Lesbian Therapists in Tempe, AZ
I am a dedicated therapist passionate about creating a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and valued. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups and strive to offer a safe, affirming environment where you can explore your experiences and work toward healing. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of dual diagnoses—mental health challenges alongside substance use—and those healing from religious trauma.
I am a dedicated therapist passionate about creating a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and valued. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I bring a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups and strive to offer a safe, affirming environment where you can explore your experiences and work toward healing. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating the complexities of dual diagnoses—mental health challenges alongside substance use—and those healing from religious trauma.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating personal challenges, relationships, and the impact of current events. I provide a compassionate, inclusive, and affirming space where you can express yourself freely and without judgment. Specializing in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, I support clients facing anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, ensuring that you feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout your journey.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating personal challenges, relationships, and the impact of current events. I provide a compassionate, inclusive, and affirming space where you can express yourself freely and without judgment. Specializing in LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapy, I support clients facing anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, and life transitions. My approach is trauma-informed and person-centered, ensuring that you feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout your journey.
You've been strong for everyone — but inside, you're running on empty.
My clients carry the weight of trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, and shame. They're Black, queer, kinky, CNM, or simply wired differently — exhausted from shrinking to fit a world that wasn't built for them.
They arrive ready to stop surviving and start actually healing.
Together, we build resilience, self-trust, and the freedom to show up fully — in every room, every relationship, every version of yourself. Without apology.
You've been strong for everyone — but inside, you're running on empty.
My clients carry the weight of trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, and shame. They're Black, queer, kinky, CNM, or simply wired differently — exhausted from shrinking to fit a world that wasn't built for them.
They arrive ready to stop surviving and start actually healing.
Together, we build resilience, self-trust, and the freedom to show up fully — in every room, every relationship, every version of yourself. Without apology.
No one is without their struggles in life, and reaching out for help is often one of the strongest and most courageous things a person can do. As humans, we are wired for connection, we need each other to heal and grow. While I may begin as a stranger, I am a stranger who will not judge you, but will meet you with compassion, understanding, and respect.
I strive to help others find meaning and purpose that can foster resilience when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. I believe that our strength lies in our ability to make choices, to grow through challenges, and to not be discouraged by others or by our own inner doubts.
No one is without their struggles in life, and reaching out for help is often one of the strongest and most courageous things a person can do. As humans, we are wired for connection, we need each other to heal and grow. While I may begin as a stranger, I am a stranger who will not judge you, but will meet you with compassion, understanding, and respect.
I strive to help others find meaning and purpose that can foster resilience when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. I believe that our strength lies in our ability to make choices, to grow through challenges, and to not be discouraged by others or by our own inner doubts.
As a queer, person of color, I believe in creating a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive space to assist clients in creating a life that they love. Due to the pandemic, many of us have had more time for reflection than we might have had in the past. Maybe this time of reflection has caused you to question your identity, gender or sexuality. Exploring and integrating your gender or sexuality can feel overwhelming, especially in a world that can be hostile to LGBT/Queer people, but you do not have to do it alone. Seeking help takes courage. You are courageous.
As a queer, person of color, I believe in creating a non-judgmental and culturally sensitive space to assist clients in creating a life that they love. Due to the pandemic, many of us have had more time for reflection than we might have had in the past. Maybe this time of reflection has caused you to question your identity, gender or sexuality. Exploring and integrating your gender or sexuality can feel overwhelming, especially in a world that can be hostile to LGBT/Queer people, but you do not have to do it alone. Seeking help takes courage. You are courageous.
Do you have a desire to feel comforted, listened to, heard, and experience healing without judgement? Together we can facilitate an honest and open environment to explore your innermost feelings and trauma without fear of stigma. I take a collaborative and client-centered approach to work towards developing a fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. My practice is tailored to those that have been considered "outsiders" such as (but not limited to) people from LGBTQ+, polyamorous, leftist, and kink communities who have traditionally been left out or exploited by the mental health field. Email is the fastest way to reach me.
