LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Franklin, NC
Alison Solomon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Franklin, NC 28734 (Online Only)
I offer a safe, non-judgmental place to explore feelings and relationships. I will help you improve your communication at home and at work, deal with feeling different or marginalized, overcome your legacy of childhood abuse, sexual trauma or domestic violence, and flourish in recovery. You can feel comfortable working with someone who is down-to-earth and compassionate. I'll help you go to whatever depth you're comfortable with, as well as offer practical guidance if that's what you're seeking. I've lived in several countries and enjoy a very diverse clientele. I offer a free, 15-minute initial consultation by phone or video.
I offer a safe, non-judgmental place to explore feelings and relationships. I will help you improve your communication at home and at work, deal with feeling different or marginalized, overcome your legacy of childhood abuse, sexual trauma or domestic violence, and flourish in recovery. You can feel comfortable working with someone who is down-to-earth and compassionate. I'll help you go to whatever depth you're comfortable with, as well as offer practical guidance if that's what you're seeking. I've lived in several countries and enjoy a very diverse clientele. I offer a free, 15-minute initial consultation by phone or video.
Sandy Van Horn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT200, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
I believe growth occurs when we courageously stay along the edges of our comfort zone and gently press into that boundary widening it inch by inch. I believe healing occurs when we fully allow ourselves to feel our pain, to sit with it, to befriend it, and to find out that it has edges and boundaries ... a beginning and an end. If you've been struggling with life - that can be big and small things - we can work together to identify challenges and build your capacity to move in the direction of optimal healing and wellness.
Stephanie Cheryl Bowman
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
My passion lies in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and those currently living with eating disorders or disordered eating. It is my goal to help my clients no longer feel alone, and to move from a place of shame and guilt to one of believing and knowing that all of their parts are good.
My passion lies in working with individuals who have experienced complex trauma and those currently living with eating disorders or disordered eating. It is my goal to help my clients no longer feel alone, and to move from a place of shame and guilt to one of believing and knowing that all of their parts are good.
Allie Barker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
15 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734 (Online Only)
Here is another awkward therapist profile for you! Have you found yourself struggling with feeling overwhelmed way more than you would like to admit? Has your anxiety washed over you with no rhyme or reason, only to leave you feeling exhausted and confused? Transitioning back to "normal life" and having adult responsibilities is hard enough, but when you add anxiety to the mix-things tend to get interesting (and probably not in the way you would like).
Here is another awkward therapist profile for you! Have you found yourself struggling with feeling overwhelmed way more than you would like to admit? Has your anxiety washed over you with no rhyme or reason, only to leave you feeling exhausted and confused? Transitioning back to "normal life" and having adult responsibilities is hard enough, but when you add anxiety to the mix-things tend to get interesting (and probably not in the way you would like).
Sunny Volano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
Things can feel out of control and you don’t know how to slow it down. Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes. Maybe thoughts are irrational, but can’t stop them. Maybe you are starting to realize you might not make the best choices. Maybe you have driven yourself into a state of panic. Maybe your child has hit a breaking point and you don’t know how to help. We can figure this out together. I want to help you achieve that balance you are looking for so you can start living the life you want. I have worked with children and adults for the past 13 years in community mental health, in schools, and in private practice.
Things can feel out of control and you don’t know how to slow it down. Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes. Maybe thoughts are irrational, but can’t stop them. Maybe you are starting to realize you might not make the best choices. Maybe you have driven yourself into a state of panic. Maybe your child has hit a breaking point and you don’t know how to help. We can figure this out together. I want to help you achieve that balance you are looking for so you can start living the life you want. I have worked with children and adults for the past 13 years in community mental health, in schools, and in private practice.
Susannah Kuppers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCAS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
Sometimes what we need most is to be seen, heard, and appreciated just as we are. Through my own personal counseling and my professional training, I’ve witnessed the power of healing through connection with another and this is the foundation of my work as a therapist. When we are able to be vulnerable with another person, to be truly seen and heard it can be liberating. I bring this approach to my work with a variety of concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, attachment wounds, emerging adulthood, and substance use.
