LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Crawford County, AR
At Stable Steps, we believe that mental wellness is crucial for living a fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized experiential therapy services to help individuals overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Our unique approach includes Counseling with Horses to promote healing and growth. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
At Stable Steps, we believe that mental wellness is crucial for living a fulfilling life. We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized experiential therapy services to help individuals overcome their mental health challenges and improve their overall well-being. Our unique approach includes Counseling with Horses to promote healing and growth. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.
Do you feel as if your life has a “before” and “after?” Do you feel stuck, like you can’t shake what happened to you or your relationships? I would love the opportunity to help you make sense of your story and build your path forward. - ¿Sientes como si tu vida tuviera un “antes” y un “después”? ¿Te sientes atascado, como si no pudieras deshacerte de lo que te ha pasado a ti o a tus relaciones? Me encantaría tener la oportunidad de ayudarte a dar sentido a tu historia y construir tu camino hacia adelante.
I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected despite “holding it together” on the outside. Many come in wanting to understand old patterns, big emotions, or the tension their body carries. They’re tired of pushing through and want real, lasting change. My clients want a grounded, compassionate space to explore their story, build regulation, and reconnect with themselves. If you’re ready for deeper healing, I’d be honored to support you.
I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected despite “holding it together” on the outside. Many come in wanting to understand old patterns, big emotions, or the tension their body carries. They’re tired of pushing through and want real, lasting change. My clients want a grounded, compassionate space to explore their story, build regulation, and reconnect with themselves. If you’re ready for deeper healing, I’d be honored to support you.
Do you feel like you are ready for a change, but still running in place? Stuck in a rut and ready to get loose? Do you crave connection and healthy relationships, but find that you aren't sure what needs to change to get there? If you are reading this then most likely you have hit a breaking point and are looking for assistance in mending what has broken. It would be my honor to help guide you and provide care and support as you work to become your healthiest and truest self.
Do you feel like you are ready for a change, but still running in place? Stuck in a rut and ready to get loose? Do you crave connection and healthy relationships, but find that you aren't sure what needs to change to get there? If you are reading this then most likely you have hit a breaking point and are looking for assistance in mending what has broken. It would be my honor to help guide you and provide care and support as you work to become your healthiest and truest self.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.
Step out into freedom and embrace the life you were born to live! Is fear running your life? Do you hide the “real you” from family & friends? Discover the courage to be who you truly are! Many people dealing with anxiety, depression and gender and sexuality issues feel they are missing out on life. Clients I work with often report feeling alone and afraid to reach out for help. They no longer want to hide who they are, yet also feel stuck moving forward due to lack of support or fear of judgement. My passion is to help you ditch the shame and find freedom to love the person in the mirror despite the opinions of others.
Patricia (Patti) Lashley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I believe we are each on a journey in life and sometimes we need someone willing to walk with us to help us along our path. It is my goal for everyone to feel accepted and to know they are not alone. I believe everyone has the ability and capability to be their best selves. It is my mission to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients so they achieve the best in their lives. I work with adolescences, adults, and single parent, divorced, and blended families. I embrace working with diverse people of every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
I believe we are each on a journey in life and sometimes we need someone willing to walk with us to help us along our path. It is my goal for everyone to feel accepted and to know they are not alone. I believe everyone has the ability and capability to be their best selves. It is my mission to provide a safe and supportive space for my clients so they achieve the best in their lives. I work with adolescences, adults, and single parent, divorced, and blended families. I embrace working with diverse people of every race, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
If you’ve been carrying too much for too long, you’re not weak — you’re tired. Many of the people I work with are competent, capable adults who function well on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or emotionally exhausted on the inside. Trauma, chronic stress, complicated relationships, or long-standing patterns can quietly shape how we see ourselves and the world. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. Healing can be serious work — and still include moments of relief, perspective, and even humor. Sometimes a well-timed laugh is part of how the nervous system resets. I believe growth happens in safe spaces.
