LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Half Moon Bay, CA
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
We've all seen the stereotypical therapists on TV, but that's not what you'll find with me. I am a down-to-earth person, which is reflected in my approach as a therapist. Compassion, warmth, and believe it or not, humor is what you will experience in our work together. You first must feel comfortable with your therapist for the experience to be successful.
Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief, trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, social justice and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting change. Based on 25 years clinical experience, I take an active role in the therapy process by helping you gain insight into patterns in your life. Therapy can also involve weekly homework assignments - this is optional.
Special interests include: life transitions, relationship problems, loss and grief, trauma, stress and anxiety, depression, social justice and the LGBTQIA+ community.
I am committed to learning about who you truly are and working with you to make long lasting change. Based on 25 years clinical experience, I take an active role in the therapy process by helping you gain insight into patterns in your life. Therapy can also involve weekly homework assignments - this is optional.
My ideal client is anyone who is willing and interested in understanding themselves more fully. S/he will see therapy as an active partnership with a goal of a fulfilling life. My clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and come in with a desire to explore identity issues or to get support with parenting challenges and, almost always, to get support in dealing with today's life stressors.
Whatever your concerns are that lead you to seek therapy, we will work to both understand your past and how it has influenced your current experience and work on developing new skills or approaches to coping with challenges.
My ideal client is anyone who is willing and interested in understanding themselves more fully. S/he will see therapy as an active partnership with a goal of a fulfilling life. My clients come from a wide range of backgrounds and come in with a desire to explore identity issues or to get support with parenting challenges and, almost always, to get support in dealing with today's life stressors.
Whatever your concerns are that lead you to seek therapy, we will work to both understand your past and how it has influenced your current experience and work on developing new skills or approaches to coping with challenges.
NOTE-I am currently only taking new telehealth/online clients.
If you or your child is struggling with depression, social relationships or having trouble coping with other difficulties life has thrown at you it is time to ask for help. You can get comfort and learn the skills to cope with anxiety, grief, social fears etc.
Talking to a therapist can be the first step towards a more joyful and satisfying life.
I work with children, teens, and adults, couples, and families. Child therapy sessions involve play therapy and the use of creative art materials.
Sometimes just having someone to listen can make all the difference.
NOTE-I am currently only taking new telehealth/online clients.
If you or your child is struggling with depression, social relationships or having trouble coping with other difficulties life has thrown at you it is time to ask for help. You can get comfort and learn the skills to cope with anxiety, grief, social fears etc.
Talking to a therapist can be the first step towards a more joyful and satisfying life.
I work with children, teens, and adults, couples, and families. Child therapy sessions involve play therapy and the use of creative art materials.
Sometimes just having someone to listen can make all the difference.
I encourage clients to approach therapy with an open and curious mind. For my part, you can expect compassion, collaboration and an unwavering authenticity in each session - with an occasional dose of humor.
I encourage clients to approach therapy with an open and curious mind. For my part, you can expect compassion, collaboration and an unwavering authenticity in each session - with an occasional dose of humor.
I welcome you to my practice of Embracing Transition. I support you during your difficult situation to see the possibilities when you cannot. I have worked successfully with adults and families for over 30 years focusing on parenting, co-parenting, divorce, and grief. My experience includes working with severe mental health conditions for 25 years. Since 2015 I have worked with individuals with chronic medical conditions.
I welcome you to my practice of Embracing Transition. I support you during your difficult situation to see the possibilities when you cannot. I have worked successfully with adults and families for over 30 years focusing on parenting, co-parenting, divorce, and grief. My experience includes working with severe mental health conditions for 25 years. Since 2015 I have worked with individuals with chronic medical conditions.
Have you worked hard to reach your life and career goals, yet still feel unsatisfied? Despite many accomplishments, do you often feel not good enough? Would you like your relationships to feel closer and more fulfilling? Have you tried various techniques to create change but continue to feel something is fundamentally missing? Thanks to cutting edge breakthroughs in neuroscience, and deeper insights regarding the impact of trauma, we now have a better understanding than ever before into the realm of human emotional and psychological well-being.
Have you worked hard to reach your life and career goals, yet still feel unsatisfied? Despite many accomplishments, do you often feel not good enough? Would you like your relationships to feel closer and more fulfilling? Have you tried various techniques to create change but continue to feel something is fundamentally missing? Thanks to cutting edge breakthroughs in neuroscience, and deeper insights regarding the impact of trauma, we now have a better understanding than ever before into the realm of human emotional and psychological well-being.
Growing up does not have to be unnecessarily painful or lonely. I help children, adolescents and young adults navigate developmental transitions with creativity and purpose. I also provide parents with education, skills and support to augment treatment. Young people often need guidance to explore their feelings, discover their unique strengths, and find meaning in their lives as they transition into adulthood. Challenges like family conflict, school problems, sexual confusion, depression, identity development, substance abuse, anxiety and stress can be greatly alleviated through the attentive support of a caring, unbiased professional.