Do you have a desire to feel comforted, listened to, heard, and experience healing without judgement? Together we can facilitate an honest and open environment to explore your innermost feelings and trauma without fear of stigma. I take a collaborative and client-centered approach to work towards developing a fulfilling relationship with yourself and others. My practice is tailored to those that have been considered "outsiders" such as (but not limited to) people from LGBTQ+, polyamorous, leftist, and kink communities who have traditionally been left out or exploited by the mental health field. Email is the fastest way to reach me.
Hi, my name is CJ, and I'm glad you're here. I specialize in supporting teens, adults, and couples - especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community - in healing from past and current trauma; coping with grief and loss, including pet loss; exploring self-identity, gender, and sexuality; and navigating the emotional ups and downs of life.
Hi, my name is CJ, and I'm glad you're here. I specialize in supporting teens, adults, and couples - especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community - in healing from past and current trauma; coping with grief and loss, including pet loss; exploring self-identity, gender, and sexuality; and navigating the emotional ups and downs of life.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
Are you ready to find a safe place to explore what is leading to the pain and concerns in your life, while feeling more connected to yourself along the way? Do you want real effective ways to transform depression, anxiety, and other experiences into internal spaciousness, calm, and joy? Do you feel that your past continues to affect your present feelings and beliefs about yourself and the world? Do you feel that something within you is getting in the way of having the relationships you desire? Do you simply feel alone in your suffering? I would love to join you on your journey to finding greater healing and wellness.
Welcome to Sunnyside Therapy! If you have come across this page, you are probably seeking help at this turning point in your life. Come experience the unconditional support and honest feedback that professional counseling can offer you. At Sunnyside, you will be treated with respect and positive, life-affirming attitude no matter where your journey starts. I truly believe that growth and change can happen at any pace with the right encouragement and validation. I welcome clients of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and religious preferences.
Welcome to Sunnyside Therapy! If you have come across this page, you are probably seeking help at this turning point in your life. Come experience the unconditional support and honest feedback that professional counseling can offer you. At Sunnyside, you will be treated with respect and positive, life-affirming attitude no matter where your journey starts. I truly believe that growth and change can happen at any pace with the right encouragement and validation. I welcome clients of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and religious preferences.
I myself as therapist who identifies as BIPOC, Queer, and Lesbian, if you are feeling loneliness from a shift in events in the world, now more than ever, please reach out to me.
First off, thank you for being brave enough to take this first step in this journey! Navigating life at any age often brings challenges that are unpredictable, leaving a need of searching for belonging. I believe you deserve to feel confident in your inherent worth and that you belong—always. In the queer community, therapeutic supports are most important and vital for survival. Intersectionality can be beautiful but also lead to loneliness when there is a lack of similarity of your identity around you. As a queer woman of color and as a therapist, I understand the importance of having a space where you can be your truest self.
I myself as therapist who identifies as BIPOC, Queer, and Lesbian, if you are feeling loneliness from a shift in events in the world, now more than ever, please reach out to me.
First off, thank you for being brave enough to take this first step in this journey! Navigating life at any age often brings challenges that are unpredictable, leaving a need of searching for belonging. I believe you deserve to feel confident in your inherent worth and that you belong—always. In the queer community, therapeutic supports are most important and vital for survival. Intersectionality can be beautiful but also lead to loneliness when there is a lack of similarity of your identity around you. As a queer woman of color and as a therapist, I understand the importance of having a space where you can be your truest self.
Are you ready to go on a journey of self-discovery and unlock the thoughts that limit you? Come as you are! I provide a supportive, non-judgemental, direct, lighthearted, and often times witty, approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach involves deconstructing personal narratives, exploring the meanings of past events, observing patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and inspiring clients to integrate into the role of not only the author; but the editor of ones own life. The next chapter of life has yet to be written! Allow me to support you as you write your next chapter!
