LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in West Lake Hills, TX
![Photo of Loretta Macias, LPC, LCDC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af5b8634-a383-4c07-960e-4d557e6239a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Loretta Macias
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I also work with the LGBT+ community.
Creating balanced lives in a complicated world is my mission. My strength is listening, untangling complex issues, and helping you see things in a new light. I love to work with adults who are ready for change. I offer support and clarity as you explore your relationships with significant others, family, work, spirituality and, more importantly, with yourself. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are open to learning and growing. Together, we uncover and overcome the beliefs and behaviors holding you back. Visit: www.lorettamacias.com
I also work with the LGBT+ community.
Creating balanced lives in a complicated world is my mission. My strength is listening, untangling complex issues, and helping you see things in a new light. I love to work with adults who are ready for change. I offer support and clarity as you explore your relationships with significant others, family, work, spirituality and, more importantly, with yourself. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are open to learning and growing. Together, we uncover and overcome the beliefs and behaviors holding you back. Visit: www.lorettamacias.com
![Photo of Alexander Leerburger-Mahl, MHS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/628f2226-1e35-4d19-b57f-5d6bf1c37dc6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Alexander Leerburger-Mahl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
Do you often feel weighed down by feelings of depression, anxiety, or overthinking? If you find it challenging to advocate for yourself, come talk to me! Whether you’re seeking help for the above, or topics such as LGBTQ+ issues, lack of direction, career issues, or something else entirely, I want to help! Together, we will work on strategies that will allow you to address the root cause of said difficulty and build meaningful connections and confidence. It can be difficult and overwhelming to begin the counseling process but remember that asking for help is a sign of strength. Let's create a judgment-free, safe, and exciting sesh.
![Photo of Barbara Wood, LCSW, LCDC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dfc2b16-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Barbara Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCDC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals in all phases of addiction recovery, including dual diagnosis. My passion is helping individuals regain the confidence and trust that was lost due to a myriad of core issues that contribute to addiction. I believes that addiction is a family system disease and I will help significant family members navigate and understand the nature of their loved one's struggle. I also work closely with the LGBTQ community, especially individuals and their partners struggling with gender identity challenges. And I have extensive experience with grief and loss and difficult life transitions caused by cognitive decline.
I work with individuals in all phases of addiction recovery, including dual diagnosis. My passion is helping individuals regain the confidence and trust that was lost due to a myriad of core issues that contribute to addiction. I believes that addiction is a family system disease and I will help significant family members navigate and understand the nature of their loved one's struggle. I also work closely with the LGBTQ community, especially individuals and their partners struggling with gender identity challenges. And I have extensive experience with grief and loss and difficult life transitions caused by cognitive decline.
![Photo of Amanda G. Richardson, MA, MS, CCTP-I, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e6f4e425-c393-48cd-80f1-c2ea05deb3d2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda G. Richardson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MS, CCTP-I
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
I ensure that my office is an LGBTQIA+ safe space.
Are you looking to live your life more authentically? Are there things getting in the way of your happiness that you aren't quite able to make sense of or get past? Do you have trauma that impacts your relationships and day-to-day life? I'm here to help you gain clarity and find the path forward with tools to reduce stress and improve insight and coping. I can help you unlearn the unhealthy behaviors learned in earlier in life and replace them with healthy behaviors.
I ensure that my office is an LGBTQIA+ safe space.
Are you looking to live your life more authentically? Are there things getting in the way of your happiness that you aren't quite able to make sense of or get past? Do you have trauma that impacts your relationships and day-to-day life? I'm here to help you gain clarity and find the path forward with tools to reduce stress and improve insight and coping. I can help you unlearn the unhealthy behaviors learned in earlier in life and replace them with healthy behaviors.
