LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in San Marcos, TX
Aryn Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666
I specialize in gender and sexuality, with over 8 years experience serving my LGBTQIA+ community. I feel strongly that shared experience helps people feel safe and seen in the therapy room. Using a relational approach, I believe that majority of therapeutic healing happens with human connection. This means I show up authentically with my clients. You can expect accountability as well as empathy. I engage in the therapy conversation to allow reflection of your emotions. My specialization in queer matters is combined with treatment of complex trauma, mood, and personality disorders.
I specialize in gender and sexuality, with over 8 years experience serving my LGBTQIA+ community. I feel strongly that shared experience helps people feel safe and seen in the therapy room. Using a relational approach, I believe that majority of therapeutic healing happens with human connection. This means I show up authentically with my clients. You can expect accountability as well as empathy. I engage in the therapy conversation to allow reflection of your emotions. My specialization in queer matters is combined with treatment of complex trauma, mood, and personality disorders.
Cherise Miles
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
San Marcos, TX 78666
My areas of focus are trauma, depression, PTSD, anxiety, spiritual abuse, shame, LGBTQIA+ issues, and self-esteem.
How are you today? Really, how are you? Browsing these pages can be overwhelming – the unfamiliar words, the multitude of smiling faces. Those smiles can seem insulting in the face of overwhelming depression. Who do you pick? It’s okay to have questions and doubts; it’s okay to pick someone and change your mind once you meet them. My name is Cherise (she/her) and I am an LPC-Associate. This means that I have the education and experience to have a provisional license to counsel, but must do so under supervision. You not only have a qualified therapist, you also have a second, more experienced therapist behind the scenes.
My areas of focus are trauma, depression, PTSD, anxiety, spiritual abuse, shame, LGBTQIA+ issues, and self-esteem.
How are you today? Really, how are you? Browsing these pages can be overwhelming – the unfamiliar words, the multitude of smiling faces. Those smiles can seem insulting in the face of overwhelming depression. Who do you pick? It’s okay to have questions and doubts; it’s okay to pick someone and change your mind once you meet them. My name is Cherise (she/her) and I am an LPC-Associate. This means that I have the education and experience to have a provisional license to counsel, but must do so under supervision. You not only have a qualified therapist, you also have a second, more experienced therapist behind the scenes.
Rachel Greene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666
My particular areas of interest include surviving the trauma of interpersonal, sexual, and/or political violence; negotiating a lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender/ queer identity; and the impact of stigma on mental and physical well-being.
Reaching out and asking for help can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting the therapy process. If you have made it this far, you are ready to start. The majority of the clients I work with are aware of the issues they would like to focus on for treatment. With that, my approach tends to be both relational in style and goal oriented in terms of treatment planning and working towards the best way to assist you in your personal growth and success.
My particular areas of interest include surviving the trauma of interpersonal, sexual, and/or political violence; negotiating a lesbian/ gay/ bisexual/ transgender/ queer identity; and the impact of stigma on mental and physical well-being.
Reaching out and asking for help can be one of the most challenging aspects of starting the therapy process. If you have made it this far, you are ready to start. The majority of the clients I work with are aware of the issues they would like to focus on for treatment. With that, my approach tends to be both relational in style and goal oriented in terms of treatment planning and working towards the best way to assist you in your personal growth and success.
I have been working with Young Adults (age 18 and older), predominantly female or gender queer, for about 19 years now and I love it. My goal in therapy is to help you get through the difficulties life brings your way. By providing a nurturing, comfortable environment, it allows you to relax and trust me and the counseling process. My positive, strength-building style of counseling means that I listen to you, understand what you are going through, see the strengths and positive parts, and set goals for what is not working. We will work together to figure it out.
I have been working with Young Adults (age 18 and older), predominantly female or gender queer, for about 19 years now and I love it. My goal in therapy is to help you get through the difficulties life brings your way. By providing a nurturing, comfortable environment, it allows you to relax and trust me and the counseling process. My positive, strength-building style of counseling means that I listen to you, understand what you are going through, see the strengths and positive parts, and set goals for what is not working. We will work together to figure it out.
Emari Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
I have experience working with teens & adults who present with histories of abuse and trauma, and individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ population.
Whenever we experience interpersonal betrayal or abuse, we often feel as if we have lost a part of ourselves. We can experience a range of feelings such as shame, isolation and have difficulty offering ourselves compassion. After such pain, it can be hard to trust other people again as well as yourself. You may have trouble forming a healthy relationship with yourself and creating deep connections with other people. Together, we can create a space for you to find your voice, discover who you are, and build meaningful experiences again. My approach is to meet you where you are by working from your values and belief system.
I have experience working with teens & adults who present with histories of abuse and trauma, and individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ population.