Are you ready to go on a journey of self-discovery and unlock the thoughts that limit you? Come as you are! I provide a supportive, non-judgemental, direct, lighthearted, and often times witty, approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach involves deconstructing personal narratives, exploring the meanings of past events, observing patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and inspiring clients to integrate into the role of not only the author; but the editor of ones own life. The next chapter of life has yet to be written! Allow me to support you as you write your next chapter!
I enjoy working with people from a variety of cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Women's issues have always been a topic of concern for me, especially related to abuse, domestic violence, harassment, unhealthy relationships, low self-esteem, and excess stress. My work with clients who have disabilities is very important to me also. These individuals need to be heard, validated and provided with assistance in getting past anger, shame, guilt, sadness, and confusion.
I enjoy working with people from a variety of cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. Women's issues have always been a topic of concern for me, especially related to abuse, domestic violence, harassment, unhealthy relationships, low self-esteem, and excess stress. My work with clients who have disabilities is very important to me also. These individuals need to be heard, validated and provided with assistance in getting past anger, shame, guilt, sadness, and confusion.
Maya Duncan-Pope
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
4 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85288
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Clinically/Independently Licensed Social Worker with bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human & Family Development and a Master of Social Work. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist. I work with mainly teens and adults. I specialize in working with individuals with trauma histories, neurodivergent individuals, and LGBT+ individuals.
I am a Clinically/Independently Licensed Social Worker with bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human & Family Development and a Master of Social Work. I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist. I work with mainly teens and adults. I specialize in working with individuals with trauma histories, neurodivergent individuals, and LGBT+ individuals.
I am positive, straightforward, and honest. I utilize evidence-based treatments, tangible tools, humor, and strength-based interventions that can be applied immediately to help you achieve your individualized goals. We will work as a team to make a positive difference in your life and improve your well-being, whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity, trauma, or trying to create the best version of yourself.
I am positive, straightforward, and honest. I utilize evidence-based treatments, tangible tools, humor, and strength-based interventions that can be applied immediately to help you achieve your individualized goals. We will work as a team to make a positive difference in your life and improve your well-being, whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, identity, trauma, or trying to create the best version of yourself.
My clients are often the people who never quite fit the mold. Ravers, burners, goths, musicians, performers, event producers, creatives, outsiders, LGBTQ+ folks, and neurodivergent adults. Many are autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous (ENM), kinky, or exploring unconventional identities and relationships. They come to therapy carrying complex PTSD, religious trauma, DID, BPD, shame, burnout, relationship struggles, or years of feeling misunderstood. I offer a real, direct, nonjudgmental space where you can stop masking, make sense of life experience, heal what hurts, and create existential, meaningful change.
My clients are often the people who never quite fit the mold. Ravers, burners, goths, musicians, performers, event producers, creatives, outsiders, LGBTQ+ folks, and neurodivergent adults. Many are autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, polyamorous, ethically non-monogamous (ENM), kinky, or exploring unconventional identities and relationships. They come to therapy carrying complex PTSD, religious trauma, DID, BPD, shame, burnout, relationship struggles, or years of feeling misunderstood. I offer a real, direct, nonjudgmental space where you can stop masking, make sense of life experience, heal what hurts, and create existential, meaningful change.
I have been in practice since 1997. I am Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified Clinician (CBT-C) & Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) to address anxiety and depression. I believe it is the relationship with the patient and therapist which are significant to build trust and in turn facilitate change. It is important to have a treatment plan to set goals to learn healthy coping skills to address negative thought patterns. The recent years have brought such change in how we work, attend school, have relationships, and work through adversity. Therapy is key.
I have been in practice since 1997. I am Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certified Clinician (CBT-C) & Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) to address anxiety and depression. I believe it is the relationship with the patient and therapist which are significant to build trust and in turn facilitate change. It is important to have a treatment plan to set goals to learn healthy coping skills to address negative thought patterns. The recent years have brought such change in how we work, attend school, have relationships, and work through adversity. Therapy is key.