![Photo of Arielle Sokoll-Ward, LCSW-S, CCTP-II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cda84111-2c28-48ef-8c88-003354a03b70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Arielle Sokoll-Ward
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Congratulations on taking the first step to a more authentic, self-compassionate, and healed YOU. I work with my clients in a warm, comfortable, inviting, and non-judgmental environment. I like to provide a space where clients feel comfortable processing difficult emotions so they can leave the session feeling a greater sense of resilience, confidence, and happiness. I primarily specialize in grief/loss/bereavement and trauma/PTSD. I also have extensive experience and training in eating disorders, LGBTQ+, domestic violence and sexual violence, depression, anxiety, relationship and interpersonal struggles, and life transitions.
Congratulations on taking the first step to a more authentic, self-compassionate, and healed YOU. I work with my clients in a warm, comfortable, inviting, and non-judgmental environment. I like to provide a space where clients feel comfortable processing difficult emotions so they can leave the session feeling a greater sense of resilience, confidence, and happiness. I primarily specialize in grief/loss/bereavement and trauma/PTSD. I also have extensive experience and training in eating disorders, LGBTQ+, domestic violence and sexual violence, depression, anxiety, relationship and interpersonal struggles, and life transitions.
![Photo of Tina Strarup, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b60bd94-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Tina Strarup
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (Online Only)
Cognitive, Behavioral, Self-Relations
SERVICES
· Adolescent/Adult · Employment · Parenting · Addictions · Depression · Family · PTSD · Anxiety/Panic · Gay/ Lesbian
MEMBERSHIP:
American Counseling Association
.
Counseling is a trusting relationship where someone is actively seeking help from a professional who is willing to help. My goal is to explore my client's needs for therapy. From there, I will try to find out what they might expect from therapy such as developing the mental/emotional strength necessary to relate well with others, making decisions about relationship or career issues, reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, or decreasing depressive symptoms that make their day difficult. I will be honest and understanding. It is my hope that each and everyone finds happiness, peace, and hope.
Cognitive, Behavioral, Self-Relations
SERVICES
· Adolescent/Adult · Employment · Parenting · Addictions · Depression · Family · PTSD · Anxiety/Panic · Gay/ Lesbian
MEMBERSHIP:
American Counseling Association
.
Counseling is a trusting relationship where someone is actively seeking help from a professional who is willing to help. My goal is to explore my client's needs for therapy. From there, I will try to find out what they might expect from therapy such as developing the mental/emotional strength necessary to relate well with others, making decisions about relationship or career issues, reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, or decreasing depressive symptoms that make their day difficult. I will be honest and understanding. It is my hope that each and everyone finds happiness, peace, and hope.
![Photo of Resolve Therapy With Cindy Noland, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c8e63a6e-6c24-4e42-ae17-dbfdaa5aa02b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Resolve Therapy With Cindy Noland
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Experienced, compassionate counselor/coach dedicated to your healing and goals. Meeting you where you are with what's right for you. Here you will find tender, safe support to work on family trauma, rapid relief from anxiety and chronic pain, and help for dealing with addictions. I take an integrative approach in my counseling practice, using a combination of evidence-based therapies and the latest findings in brain science. I welcome and support diversity and LGBTQ+ folks. I mainly practice Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a breakthrough in psychological science.
Experienced, compassionate counselor/coach dedicated to your healing and goals. Meeting you where you are with what's right for you. Here you will find tender, safe support to work on family trauma, rapid relief from anxiety and chronic pain, and help for dealing with addictions. I take an integrative approach in my counseling practice, using a combination of evidence-based therapies and the latest findings in brain science. I welcome and support diversity and LGBTQ+ folks. I mainly practice Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT), a breakthrough in psychological science.
![Photo of Jessica Hooper, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5a9c0fe-d8be-49c5-82ac-16c674c33bcf/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Hooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (Online Only)
Sometimes, life is messy. Whether you are looking for a safe space to process your emotions, heal old wounds, recover from trauma or loss, or needing help to cope with relationships and transitions, I am here to help. Maybe you aren’t even sure what you need but know something has to change. I provide clients a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where they can feel safe and show up authentically in order to create lasting change. I welcome the LGBTQ+ community.