Whenever we experience interpersonal betrayal or abuse, we often feel as if we have lost a part of ourselves. We can experience a range of feelings such as shame, isolation and have difficulty offering ourselves compassion. After such pain, it can be hard to trust other people again as well as yourself. You may have trouble forming a healthy relationship with yourself and creating deep connections with other people. Together, we can create a space for you to find your voice, discover who you are, and build meaningful experiences again. My approach is to meet you where you are by working from your values and belief system.
Adam MacDonald
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
I find particular connection with clients with identities including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
Do you feel overwhelmed by work, your relationships, or changes in your life? Do you ever find yourself wondering “Why do others look like they have their lives together and I’m struggling to just be me”? It can sometimes feel too painful to explore these questions alone and even scarier to let someone else be there to explore them with you. I understand that struggle and would be honored to work with you at your pace to figure out what it takes for you to feel satisfied and fulfilled.
I find particular connection with clients with identities including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.
Do you feel overwhelmed by work, your relationships, or changes in your life? Do you ever find yourself wondering “Why do others look like they have their lives together and I’m struggling to just be me”? It can sometimes feel too painful to explore these questions alone and even scarier to let someone else be there to explore them with you. I understand that struggle and would be honored to work with you at your pace to figure out what it takes for you to feel satisfied and fulfilled.
With an integrative approach, I weave ancestral practices, narrative/storytelling exploration, somatic-embodiment, and expressive art therapeutic techniques to explore and transform the relationship you have with your shame, anger/rage, fear, and grief towards deep compassion, liberation, and connection.
I offer a therapeutic space that is queer-affirming, culturally responsive, and liberation-centered. As a therapist, I create a curious, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for those who are ready to explore themselves and their experiences through a relational lens. Together, we will explore and model what secure attachment and safe relationships feel like within the therapeutic space - toward ourselves, our experiences, our communities, our ancestors, and the natural/spiritual world.
With an integrative approach, I weave ancestral practices, narrative/storytelling exploration, somatic-embodiment, and expressive art therapeutic techniques to explore and transform the relationship you have with your shame, anger/rage, fear, and grief towards deep compassion, liberation, and connection.
I offer a therapeutic space that is queer-affirming, culturally responsive, and liberation-centered. As a therapist, I create a curious, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for those who are ready to explore themselves and their experiences through a relational lens. Together, we will explore and model what secure attachment and safe relationships feel like within the therapeutic space - toward ourselves, our experiences, our communities, our ancestors, and the natural/spiritual world.
Teresa J. Connell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, ATR-BC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
LGBTQ Ally.
Accepting clients who are looking for freedom and peace within their life stories. Together we can problem-solve some coping strategies for overwhelm, depression, and anxiety. We'll discover what is in the way, dig deep into the here and now, or look for the patterns from the past. You decide where to go, and I will follow. In our time, you'll focus on taking small achievable steps that foster change and I’ll keep you accountable and motivated.
LGBTQ Ally.
Accepting clients who are looking for freedom and peace within their life stories. Together we can problem-solve some coping strategies for overwhelm, depression, and anxiety. We'll discover what is in the way, dig deep into the here and now, or look for the patterns from the past. You decide where to go, and I will follow. In our time, you'll focus on taking small achievable steps that foster change and I’ll keep you accountable and motivated.
Kristin Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666
We all have experienced times when life seems challenging. Whether it be a period of transition, ongoing struggles with mental wellness or a loss that can seem overwhelming. You don’t have to go through these times alone. And in these moments, you might benefit by chatting with a counselor. I specialize in working with adults in the following areas: LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic illness, unconventional relationships, divorce, infidelity, self-esteem, grief/loss and trauma. I use a combination of skills and interventions to foster resiliency and empower clients to reach their individualized goals.
We all have experienced times when life seems challenging. Whether it be a period of transition, ongoing struggles with mental wellness or a loss that can seem overwhelming. You don’t have to go through these times alone. And in these moments, you might benefit by chatting with a counselor. I specialize in working with adults in the following areas: LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic illness, unconventional relationships, divorce, infidelity, self-esteem, grief/loss and trauma. I use a combination of skills and interventions to foster resiliency and empower clients to reach their individualized goals.
Kelly Page
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those who have experienced trauma in their lives (both big T and little t).
Hi there, I'm Kelly. I know that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy, and I strive to meet my clients where they are at. I use strength-based, egalitarian, and person-centered approaches and believe in the major importance of creating a safe and shared space in which everyone can feel open to explore all aspects of themselves. Being vulnerable is not easy, and I acknowledge the strength and guts it takes to make that first step toward change.
I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and those who have experienced trauma in their lives (both big T and little t).
Hi there, I'm Kelly. I know that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy, and I strive to meet my clients where they are at. I use strength-based, egalitarian, and person-centered approaches and believe in the major importance of creating a safe and shared space in which everyone can feel open to explore all aspects of themselves. Being vulnerable is not easy, and I acknowledge the strength and guts it takes to make that first step toward change.