Karen Barnes Blythe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
Not accepting new clients
With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, ranging from residential/enhanced services for children/adolescents to intensive substance abuse counseling and basic outpatient services with adults, I have found it incredibly rewarding to support anyone- be it individuals, families, or couples- in their journey towards recovery and wellness and I enjoy working with all ages (3 to 300)! I find joy assisting those seeking healing from a variety of mental health and substance use disorders including anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, parenting support, addictions, anger management, trauma, and other stressors.
With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, ranging from residential/enhanced services for children/adolescents to intensive substance abuse counseling and basic outpatient services with adults, I have found it incredibly rewarding to support anyone- be it individuals, families, or couples- in their journey towards recovery and wellness and I enjoy working with all ages (3 to 300)! I find joy assisting those seeking healing from a variety of mental health and substance use disorders including anxiety, depression, oppositional defiance, parenting support, addictions, anger management, trauma, and other stressors.
Anna Clark
Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Franklin, NC 28734
Not accepting new clients
Life is often full of unexpected twists, turns, and bumps that can leave us feeling uncertain about how to feel or move forward. Although it can seem dauting to take the steps to talk about these challenges, therapy can be an extremely rewarding tool to support validating your experiences and compassionately continuing that journey. My approach to therapy is that it involves understanding how our past impacts current feelings, behaviors, and patterns through a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that supports positive change and healing. I also believe therapy needs to utilize humor and I enjoy having my dog join in as well.
Life is often full of unexpected twists, turns, and bumps that can leave us feeling uncertain about how to feel or move forward. Although it can seem dauting to take the steps to talk about these challenges, therapy can be an extremely rewarding tool to support validating your experiences and compassionately continuing that journey. My approach to therapy is that it involves understanding how our past impacts current feelings, behaviors, and patterns through a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship that supports positive change and healing. I also believe therapy needs to utilize humor and I enjoy having my dog join in as well.
Nancy J Marts
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Franklin, NC 28734
Not accepting new clients
My approach to helping: I see life as a journey. Sometimes we get in a rut and have difficulty getting out, or sometimes we think we are on the right road and things turn out differently than expected, leaving us devastated and not knowing how or what to change. At times, we are unaware of our repeated patterns or how early life experiences have affected us. At the time, we usually do the best we can with what skills we have. Sometimes, we have to change our unhelpful coping skills and develop strategies and skills that will help us be happier and more functional people. Life is a journey, let's take it one step at a time.
My approach to helping: I see life as a journey. Sometimes we get in a rut and have difficulty getting out, or sometimes we think we are on the right road and things turn out differently than expected, leaving us devastated and not knowing how or what to change. At times, we are unaware of our repeated patterns or how early life experiences have affected us. At the time, we usually do the best we can with what skills we have. Sometimes, we have to change our unhelpful coping skills and develop strategies and skills that will help us be happier and more functional people. Life is a journey, let's take it one step at a time.
More Therapists Nearby
Deborah L Rasso
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MCAP, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Otto, NC 28763 (Online Only)
Every new day is a chance to change your life. My job as a counselor is to help you make the change in your life that will bring you to a better place. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or having problems with adjustment to any new life situation, things can get better with help through counseling. I have a special fondness for working with people who struggle with addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling, eating, etc). Addictions are a coping skill that can be replaced with more healthy choices. Working together we will find a better way!
Every new day is a chance to change your life. My job as a counselor is to help you make the change in your life that will bring you to a better place. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues or having problems with adjustment to any new life situation, things can get better with help through counseling. I have a special fondness for working with people who struggle with addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling, eating, etc). Addictions are a coping skill that can be replaced with more healthy choices. Working together we will find a better way!
Online Therapists
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS
Counselor, LCSW, LCMHC, PhD
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28801
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
Healing Solutions Counseling at JFS provides unique and coordinated services that will engage you in identifying your needs, strengths, and goals. Regardless of your situation, we will help empower you to attain a better quality of life. We specialize in treating depression, anxiety, parenting challenges, grief, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship problems, stress management, healthy aging, and LGBT support. Our approach is strengths-based and tailored to each unique individual we serve. Our therapy sessions are safe, private, and confidential. We will always meet you where you are.
