LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Willoughby, OH
I am LGBTQIA affirming.
Life is challenging, complex, and often stressful. Making the decision to seek help with life's challenges may seem over-whelming. People seek professional help for many reasons; to help sort things out; to receive support; to get through a difficult period; to learn new ways of coping; to strengthen personal and professional relationships; and to get relief. Regardless of the reason, I will make every effort to make this a smooth and comfortable process. I am a seasoned therapist with 30 years of experience. If you are ready for growth and are committed to living a healthier and happier life; therapy can change you.
I am LGBTQIA affirming.
Life is challenging, complex, and often stressful. Making the decision to seek help with life's challenges may seem over-whelming. People seek professional help for many reasons; to help sort things out; to receive support; to get through a difficult period; to learn new ways of coping; to strengthen personal and professional relationships; and to get relief. Regardless of the reason, I will make every effort to make this a smooth and comfortable process. I am a seasoned therapist with 30 years of experience. If you are ready for growth and are committed to living a healthier and happier life; therapy can change you.
I provide a welcoming and affirming space where women and LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, heard, and respected.
Currently accepting new clients and am able to get them in the same week as consultation! I provide an an empowering and grounding space where clients can heal from past traumas, explore their identities, and foster their strengths to their resilience and confidence. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, a trauma evidenced based approach to explore past and current life stressors. I am passionate about supporting clients, especially women and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community at all seasons of life as they weather life’s unique challenges.
I provide a welcoming and affirming space where women and LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, heard, and respected.
Currently accepting new clients and am able to get them in the same week as consultation! I provide an an empowering and grounding space where clients can heal from past traumas, explore their identities, and foster their strengths to their resilience and confidence. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, a trauma evidenced based approach to explore past and current life stressors. I am passionate about supporting clients, especially women and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community at all seasons of life as they weather life’s unique challenges.
Kendra Kay Esser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Willoughby, OH 44094
My specialties include pre-marital and marital counseling, depression and anxiety conditions, issues of grief and loss, divorce adjustment, gay and lesbian issues, anger/stress management and an overall approach and guidance as to how to live a happier life.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of a successful therapy experience. It is my sincere desire to support you to uncover and manifest your potential and empower you to learn the skills to take action to bring about a positive change in your life. My intention is to really listen to what is troubling you and offer you honest guidance to help you find the most growthful path through to the resolution you are seeking. I believe there is a deeper/higher meaning behind any issue facing you and will assist you to find this New Perspective.
My specialties include pre-marital and marital counseling, depression and anxiety conditions, issues of grief and loss, divorce adjustment, gay and lesbian issues, anger/stress management and an overall approach and guidance as to how to live a happier life.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of a successful therapy experience. It is my sincere desire to support you to uncover and manifest your potential and empower you to learn the skills to take action to bring about a positive change in your life. My intention is to really listen to what is troubling you and offer you honest guidance to help you find the most growthful path through to the resolution you are seeking. I believe there is a deeper/higher meaning behind any issue facing you and will assist you to find this New Perspective.
I have experience helping individuals with anxiety, depression, autism spectrum, grief and loss, veterans, LGBTQ, anger management, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, bipolar I and II, trauma.
Greetings! I am a 2020 graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio with a Masters in Social Sciences Administration. I have my independent license through the Counselor Social Worker Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) in Ohio. I have experience in community mental health where I served as an intake worker diagnosing and treating individuals with many types of mental health diagnosis's, mainly severe and persistent mental illness.
I have experience helping individuals with anxiety, depression, autism spectrum, grief and loss, veterans, LGBTQ, anger management, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, bipolar I and II, trauma.
Greetings! I am a 2020 graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland Ohio with a Masters in Social Sciences Administration. I have my independent license through the Counselor Social Worker Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) in Ohio. I have experience in community mental health where I served as an intake worker diagnosing and treating individuals with many types of mental health diagnosis's, mainly severe and persistent mental illness.
No matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, I want to work with you. I have a special interest in working with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, life transitions, traumatic brain injuries, and interpersonal communication. If you have a desire to work and grow, I am here for you. Any goal you want to accomplish or obstacle you want to overcome can be tackled in counseling.
No matter your race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, I want to work with you. I have a special interest in working with anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, life transitions, traumatic brain injuries, and interpersonal communication. If you have a desire to work and grow, I am here for you. Any goal you want to accomplish or obstacle you want to overcome can be tackled in counseling.
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.
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.
Kenneth Trivison
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, IMFT
Verified Verified
Willoughby, OH 44095
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.
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.
Timothy Warneka
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Willoughby, OH 44095
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.
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Yiannoula Mavroidis
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Willoughby, OH 44094
You feel overwhelmed and anxious. You may be disappointed with the lack of balance in your life or feel like you don't recognize yourself anymore. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to feel confident and happy again. You want to live without anxiety and are ready to find yourself again.
You feel overwhelmed and anxious. You may be disappointed with the lack of balance in your life or feel like you don't recognize yourself anymore. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to feel confident and happy again. You want to live without anxiety and are ready to find yourself again.
Fuentes Counseling Services L.L.C.