Sometimes, life is messy. Whether you are looking for a safe space to process your emotions, heal old wounds, recover from trauma or loss, or needing help to cope with relationships and transitions, I am here to help. Maybe you aren’t even sure what you need but know something has to change. I provide clients a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where they can feel safe and show up authentically in order to create lasting change. I welcome the LGBTQ+ community.
![Photo of Lindsay Lyle, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85718026-1620-4586-b73c-99281bbcec4e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Lyle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I am energetic, insightful, direct, inquisitive, and a dynamic clinician. My ideal client would be one that wants to explore opportunities for growth and who is motivated to dig deep into the therapeutic process. Clients who experience anxiety, life transitions, or trauma often need a safe place to process those challenges. This allows clients to get to the root of the issues and learn ways to move forward versus feeling stuck. It is important that clients understand that I can be direct, but I will always respect your unique needs and have a solid understanding that one size does not fit all when it comes to mental health.
I am energetic, insightful, direct, inquisitive, and a dynamic clinician. My ideal client would be one that wants to explore opportunities for growth and who is motivated to dig deep into the therapeutic process. Clients who experience anxiety, life transitions, or trauma often need a safe place to process those challenges. This allows clients to get to the root of the issues and learn ways to move forward versus feeling stuck. It is important that clients understand that I can be direct, but I will always respect your unique needs and have a solid understanding that one size does not fit all when it comes to mental health.
![Photo of Julie Burke, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ea7ec84-619a-4ea4-aae9-aeeb4de2d18c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julie Burke
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I understand and empathize with the fact that life happens and everyone experiences various challenges and uncertainties at one point in time or another. With this in mind, I acknowledge how important therapy is to help people navigate through those struggles to help with increased self-awareness, self-esteem, support, autonomy, and overall life satisfaction. I am passionate about working with people of all ages and backgrounds in a welcoming setting to provide a safe place for guidance and support through life's various changes and challenges. Whatever your personal concerns may be, I look forward to working with you.
I understand and empathize with the fact that life happens and everyone experiences various challenges and uncertainties at one point in time or another. With this in mind, I acknowledge how important therapy is to help people navigate through those struggles to help with increased self-awareness, self-esteem, support, autonomy, and overall life satisfaction. I am passionate about working with people of all ages and backgrounds in a welcoming setting to provide a safe place for guidance and support through life's various changes and challenges. Whatever your personal concerns may be, I look forward to working with you.
![Photo of Allen Lambert, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b609792-35a1-4006-944c-d040291740b7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Allen Lambert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I will demonstrate a full and accepting understanding of your difficulties, and I will listen keenly and show complete respect.
I work to make sessions time-effective, frequent when needed and intermittent when feasible.
We'll collaborate toward pragmatic solutions, and work toward your goals, not mine. I will challenge you and exert "gentle" pressure at times.
I check regularly on how you feel about the therapy process and our working relationship. The quality of our working relationship is fundamental. We expect problems to arise at times, and we take care of them right away.
I will demonstrate a full and accepting understanding of your difficulties, and I will listen keenly and show complete respect.
I work to make sessions time-effective, frequent when needed and intermittent when feasible.
We'll collaborate toward pragmatic solutions, and work toward your goals, not mine. I will challenge you and exert "gentle" pressure at times.
I check regularly on how you feel about the therapy process and our working relationship. The quality of our working relationship is fundamental. We expect problems to arise at times, and we take care of them right away.
