns. As a queer practitioner, Megan has experience leading both individual and group counseling for LGBTQIA+ populations who may be experiencing concerns related to identity. Megan is aligned and open to working with non-monogamous and alternative relationship styles and orientations.
Thailia Morton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in me helping you through your journey! My areas of focus include trauma focused care, anxiety disorders, mood disorders including depression, life transitions, BIPOC individuals , LGBTQIA+ individuals, self esteem concerns, ADHD, boundary setting, self-care , and many more. I like to meet my clients where they are in their journey and utilize evidenced-based approaches that best fits the needs of the client.
Welcome! Thank you for your interest in me helping you through your journey! My areas of focus include trauma focused care, anxiety disorders, mood disorders including depression, life transitions, BIPOC individuals , LGBTQIA+ individuals, self esteem concerns, ADHD, boundary setting, self-care , and many more. I like to meet my clients where they are in their journey and utilize evidenced-based approaches that best fits the needs of the client.
Melissa Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW, LICDC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Melissa is sex-positive, body positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and has experience with clients who practice ethical non-monogomy.
Melissa Miller is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She earned her Master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor's degree in social work from Cleveland State University. Her experience primarily lies in providing individual and group therapy in both community mental health and forensic social work as well as private practice. Melissa has served a wide variety of client populations, including adults who have experienced incarceration, substance use, and religious trauma.
Melissa is sex-positive, body positive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and has experience with clients who practice ethical non-monogomy.
Melissa Miller is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor. She earned her Master's degree in social work from The Ohio State University and her Bachelor's degree in social work from Cleveland State University. Her experience primarily lies in providing individual and group therapy in both community mental health and forensic social work as well as private practice. Melissa has served a wide variety of client populations, including adults who have experienced incarceration, substance use, and religious trauma.
Michaela Moneypenny
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Michaela is experienced in working with adults experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, trauma, depression, and life adjustments/transitions like grief, divorce, moving, job changes, new school, and chronic medical illness. She strives to ensure a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community, and she values diversity, authentic self-expression, alternative relationship styles, and all spiritual practices.
Michaela is experienced in working with adults experiencing a variety of challenges including anxiety, trauma, depression, and life adjustments/transitions like grief, divorce, moving, job changes, new school, and chronic medical illness. She strives to ensure a safe place for the LGBTQIA+ community, and she values diversity, authentic self-expression, alternative relationship styles, and all spiritual practices.
Dani Dorsey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
I have previously worked with adults, adolescents, and children who were struggling with concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, confidence, gender and LGBTQIA+ issues.
My approach to counseling is one of offering space to client for their own empowerment and assisting my clients in becoming active participants in their thoughts, growth, and lives. I strive to embody trust, transparency, and authenticity in all realms of my life and work. I believe a relationship with a counselor is a caring space where one can be themselves without worries of judgment. From my perspective, counseling is a safe relationship in which one can explore their concerns, learn about themselves and the world around them, and try new things to find what works to harness positive change and improve well-being.
I have previously worked with adults, adolescents, and children who were struggling with concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, communication, confidence, gender and LGBTQIA+ issues.
My approach to counseling is one of offering space to client for their own empowerment and assisting my clients in becoming active participants in their thoughts, growth, and lives. I strive to embody trust, transparency, and authenticity in all realms of my life and work. I believe a relationship with a counselor is a caring space where one can be themselves without worries of judgment. From my perspective, counseling is a safe relationship in which one can explore their concerns, learn about themselves and the world around them, and try new things to find what works to harness positive change and improve well-being.
Kenneth Trivison
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, IMFT
Verified Verified
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Ken Trivison earned his master's degree in educational psychology from John Carroll University and completed a two year post-graduate training program in systemic marriage and family therapy. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He has served as a Board member of AAMFT and is a past president of the Ohio Division of AAMFT.