If you’ve been carrying too much for too long, you’re not weak — you’re tired. Many of the people I work with are competent, capable adults who function well on the outside but feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or emotionally exhausted on the inside. Trauma, chronic stress, complicated relationships, or long-standing patterns can quietly shape how we see ourselves and the world. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or clinical. Healing can be serious work — and still include moments of relief, perspective, and even humor. Sometimes a well-timed laugh is part of how the nervous system resets. I believe growth happens in safe spaces.
I have worked with various ages and issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, empathic, and genuine. My approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral and humanistic. I believe that in many instances, our thought patterns directly affect our emotions and, subsequently, our behavior. I come from a viewpoint that you are the expert of you. No one knows you better than you! I look at myself as a guide and allow my clients to dictate the course and direction of counseling.
I have worked with various ages and issues, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. My counseling style is warm, empathic, and genuine. My approach is primarily cognitive-behavioral and humanistic. I believe that in many instances, our thought patterns directly affect our emotions and, subsequently, our behavior. I come from a viewpoint that you are the expert of you. No one knows you better than you! I look at myself as a guide and allow my clients to dictate the course and direction of counseling.
About me, the counselor: I graduated from John Brown University with a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. I am a Registered Play Therapist (trademarked) often working with children, adolescents and their families. Across the lifespan, I am skilled in EMDR useful to treat many types of traumatic experiences. With all clients, I use a person-centered approach, believing that each of us holds the key to our own growth and healing.
About me, the counselor: I graduated from John Brown University with a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. I am a Registered Play Therapist (trademarked) often working with children, adolescents and their families. Across the lifespan, I am skilled in EMDR useful to treat many types of traumatic experiences. With all clients, I use a person-centered approach, believing that each of us holds the key to our own growth and healing.
Most of the people I work with are used to pushing through.
They think a lot. They carry a lot. They’ve figured out how to function - even when something underneath feels off, overwhelming, or hard to name.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, depression, neurodivergence, life-transitions, and caregiving roles. Many are high-functioning but internally stretched - dealing with rumination, self-criticism, sensory overwhelm, emotional shutdown, or cycles of overworking and collapse. Others are trying to reconnect with themselves after years of adapting to others.
Most of the people I work with are used to pushing through.
They think a lot. They carry a lot. They’ve figured out how to function - even when something underneath feels off, overwhelming, or hard to name.
I work with adults navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, depression, neurodivergence, life-transitions, and caregiving roles. Many are high-functioning but internally stretched - dealing with rumination, self-criticism, sensory overwhelm, emotional shutdown, or cycles of overworking and collapse. Others are trying to reconnect with themselves after years of adapting to others.
I help people who need a psychiatric diagnosis and/or medication management for anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, etc. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety.
I help people who need a psychiatric diagnosis and/or medication management for anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, etc. I do not treat acute events that need detox but happy to help sustained sobriety.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re ready to find freedom from your past...freedom from the feelings of I’m not good enough. It’s that feeling of “not a good enough mom, friend, student, wife…Just never enough!" These feelings can sneak up on us and color our perception of the world. We can end up spending a lot of time in our heads, mentally beating ourselves up until we learn a new way of seeing the world. That’s where I can help!!
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re ready to find freedom from your past...freedom from the feelings of I’m not good enough. It’s that feeling of “not a good enough mom, friend, student, wife…Just never enough!" These feelings can sneak up on us and color our perception of the world. We can end up spending a lot of time in our heads, mentally beating ourselves up until we learn a new way of seeing the world. That’s where I can help!!
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD; however, my primary areas of focus are working within the LGBTQIA+ community and with trauma.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, as an equal, and without any labels or judgement. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet each clients’ specific needs. Each individual is unique and there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. I am relatively informal in my approach, but flexible for the needs of each client.