Counselor, LPCC-S, LICDCCS, SAP, ACHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Willoughby, OH 44094
My specialties are working with families, adolescents, individuals, couples, and groups in the areas of mental health and addiction (alcohol & drug, sexual, gambling, internet, etc.,) trauma, abuse, PTSD, legal issues, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, domestic violence and behavioral management. Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
My specialties are working with families, adolescents, individuals, couples, and groups in the areas of mental health and addiction (alcohol & drug, sexual, gambling, internet, etc.,) trauma, abuse, PTSD, legal issues, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, domestic violence and behavioral management. Substance Abuse Professional (SAP).
Welcome to the world of personal healing! You have taken the first step toward positive changes, and I am so proud of you! My name is Evelyn Bailey and I am excited for the opportunity to meet with you! If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or everyday life concerns it can leave you feeling as if you are alone. Understanding you are not alone in this walk. There may be challenges we face with jobs, family issues, and loss that can make it difficult to move forward, but let me assure you, that you are in the right place. Together, we will work as a team to develop skills that can be utilized in your everyday life.
Welcome to the world of personal healing! You have taken the first step toward positive changes, and I am so proud of you! My name is Evelyn Bailey and I am excited for the opportunity to meet with you! If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or everyday life concerns it can leave you feeling as if you are alone. Understanding you are not alone in this walk. There may be challenges we face with jobs, family issues, and loss that can make it difficult to move forward, but let me assure you, that you are in the right place. Together, we will work as a team to develop skills that can be utilized in your everyday life.
At Serenity Counseling, our hope is to provide quality care for your psychological and emotional well-being. Our priorities include having a relaxed and calm environment, caring non-judgmental therapists, and meeting the client where they are at and alter our approach based on their needs. We have therapists who specialize in a variety of concerns. We see clients of all ages. Couples and marital counseling, young adults, anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and trauma are all some common concerns our therapists work with.
At Serenity Counseling, our hope is to provide quality care for your psychological and emotional well-being. Our priorities include having a relaxed and calm environment, caring non-judgmental therapists, and meeting the client where they are at and alter our approach based on their needs. We have therapists who specialize in a variety of concerns. We see clients of all ages. Couples and marital counseling, young adults, anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance use, and trauma are all some common concerns our therapists work with.
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.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) Exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed? Unable to accomplish day to day activities, your job or schoolwork? Struggling with pain, stomach issues, high blood pressure or diabetes? Can't sleep, concentrate or have changes in your appetite or weight? Been more frustrated and irritable? Are you depressed and anxious and don't know where to turn? You don't need to suffer in silence anymore. I developed the Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and proven coping skills to help you reclaim yourself and your life!
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT PROGRAM (IOP) Exhausted, stressed, overwhelmed? Unable to accomplish day to day activities, your job or schoolwork? Struggling with pain, stomach issues, high blood pressure or diabetes? Can't sleep, concentrate or have changes in your appetite or weight? Been more frustrated and irritable? Are you depressed and anxious and don't know where to turn? You don't need to suffer in silence anymore. I developed the Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and proven coping skills to help you reclaim yourself and your life!
Now accepting new clients! No longer a wait list. I believe therapy should be tailored to each client because everyone has different needs. It's exciting to get to know each client and how I can be of help to them. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, and have a special interest in women's issues, young adults and couples. I have experience treating a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, postpartum depression, and relationship issues. I am committed to upholding the highest ethical and legal standards, as well as participating in professional development to keep up-to-date with the best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
Now accepting new clients! No longer a wait list. I believe therapy should be tailored to each client because everyone has different needs. It's exciting to get to know each client and how I can be of help to them. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, and have a special interest in women's issues, young adults and couples. I have experience treating a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, postpartum depression, and relationship issues. I am committed to upholding the highest ethical and legal standards, as well as participating in professional development to keep up-to-date with the best practices in the field of mental health counseling.
Alicia Thomas, M.Ed., LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Willoughby, OH 44094
Sometimes it feels like life is just too hard, or you aren't getting the most from it. Maybe you've been trying to change, but don't know how. That's where I come in! I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to tell your story, learn about yourself, and build upon strengths you already possess. Dealing with stress and sadness can get easier. I treat individuals and couples ages 16 and up using many treatment modalities. Overall, I use a person-centered or holistic style to develop a plan which best suits each of my clients.
Sometimes it feels like life is just too hard, or you aren't getting the most from it. Maybe you've been trying to change, but don't know how. That's where I come in! I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to tell your story, learn about yourself, and build upon strengths you already possess. Dealing with stress and sadness can get easier. I treat individuals and couples ages 16 and up using many treatment modalities. Overall, I use a person-centered or holistic style to develop a plan which best suits each of my clients.
I Am Ready, Counseling Services is a private practice offering individual, couples and family therapy. I specialize in anxiety and depressive disorders. I diagnose and treat, using a variety of techniques. Some include using a realistic approach as well as hypnotherapy to guide clients though the process of therapy.
I Am Ready, Counseling Services is a private practice offering individual, couples and family therapy. I specialize in anxiety and depressive disorders. I diagnose and treat, using a variety of techniques. Some include using a realistic approach as well as hypnotherapy to guide clients though the process of therapy.
See more therapy options for Willoughby
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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.