Ken Trivison earned his master's degree in educational psychology from John Carroll University and completed a two year post-graduate training program in systemic marriage and family therapy. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He has served as a Board member of AAMFT and is a past president of the Ohio Division of AAMFT.
Bridget Verma received her master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology and her bachelor's degree in Arts/Social Work from University of Akron. Bridget has worked at both community mental health agencies and private practice settings since 2004. She is experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, family, and couples/marital counseling. She specializes in couples counseling and trauma but also has experience in working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/loss and mood disorders.
Bridget Verma received her master's degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology and her bachelor's degree in Arts/Social Work from University of Akron. Bridget has worked at both community mental health agencies and private practice settings since 2004. She is experienced in working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, family, and couples/marital counseling. She specializes in couples counseling and trauma but also has experience in working with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, grief/loss and mood disorders.
Amanda Mills
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Amanda Mills is a licensed professional clinical counselor who has been practicing since 2017. She received her master's degree in clinical counseling from John Carroll University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Taylor University. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient groups and private practice. She has training in mindfulness and CBT, certification in DBT and training in marriage and relationship counseling. Her specialties include depression and anxiety, relationships, life changes, grief, mood disorders and substance abuse disorders.
Amanda Mills is a licensed professional clinical counselor who has been practicing since 2017. She received her master's degree in clinical counseling from John Carroll University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Taylor University. She has worked in a variety of settings including inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient groups and private practice. She has training in mindfulness and CBT, certification in DBT and training in marriage and relationship counseling. Her specialties include depression and anxiety, relationships, life changes, grief, mood disorders and substance abuse disorders.
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Ginny Sidlo has 25 years of experience in the field of mental health care and treatment of substance use disorders. She has served in both inpatient and outpatient settings in a variety of responsibilities including clinical supervision, social services director and individual, group and family therapy. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Morehead State University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Kentucky.
Ginny Sidlo has 25 years of experience in the field of mental health care and treatment of substance use disorders. She has served in both inpatient and outpatient settings in a variety of responsibilities including clinical supervision, social services director and individual, group and family therapy. She earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Morehead State University and her master's degree in social work from the University of Kentucky.
Timothy Warneka
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
With over 25 years of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy services, Mr. Warneka sees men and women, specializing in working with leaders, medical professionals, and mental health professionals. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and his graduate degree from Cleveland State University. He has also completed several extensive post-graduate training programs.
With over 25 years of experience providing counseling and psychotherapy services, Mr. Warneka sees men and women, specializing in working with leaders, medical professionals, and mental health professionals. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton and his graduate degree from Cleveland State University. He has also completed several extensive post-graduate training programs.
Dr. Mary V. Schaffer is a Clinical Psychologist that has been practicing for over thirty years working with all ages across the adult life span. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Union Institute, a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and Bachelor's in Psychology from Kent State University. Dr. Schaffer trained as a graduate research assistant at Harvard University and her clinical-research interests continue to focus on understanding and treating the effects of child and adult emotional and physical traumas.
Dr. Mary V. Schaffer is a Clinical Psychologist that has been practicing for over thirty years working with all ages across the adult life span. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Union Institute, a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and Bachelor's in Psychology from Kent State University. Dr. Schaffer trained as a graduate research assistant at Harvard University and her clinical-research interests continue to focus on understanding and treating the effects of child and adult emotional and physical traumas.
Angela Grey has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing crisis intervention, stabilization and intensive counseling for adults, adolescents and children. She specializes in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and has extensive experience working with victims of crime, sexual trauma, domestic violence, bullying and narcissistic abuse. A special area of interest is in assisting adolescents with the exploration of gender and sexual identities. Angela uses a client-centered approach, is goal-oriented and believes progress in treatment should be measurable.