Do you struggle with focusing heavily on the negative, fearing the worst possible outcome, or blaming yourself for events outside your control? You may tend to assume what others are thinking or feeling and jump to conclusions often for the worse. If you're constantly ruminating and being hard on yourself, you're not alone. This is normal. When these neural pathways are left undisrupted, you may get stuck feeling anxious, depressed, or lacking hope that things can get better. It doesn't have to be this way.
Do you struggle with focusing heavily on the negative, fearing the worst possible outcome, or blaming yourself for events outside your control? You may tend to assume what others are thinking or feeling and jump to conclusions often for the worse. If you're constantly ruminating and being hard on yourself, you're not alone. This is normal. When these neural pathways are left undisrupted, you may get stuck feeling anxious, depressed, or lacking hope that things can get better. It doesn't have to be this way.
I offer in-depth therapy for adults and youth navigating burnout and overwhelm, grief, trauma, ADHD challenges, and major life transitions. I provide a safe space to connect and to make sense of your life, relationships, and suffering — and work with you to make meaning, gain footing, and carve out next steps in the face of difficult, even intractable, life experiences. My approach is holistic and attentive to your unique interests, needs, concerns, and desires, as you navigate complex personal histories, relationships, communities, and institutions.
I offer in-depth therapy for adults and youth navigating burnout and overwhelm, grief, trauma, ADHD challenges, and major life transitions. I provide a safe space to connect and to make sense of your life, relationships, and suffering — and work with you to make meaning, gain footing, and carve out next steps in the face of difficult, even intractable, life experiences. My approach is holistic and attentive to your unique interests, needs, concerns, and desires, as you navigate complex personal histories, relationships, communities, and institutions.
Updated July 2026: Accepting New Clients - -
Are you exhausted from feeling different, misunderstood, or like you have to hide parts of yourself to belong? Have trauma, shame, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or burnout left you disconnected from who you really are?
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, neurodivergent adults, trauma survivors, pagans, religious trauma survivors, and others who have spent years adapting to environments that weren't built for them. Together, we'll build self-compassion, heal old wounds, and create a life that feels more authentic, connected, and genuinely yours.
Updated July 2026: Accepting New Clients - -
Are you exhausted from feeling different, misunderstood, or like you have to hide parts of yourself to belong? Have trauma, shame, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or burnout left you disconnected from who you really are?
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients, neurodivergent adults, trauma survivors, pagans, religious trauma survivors, and others who have spent years adapting to environments that weren't built for them. Together, we'll build self-compassion, heal old wounds, and create a life that feels more authentic, connected, and genuinely yours.
Stephanie Levi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I offer a supportive approach rooted in psychodynamic and mindfulness-based models with a focus on trauma, anxiety and depression. Together we'll work towards the goal of building emotional well-being, and rooting out unhealthy internalized beliefs, and transform behavior patterns that no longer serve you into ones that offer support and self-esteem. Trauma needs to be witnessed and tolerated in a safe environment for you to learn that you already have the skills and knowledge within for transformative healing and self-discovery. Join me on this path of growth and resilience.
I offer a supportive approach rooted in psychodynamic and mindfulness-based models with a focus on trauma, anxiety and depression. Together we'll work towards the goal of building emotional well-being, and rooting out unhealthy internalized beliefs, and transform behavior patterns that no longer serve you into ones that offer support and self-esteem. Trauma needs to be witnessed and tolerated in a safe environment for you to learn that you already have the skills and knowledge within for transformative healing and self-discovery. Join me on this path of growth and resilience.
See more therapy options for Tempe
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for Tempe
- Apache Junction
- Avondale
- Chandler
- Fountain Hills
- Gilbert
- Glendale
- Mesa
- Paradise Valley
- Peoria
- Phoenix
- Queen Creek
- Scottsdale
Lesbian Therapists
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.