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![Photo of Ally Hoffman, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1234659-56b4-4a17-b65c-b4e132e2c48d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ally Hoffman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746 (Online Only)
Hey there! However you got here, I am glad we crossed paths and that you decided to take a look into counseling. It is no secret that sometimes we are handed some difficult circumstances, and it is my firm belief that we all need someone – someone to listen, care, and offer a safe space. Counseling is an opportunity to grow, heal, and flourish! Each and every client brings their own unique strengths to the table and I believe that these attributes can be leveraged in order to create a better quality of life. www.safespacehealingcollective.com
Hey there! However you got here, I am glad we crossed paths and that you decided to take a look into counseling. It is no secret that sometimes we are handed some difficult circumstances, and it is my firm belief that we all need someone – someone to listen, care, and offer a safe space. Counseling is an opportunity to grow, heal, and flourish! Each and every client brings their own unique strengths to the table and I believe that these attributes can be leveraged in order to create a better quality of life. www.safespacehealingcollective.com
![Photo of Ben Meyers](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/afded30c-d375-4387-a1a9-c6a008f7af0d/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all work towards a life we want, but sometimes we feel hopeless and that we're holding ourselves back. I utilize a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment-based therapy, EMDR, and somatic work to empower you to be your authentic self no matter the trauma. I work alongside my clients to find ways of being that are sustainable and long-term. Whether it's addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or trauma, we will hold space to grow our ability to be mindful, to be in tune with our bodies, and be connected with those around us.
We all work towards a life we want, but sometimes we feel hopeless and that we're holding ourselves back. I utilize a combination of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment-based therapy, EMDR, and somatic work to empower you to be your authentic self no matter the trauma. I work alongside my clients to find ways of being that are sustainable and long-term. Whether it's addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or trauma, we will hold space to grow our ability to be mindful, to be in tune with our bodies, and be connected with those around us.
![Photo of Mia Mattingly, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b8caaf5e-d431-49c9-aa8f-e929fa2ce92d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mia Mattingly
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I specialize in helping adult individuals, couples/intimate partnerships, and families find support and healing when faced with challenges related to grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, mistrust, an inability to form or keep meaningful relationships, and self-hatred. I have a plethora of experience working with trauma and its related diagnoses, neurodivergence, gender/sexual identity, and grief (including terminal illness/caretaking, infertility, and disenfranchised grief.) For couples/intimate partnerships, I enjoy working with relationships featuring the above, with long histories of resentment and relational wounds.
I specialize in helping adult individuals, couples/intimate partnerships, and families find support and healing when faced with challenges related to grief and loss, depression, anxiety, trauma, mistrust, an inability to form or keep meaningful relationships, and self-hatred. I have a plethora of experience working with trauma and its related diagnoses, neurodivergence, gender/sexual identity, and grief (including terminal illness/caretaking, infertility, and disenfranchised grief.) For couples/intimate partnerships, I enjoy working with relationships featuring the above, with long histories of resentment and relational wounds.
![Photo of Dr. Rachel Pearl Wulbert, PhD, LCSW, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c5c5d23-20c9-4942-bdab-1691d8fb8130/4/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Rachel Pearl Wulbert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MEd
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
I believe that the power of connection can be transformative.
You may be experiencing confusion or frustration because your current relationships are consistently challenging, or you may feel stuck in patterns of behavior that limit your ability to achieve your goals. It has been my experience that even though you may not feel like it right now, every experience - whether joyful or painful - has the potential to contribute to the richness of life and can be deeply transformational. My hope is to work together and to build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect where these experiences can be explored.
I believe that the power of connection can be transformative.
You may be experiencing confusion or frustration because your current relationships are consistently challenging, or you may feel stuck in patterns of behavior that limit your ability to achieve your goals. It has been my experience that even though you may not feel like it right now, every experience - whether joyful or painful - has the potential to contribute to the richness of life and can be deeply transformational. My hope is to work together and to build a relationship built on mutual trust and respect where these experiences can be explored.