I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and am happy to serve gender, sexual, and relationship minorities. I enjoy working with people of all ages, providing individual counseling, sibling therapy, and family therapy. I have work and volunteer experience providing counseling to survivors of abuse, those experiencing grief and loss, and youth in residential psychiatric treatment experiencing complex trauma. I work with clients who are struggling to adjust to changes in their life or who are needing more support to face challenges with compassion.
I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming provider and am happy to serve gender, sexual, and relationship minorities. I enjoy working with people of all ages, providing individual counseling, sibling therapy, and family therapy. I have work and volunteer experience providing counseling to survivors of abuse, those experiencing grief and loss, and youth in residential psychiatric treatment experiencing complex trauma. I work with clients who are struggling to adjust to changes in their life or who are needing more support to face challenges with compassion.
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Mary B Mattis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
18 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666
Working with Transgender clients for over 10 years.
To be fully alive in the 21st century, each of us has to make a conscious choice. Barriers can arise, challenging our ability to maintain personal values, stay mentally and emotionally stable, and live a life of our choosing. Mary works to help clients realize their version of a rich and balanced life. She provides a safe, supportive, judgment-free space to help you work through barriers that lie between where you are and where you want to be. What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Let's work together to find out. Mary B. Mattis at SoCo offers Clinical Supervision to LMSWs working toward LCSW status.
Working with Transgender clients for over 10 years.
To be fully alive in the 21st century, each of us has to make a conscious choice. Barriers can arise, challenging our ability to maintain personal values, stay mentally and emotionally stable, and live a life of our choosing. Mary works to help clients realize their version of a rich and balanced life. She provides a safe, supportive, judgment-free space to help you work through barriers that lie between where you are and where you want to be. What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Let's work together to find out. Mary B. Mattis at SoCo offers Clinical Supervision to LMSWs working toward LCSW status.
Leslie C. Simmons
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT-200, RCYT
Verified Verified
San Marcos, TX 78666
Accepting New Clients- Life gets prickly! I can help you get unstuck! I am an inclusive, compassionate & creative therapist who puts the client first. I enjoy working w/ teens, college-age & women struggling w/ anxiety, depression, trauma, complex relationships, college/educational challenges, career transitions, grief/loss, eating disorders, chronic illness or suicide loss. I am a trans-affirming & proud ally who works closely w/ lgbtqi & queer communities. Note: I am an out-of-pocket provider and don't accept insurance except out-of-network. I offer reduced rates for college students & a certain number of sliding scale clients.
Accepting New Clients- Life gets prickly! I can help you get unstuck! I am an inclusive, compassionate & creative therapist who puts the client first. I enjoy working w/ teens, college-age & women struggling w/ anxiety, depression, trauma, complex relationships, college/educational challenges, career transitions, grief/loss, eating disorders, chronic illness or suicide loss. I am a trans-affirming & proud ally who works closely w/ lgbtqi & queer communities. Note: I am an out-of-pocket provider and don't accept insurance except out-of-network. I offer reduced rates for college students & a certain number of sliding scale clients.
My name is Avery, and I'm a trans-identified psychotherapist whose honor it is to support clients in their pursuit of leading truly authentic lives. Circumstances in life sometimes bury our deepest longings, which in turn keep us from living life to the fullest. I work with clients to help them discover and overcome the obstacles that prevent them from expressing their inner-most feelings, experiencing meaningful relationships, following their passions, and being fully who they are.
My name is Avery, and I'm a trans-identified psychotherapist whose honor it is to support clients in their pursuit of leading truly authentic lives. Circumstances in life sometimes bury our deepest longings, which in turn keep us from living life to the fullest. I work with clients to help them discover and overcome the obstacles that prevent them from expressing their inner-most feelings, experiencing meaningful relationships, following their passions, and being fully who they are.
I am a clinical psychologist, in private practice over 20 years. My educational background includes a doctoral degree from the highly esteemed program in humanistic psychology at Georgia State University, study at the City College of New York and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at Austin. I like to work with all kinds of people with many types of issues. Among my areas of interest are depression, fear and anxiety, learning to lower stress, couples' problems, parenting, improving family relationships, and gay and lesbian concerns.
I am a clinical psychologist, in private practice over 20 years. My educational background includes a doctoral degree from the highly esteemed program in humanistic psychology at Georgia State University, study at the City College of New York and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and an undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at Austin. I like to work with all kinds of people with many types of issues. Among my areas of interest are depression, fear and anxiety, learning to lower stress, couples' problems, parenting, improving family relationships, and gay and lesbian concerns.
I am LGBTQ-affirming and poly/kink friendly.