Kenzie Mizell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28806 (Online Only)
I show up authentically to sessions as a queer, neurodivergent therapist.
Relationships are hard and the struggles we experience can be complex. We don’t always understand or have the words to explain what's going on in our lives- but we know we aren't feeling how we want to. The traditional approach to therapy can be intimidating and at times, hard to understand. In my sessions, we will build our relationship with humor and compassion. I believe that everyone's problems are unique. I'm here to help guide you to discover the best ways to heal in your situation. I am passionate in helping couples, families and individuals heal through reframing and normalizing your conflicts while creating new experiences.
I show up authentically to sessions as a queer, neurodivergent therapist.
Relationships are hard and the struggles we experience can be complex. We don’t always understand or have the words to explain what's going on in our lives- but we know we aren't feeling how we want to. The traditional approach to therapy can be intimidating and at times, hard to understand. In my sessions, we will build our relationship with humor and compassion. I believe that everyone's problems are unique. I'm here to help guide you to discover the best ways to heal in your situation. I am passionate in helping couples, families and individuals heal through reframing and normalizing your conflicts while creating new experiences.
Chris Holloman
Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC, GCDF
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28805 (Online Only)
As a gay man, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQIA population.
I understand that it can be difficult to take the first step towards counseling. I’m here to help with what you are experiencing, and I welcome the opportunity to assist you with your needs. In my work, I strive authentically to help my clients to achieve their goals. I accept you where you are nonjudgmentally, work with you to identify practical strategies to overcome struggles you are encountering, and help you to gather tools needed to thrive in life. I’m happy to serve as a safe place to assist you in getting to the places where you’d like to go.
As a gay man, I'm passionate about working with the LGBTQIA population.
I understand that it can be difficult to take the first step towards counseling. I’m here to help with what you are experiencing, and I welcome the opportunity to assist you with your needs. In my work, I strive authentically to help my clients to achieve their goals. I accept you where you are nonjudgmentally, work with you to identify practical strategies to overcome struggles you are encountering, and help you to gather tools needed to thrive in life. I’m happy to serve as a safe place to assist you in getting to the places where you’d like to go.
Taylor Moeller
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
Waitlist for new clients
You want to explore who you are, how you view the world. You sometimes find yourself uncertain of how to connect with others. You worry your true self may be overwhelming or too much. You may have been called “sensitive” or “too emotional” in the past. I consider therapy to be, at core, about relationship. So much of our trauma as humans is interpersonal. Psychotherapy has the transformational potential to practice again (or perhaps for the first time) associating human relationships with safety rather than threat. I feel especially passionately about providing a celebratory, validating container for those with LGBTQIA+ identities.
You want to explore who you are, how you view the world. You sometimes find yourself uncertain of how to connect with others. You worry your true self may be overwhelming or too much. You may have been called “sensitive” or “too emotional” in the past. I consider therapy to be, at core, about relationship. So much of our trauma as humans is interpersonal. Psychotherapy has the transformational potential to practice again (or perhaps for the first time) associating human relationships with safety rather than threat. I feel especially passionately about providing a celebratory, validating container for those with LGBTQIA+ identities.
Blake Crooks
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I most often work with LGBTQIA+ adults who are experiencing anxiety, trauma, or adjustment to life transitions/college.
Being human is tough! Each day it seems like there is something new to worry about. The world is falling apart, and the systems we live in are broken. The "This is fine" meme might be feeling a little too real. All the while, you’re just trying to exist and succeed at college and/or work, explore identity in a world that isn’t affirming, heal from difficult past experiences, or maintain the relationships and activities that are important to you. Anxiety, stress, trauma, and marginalization are all competing with what you want to focus on in your life. If this sounds familiar, then hi!
I most often work with LGBTQIA+ adults who are experiencing anxiety, trauma, or adjustment to life transitions/college.