![Photo of Maxine Bettis-Arnold, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46aa6e9b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maxine Bettis-Arnold
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
It takes courage to seek help and it is important to feel heard, understood and safe in the therapy relationship. I focus on building a strong relationship with the client that allows us to explore areas of concern and start the healing process. My belief in the capacity to change thinking patterns, emotional reactions and behaviors helps clients identify strengths, gain insight and help develop coping strategies. We work with therapeutic resources to help families, couples and individuals accomplish their goals.
It takes courage to seek help and it is important to feel heard, understood and safe in the therapy relationship. I focus on building a strong relationship with the client that allows us to explore areas of concern and start the healing process. My belief in the capacity to change thinking patterns, emotional reactions and behaviors helps clients identify strengths, gain insight and help develop coping strategies. We work with therapeutic resources to help families, couples and individuals accomplish their goals.
![Photo of Stacie Robertson, MA, LMFT-S, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a882c387-727f-483a-8bb6-495e368b7751/1/320x400.jpeg)
Stacie Robertson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Are you and your partner experiencing more disconnection, frustration and conflict? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed about your relationship? Are you stressed out and needing support to help navigate your relationship issues? Talking to someone to find hope and to feel more grounded can help. I specialize in treating relationships and couples counseling. I guide couples in managing everyday challenges as well as major changes in their life by providing skills and different ways of looking at their relationship problems to strengthen, rebuild and restore their relationships.
Are you and your partner experiencing more disconnection, frustration and conflict? Are you feeling anxious and overwhelmed about your relationship? Are you stressed out and needing support to help navigate your relationship issues? Talking to someone to find hope and to feel more grounded can help. I specialize in treating relationships and couples counseling. I guide couples in managing everyday challenges as well as major changes in their life by providing skills and different ways of looking at their relationship problems to strengthen, rebuild and restore their relationships.
![Photo of Brooke (Nowak) Pendleton, LPC, NCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ecad349-5010-47ea-8a89-b10725317f08/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brooke (Nowak) Pendleton
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
West Lake Hills, TX 78746
Waitlist for new clients
NOT accepting new clients - Hi, I’m Brooke! I am passionate about educating clients to understand their thoughts and behavioral patterns better and learn healthy boundary setting with self and others to build resiliency. As a person-centered therapist, I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey with my clients. On that journey I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness as tools to support understanding, learning, and internal shifts that result in sustainable relational and behavioral changes. I offer an honest and authentic approach, and my goal is to provide a warm and inviting environment.
NOT accepting new clients - Hi, I’m Brooke! I am passionate about educating clients to understand their thoughts and behavioral patterns better and learn healthy boundary setting with self and others to build resiliency. As a person-centered therapist, I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey with my clients. On that journey I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness as tools to support understanding, learning, and internal shifts that result in sustainable relational and behavioral changes. I offer an honest and authentic approach, and my goal is to provide a warm and inviting environment.
![Photo of Marissa Blankenship, LCSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7cd54be9-9f7e-4816-86a8-fb87fab485df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! Often I hear am I broken? Is there hope? Will it get better? Will I get better? Can I get through my past? The answer is yes. This is the first step to become a better you. My end goal is to empower you to address the struggles head on and then overcome them. I will then support you on your journey to reach the goals that you desire.
Welcome! Often I hear am I broken? Is there hope? Will it get better? Will I get better? Can I get through my past? The answer is yes. This is the first step to become a better you. My end goal is to empower you to address the struggles head on and then overcome them. I will then support you on your journey to reach the goals that you desire.
![Photo of Jesus Valiente, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01e6066e-518f-4ae4-9482-229683aca913/2/320x400.png)
Jesus Valiente is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 8 years experience in the mental health field. Jesus works with adults and specializes in relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, bipolar disorders, domestic violence, HIV / AIDS-related worries, men's issues, and much more.
Jesus Valiente is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 8 years experience in the mental health field. Jesus works with adults and specializes in relationship issues, family conflicts, anger management, bipolar disorders, domestic violence, HIV / AIDS-related worries, men's issues, and much more.
See more therapy options for West Lake 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.