Angela Grey has experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings providing crisis intervention, stabilization and intensive counseling for adults, adolescents and children. She specializes in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and has extensive experience working with victims of crime, sexual trauma, domestic violence, bullying and narcissistic abuse. A special area of interest is in assisting adolescents with the exploration of gender and sexual identities. Angela uses a client-centered approach, is goal-oriented and believes progress in treatment should be measurable.
Rebecca Joanis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Life can present with many challenges along the way. Whether you are struggling with a transitional life stressor such as parenthood, ongoing mental health concerns related to anxiety and depression and/or navigating trauma or grief, know that you do not have to do it alone. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I hope to provide you with a safe space to explore such challenges while also helping you discover your strengths, improve confidence, identify resiliency skills, and increase self compassion.
Life can present with many challenges along the way. Whether you are struggling with a transitional life stressor such as parenthood, ongoing mental health concerns related to anxiety and depression and/or navigating trauma or grief, know that you do not have to do it alone. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I hope to provide you with a safe space to explore such challenges while also helping you discover your strengths, improve confidence, identify resiliency skills, and increase self compassion.
Cara Schossow
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
I am an Independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that believes life's challenges never have to be faced alone. I have experience working with children and adolescents individually and within the group setting, focusing on behavioral issues, trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Conduct Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders.
I am an Independently Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor that believes life's challenges never have to be faced alone. I have experience working with children and adolescents individually and within the group setting, focusing on behavioral issues, trauma, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Mood Disorders, Conduct Disorders, and Adjustment Disorders.
Cynthia (Cindy) Golden Billittier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
I have 30 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families with a wide range of complex life circumstances. As a social worker, I pride myself in the ability to look at things from a systemic perspective. No one functions in isolation. I am compassionate and committed to my clients to address their individual needs as no one situation duplicates another. I have worked in a variety of settings: hospital, eating disorder specialty center, residential and private practice. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, feeding and eating disorders, grief, and families and couples under stress.
I have 30 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families with a wide range of complex life circumstances. As a social worker, I pride myself in the ability to look at things from a systemic perspective. No one functions in isolation. I am compassionate and committed to my clients to address their individual needs as no one situation duplicates another. I have worked in a variety of settings: hospital, eating disorder specialty center, residential and private practice. I have experience in treating anxiety, depression, feeding and eating disorders, grief, and families and couples under stress.
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness often bring people into psychotherapy. I help children, adolescents, and adults individually or couples with emotional issues. These important issues present in our lives in many ways including relationship problems, feelings of anger, anxiety or depression that many times do not make sense or may feel that things may seem unchangeable. May be difficult to imagine that current circumstances in your life could ever be better. For example, difficulties with work or school performance, or you may simply feel stuck. I also help parents understand their child better.
Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness often bring people into psychotherapy. I help children, adolescents, and adults individually or couples with emotional issues. These important issues present in our lives in many ways including relationship problems, feelings of anger, anxiety or depression that many times do not make sense or may feel that things may seem unchangeable. May be difficult to imagine that current circumstances in your life could ever be better. For example, difficulties with work or school performance, or you may simply feel stuck. I also help parents understand their child better.
I have been a practicing therapist for almost 30 years. Many have asked me how I do my job - "listening to people's problems all day". For me, it an honor and a privilege to help someone work through a troubling issue and find balance again in their life, providing support and compassion through the process. I work with individuals and couples; male and female; age 5 years and up. My practice is general and broad based. A few specialty areas are children and adolescents; parenting; anxiety; women's issues; depression; working through life changes; grief and loss; coping skills; geriatric issues.
I have been a practicing therapist for almost 30 years. Many have asked me how I do my job - "listening to people's problems all day". For me, it an honor and a privilege to help someone work through a troubling issue and find balance again in their life, providing support and compassion through the process. I work with individuals and couples; male and female; age 5 years and up. My practice is general and broad based. A few specialty areas are children and adolescents; parenting; anxiety; women's issues; depression; working through life changes; grief and loss; coping skills; geriatric issues.
See more therapy options for Willoughby Hills
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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.