In therapy, I will work with you to examine patterns of thought and behavior which are no longer useful in your life. We will work together to help you develop a deeper understanding and empathy for yourself in addition to genuine, compassionate interaction with others that will lead you to your goals. I believe the relationships that are most important in our lives are an integral part of making lasting change. In therapy, I support you in improving these relationships in order to achieve healing and change.
I am LGBTQ-affirming and poly/kink friendly.
In therapy, I will work with you to examine patterns of thought and behavior which are no longer useful in your life. We will work together to help you develop a deeper understanding and empathy for yourself in addition to genuine, compassionate interaction with others that will lead you to your goals. I believe the relationships that are most important in our lives are an integral part of making lasting change. In therapy, I support you in improving these relationships in order to achieve healing and change.
Amanda Egleston
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, RYT-200
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
Being a part of religious spaces can often lead to confusing feelings when you start to question things. They can require you to fit into a specific mold and when you start to question the ideas that you were taught, may leave you feeling unravelled as to who you really are and what you believe. You may struggle with feeling anxious when you are exposed to anything church related. Perhaps you grew up in 'purity culture' and struggle with feeling comfortable in your body and with intimate partners. For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, feelings of confusion, isolation, and shame can be especially overwhelming.
Being a part of religious spaces can often lead to confusing feelings when you start to question things. They can require you to fit into a specific mold and when you start to question the ideas that you were taught, may leave you feeling unravelled as to who you really are and what you believe. You may struggle with feeling anxious when you are exposed to anything church related. Perhaps you grew up in 'purity culture' and struggle with feeling comfortable in your body and with intimate partners. For those of us in the LGBTQ+ community, feelings of confusion, isolation, and shame can be especially overwhelming.
Mauricio Verduzco
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
Men’s issues, life transitions, sexual identity / orientation, & immigration / cultural trauma are often difficult to explore with those unfamiliar with your lived experience and feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety are normal responses. However, you do not have to deal with them alone. Do you ever feel unappreciated, like no matter what you do you are never enough? Do you feel like life isn't going how it "should be" or “as planned”? I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, people struggling with immigration and racial trauma, & those going through difficult transitions in life.
Men’s issues, life transitions, sexual identity / orientation, & immigration / cultural trauma are often difficult to explore with those unfamiliar with your lived experience and feelings of confusion, depression and anxiety are normal responses. However, you do not have to deal with them alone. Do you ever feel unappreciated, like no matter what you do you are never enough? Do you feel like life isn't going how it "should be" or “as planned”? I specialize in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, people struggling with immigration and racial trauma, & those going through difficult transitions in life.
My name is Bre, and I am so happy you are here! I have experience treating adults struggling with anxiety, depression, people pleasing, and perfectionism, and a big focus of mine has been with disordered eating and body image issues, with special focus on Binge Eating Disorder. I am queer, Health At Every Size® aligned, fat positive, and I love helping clients break free of diet mentality and dismantle the negative messages that have contributed to pain and low self worth. Additionally, I am passionate about parts work, helping clients deal with complex trauma and lack of self trust, and I am trained in EMDR and STAIR Method.
My name is Bre, and I am so happy you are here! I have experience treating adults struggling with anxiety, depression, people pleasing, and perfectionism, and a big focus of mine has been with disordered eating and body image issues, with special focus on Binge Eating Disorder. I am queer, Health At Every Size® aligned, fat positive, and I love helping clients break free of diet mentality and dismantle the negative messages that have contributed to pain and low self worth. Additionally, I am passionate about parts work, helping clients deal with complex trauma and lack of self trust, and I am trained in EMDR and STAIR Method.
Nicole Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Marcos, TX 78666 (Online Only)
Unfortunately, I am not able to accept new clients at this time - Hello, I’m Nicole, a therapist licensed to practice in Texas and offering teletherapy. I have experience treating many issues, including childhood trauma, strategies to manage ADHD, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as skin-picking and hair-pulling. I am a proud social and racial justice advocate, LGBTQ+ ally, sex positive, and HAES- and poly-affirming. My primary approach to therapy is relational and client-centered, meaning I believe that the therapist/client relationship is central and that each individual client is the expert on their own life.
Unfortunately, I am not able to accept new clients at this time - Hello, I’m Nicole, a therapist licensed to practice in Texas and offering teletherapy. I have experience treating many issues, including childhood trauma, strategies to manage ADHD, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as skin-picking and hair-pulling. I am a proud social and racial justice advocate, LGBTQ+ ally, sex positive, and HAES- and poly-affirming. My primary approach to therapy is relational and client-centered, meaning I believe that the therapist/client relationship is central and that each individual client is the expert on their own life.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for San Marcos
- Buda
- Canyon Lake
- Driftwood
- Dripping Springs
- Kyle
- Lockhart
- Manchaca
- New Braunfels
- Seguin
- Spring Branch
- Sunset Valley
- Wimberley
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.