Being human is tough! Each day it seems like there is something new to worry about. The world is falling apart, and the systems we live in are broken. The "This is fine" meme might be feeling a little too real. All the while, you’re just trying to exist and succeed at college and/or work, explore identity in a world that isn’t affirming, heal from difficult past experiences, or maintain the relationships and activities that are important to you. Anxiety, stress, trauma, and marginalization are all competing with what you want to focus on in your life. If this sounds familiar, then hi!
Teal Russeau
Counselor, MA, LCMHCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801 (Online Only)
Your story is worth telling. Your experiences are real. Your feelings are valid. I identify as queer, nonbinary, and a gifted AuDHDer (autistic and ADHD). I am passionate about walking alongside neurodivergent and gifted LGBTQIA+ adults and couples working through understanding their identity and relationships. I also work with parents of neurodivergent, gifted, and/or LGBTQIA+ kids who are seeking guidance in supporting their children.
Your story is worth telling. Your experiences are real. Your feelings are valid. I identify as queer, nonbinary, and a gifted AuDHDer (autistic and ADHD). I am passionate about walking alongside neurodivergent and gifted LGBTQIA+ adults and couples working through understanding their identity and relationships. I also work with parents of neurodivergent, gifted, and/or LGBTQIA+ kids who are seeking guidance in supporting their children.
John Samuel Caprell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Biltmore Forest, NC 28803
As a gay man, I have a strong affinity for building therapeutic relationships with those who feel marginalized, such as the "Black Sheep" of the family and adults who identify as part of the LGBGTQ+ community. As well as with indivduals that no longer resonate with values and religious/spiritual beliefs no longer resonate with those of their family of origin. I mainly enjoy working with clients who realize therapy is not a "quick fix" and are willing to put quality time/energy into learning about themselves and healing. I am also licensed for Telehealth with South Carolina and can do self pay only for those clients.
As a gay man, I have a strong affinity for building therapeutic relationships with those who feel marginalized, such as the "Black Sheep" of the family and adults who identify as part of the LGBGTQ+ community. As well as with indivduals that no longer resonate with values and religious/spiritual beliefs no longer resonate with those of their family of origin. I mainly enjoy working with clients who realize therapy is not a "quick fix" and are willing to put quality time/energy into learning about themselves and healing. I am also licensed for Telehealth with South Carolina and can do self pay only for those clients.
Nole Lafferty
Counselor, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I believe your identities and how you move through the world are important and deserve to take up space in the therapy room. The ways white supremacy and other oppressive parts of our world affect your journey are often parts that go unrecognized by others. I especially love working with folks who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or have an identity that is marginalized in some way by our normative culture.
I believe your identities and how you move through the world are important and deserve to take up space in the therapy room. The ways white supremacy and other oppressive parts of our world affect your journey are often parts that go unrecognized by others. I especially love working with folks who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and/or have an identity that is marginalized in some way by our normative culture.
Eric J Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Asheville, NC 28801
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Life is a funny thing. And often terribly complicated. During our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school or work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like with some of those struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite these adversities.
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Life is a funny thing. And often terribly complicated. During our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school or work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like with some of those struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite these adversities.
Maggie Boyle
Art Therapist, MA, ATR-P, LCMHC-A, LCAS
Verified Verified
Asheville, NC 28803
I am specifically inclined to work with folks who are curious about using the creative process to heal, who are LGBTQ+, who are interested in exploring new ways to find or relocate their intuitive voice to reconstruct and tell their story, and who are in recovery from substance use, imposter syndrome, or wounded childhoods.Compiling words together to form accurate depictions of personal narratives attached to life experiences can feel extremely daunting in talk therapy alone. With the invitation to use art, movement, metaphor, sound and play, exploring creativity can provide non-threatening means to access empowerment and healing.
I am specifically inclined to work with folks who are curious about using the creative process to heal, who are LGBTQ+, who are interested in exploring new ways to find or relocate their intuitive voice to reconstruct and tell their story, and who are in recovery from substance use, imposter syndrome, or wounded childhoods.Compiling words together to form accurate depictions of personal narratives attached to life experiences can feel extremely daunting in talk therapy alone. With the invitation to use art, movement, metaphor, sound and play, exploring creativity can provide non-threatening means to access empowerment and healing.
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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.