I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD; however, my primary areas of focus are working within the LGBTQIA+ community and with trauma.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, as an equal, and without any labels or judgement. I tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet each clients’ specific needs. Each individual is unique and there is no "one size fits all" in therapy. I am relatively informal in my approach, but flexible for the needs of each client.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I especially enjoy working with individuals, families, and relationships facing a variety of challenges. Life can be difficult and we face many obstacles along the way. As your therapist, I will walk along side you and honor the journey you are on, while providing insight into ways to improve your overall functioning and well-being.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I especially enjoy working with individuals, families, and relationships facing a variety of challenges. Life can be difficult and we face many obstacles along the way. As your therapist, I will walk along side you and honor the journey you are on, while providing insight into ways to improve your overall functioning and well-being.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or interpersonal conflict and longing for a safe space to be heard without judgment? Do you hope to improve understanding of yourself, improve relationships, and feel more confident in their daily life? Is your goal to break free from old patterns, discover healthier ways to cope, and build a life that reflects their true self? My ideal client, what they want most is to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered to create lasting change.
Are you feeling weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or interpersonal conflict and longing for a safe space to be heard without judgment? Do you hope to improve understanding of yourself, improve relationships, and feel more confident in their daily life? Is your goal to break free from old patterns, discover healthier ways to cope, and build a life that reflects their true self? My ideal client, what they want most is to feel more grounded, connected, and empowered to create lasting change.
I work with gender identity, transitioning, self-discovery, LGBTQIA+ relationships, polyamory, exploring kink, BDSM & power dynamics in a healthy way.
I have specialized training in sexual addictions (sex, porn, love addiction, sexual shame and trauma, and other intimacy struggles) and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. I am currently working on my Ph.D in Clinical Sexology to become a Certified Sex Therapist. I continue to work on expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve these communities.
I work with gender identity, transitioning, self-discovery, LGBTQIA+ relationships, polyamory, exploring kink, BDSM & power dynamics in a healthy way.
I have specialized training in sexual addictions (sex, porn, love addiction, sexual shame and trauma, and other intimacy struggles) and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. I am currently working on my Ph.D in Clinical Sexology to become a Certified Sex Therapist. I continue to work on expanding my knowledge and skills to better serve these communities.
There can be healing and growth after experiencing really hard parts of life.. Trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story. You can write a new chapter. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are adjusting to life changes and seeking personal growth, as well as helping those who are working through the effects of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief.
There can be healing and growth after experiencing really hard parts of life.. Trauma doesn’t have to be the end of your story. You can write a new chapter. I am passionate about coming alongside those who are adjusting to life changes and seeking personal growth, as well as helping those who are working through the effects of abuse, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief.
Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.
Tired of feeling like you have to be a "super parent" and manage everything at once? Are there days you just don't want to get up and you can't figure out why? What about fears that control your life? All of these are life struggles and real problems. My job is to help individuals and couples with life stressors and take control of their lives.
Online Therapists
Do you feel lost, or like you don't belong? Do you feel different from those around you? Has socialization become a draining performance? Maybe you know what the mask is covering up, or maybe you just know you have to pretend to be ‘happy’ or ‘normal.' Do you have a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you are struggling to understand their experience. What if you knew you weren’t alone? I believe I can help you. We can work on the things that are making you feel overwhelmed now, as we work towards long term change.
Do you feel lost, or like you don't belong? Do you feel different from those around you? Has socialization become a draining performance? Maybe you know what the mask is covering up, or maybe you just know you have to pretend to be ‘happy’ or ‘normal.' Do you have a loved one that is struggling? Maybe you are struggling to understand their experience. What if you knew you weren’t alone? I believe I can help you. We can work on the things that are making you feel overwhelmed now, as we work towards long term change.
Are you exhausted from overthinking everything? Your mind never really shuts off, and even when things look “fine” on the outside, internally you feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained? Maybe you’re constantly worrying, battling intrusive thoughts, struggling with panic, burnout, relationship stress, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way. Therapy can help you finally feel more in control, grounded, and at peace
Are you exhausted from overthinking everything? Your mind never really shuts off, and even when things look “fine” on the outside, internally you feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained? Maybe you’re constantly worrying, battling intrusive thoughts, struggling with panic, burnout, relationship stress, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself somewhere along the way. Therapy can help you finally feel more in control, grounded, and at peace
See more therapy options for Crawford County
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.