Growing up does not have to be unnecessarily painful or lonely. I help children, adolescents and young adults navigate developmental transitions with creativity and purpose. I also provide parents with education, skills and support to augment treatment. Young people often need guidance to explore their feelings, discover their unique strengths, and find meaning in their lives as they transition into adulthood. Challenges like family conflict, school problems, sexual confusion, depression, identity development, substance abuse, anxiety and stress can be greatly alleviated through the attentive support of a caring, unbiased professional.
Looking for a therapist who isn't so "therapisty"? You've come to the right place.
Sometimes life gets out of hand and you need someone neutral who understands. Maybe you've taken on your family's/ partner's/ friends' problems and are now drowning in overwhelm. Maybe your school or work life isn't what you imagined it would be. Maybe you've taken to some coping skills that you know might not be the best for you in the long run (hello, doomscroll). Whatever your situation, I get that life can be complicated, messy, and sometimes absolute (4-letter word here).
I can help!
Looking for a therapist who isn't so "therapisty"? You've come to the right place.
Sometimes life gets out of hand and you need someone neutral who understands. Maybe you've taken on your family's/ partner's/ friends' problems and are now drowning in overwhelm. Maybe your school or work life isn't what you imagined it would be. Maybe you've taken to some coping skills that you know might not be the best for you in the long run (hello, doomscroll). Whatever your situation, I get that life can be complicated, messy, and sometimes absolute (4-letter word here).
I can help!
**Please see DrJerryBakka.com for more information. Therapy is a collaboration with my clients to ensure a safe, non-judgmental place to explore feelings, cognitions, patterns, and options. My psychodynamic and CBT perspectives look at current difficulties through exploration of past and present experiences. I work with people brand new to therapy but have also been the psychologist to many therapists. Vast experience allows me to draw upon 30 years of work in hospitals and private practice. To begin, I help clients articulate expectations for therapy so that together we can create a positive, productive therapeutic relationship.
**Please see DrJerryBakka.com for more information. Therapy is a collaboration with my clients to ensure a safe, non-judgmental place to explore feelings, cognitions, patterns, and options. My psychodynamic and CBT perspectives look at current difficulties through exploration of past and present experiences. I work with people brand new to therapy but have also been the psychologist to many therapists. Vast experience allows me to draw upon 30 years of work in hospitals and private practice. To begin, I help clients articulate expectations for therapy so that together we can create a positive, productive therapeutic relationship.
Whether you are struggling with a difficult relationship or life has brought you down an unwanted path, I help people to get in touch with their own inner ability to bounce back from challenges through self-awareness and finding blocks to your personal happiness. To me, the most important aspect of therapy is the personal bond we will develop together which will help you with all aspects of your life. I have experience working with children, teens, parents, and families, as well as individuals.
Whether you are struggling with a difficult relationship or life has brought you down an unwanted path, I help people to get in touch with their own inner ability to bounce back from challenges through self-awareness and finding blocks to your personal happiness. To me, the most important aspect of therapy is the personal bond we will develop together which will help you with all aspects of your life. I have experience working with children, teens, parents, and families, as well as individuals.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected in your relationships? Whether you're facing the weight of chronic stress, struggling with anxiety that won’t let up, or dealing with relationship patterns that feel stuck or painful, therapy can be a place to slow down, reflect, and find a new way forward. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with deep experience helping individuals work through life transitions, anxiety, stress, grief, and relationship challenges. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real-life understanding.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected in your relationships? Whether you're facing the weight of chronic stress, struggling with anxiety that won’t let up, or dealing with relationship patterns that feel stuck or painful, therapy can be a place to slow down, reflect, and find a new way forward. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with deep experience helping individuals work through life transitions, anxiety, stress, grief, and relationship challenges. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in real-life understanding.
I, Lori Shnorhokian 83954, provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. By fostering an interactive and collaborative setting during our sessions, I can help you feel comfortable taking an active role in engaging and addressing the difficult symptoms, thoughts, and emotions you are dealing with.
I, Lori Shnorhokian 83954, provide a safe environment and compassionate, non-judgmental counseling to help you explore the personal and relationship challenges you are facing and begin working toward lasting solutions. By fostering an interactive and collaborative setting during our sessions, I can help you feel comfortable taking an active role in engaging and addressing the difficult symptoms, thoughts, and emotions you are dealing with.
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
Are you struggling with navigating a relationship in your life? Relational therapy, typically called couples but can include a variety of relationship types, focuses in on communication, trust, repair, and joy. Typical sessions include allowing space for identifying specific sources of discomfort and practice for how to make and sustain relational shifts. Specialized training in child psychology allows for particular support around navigating parenting challenges and understanding how to support your unique child.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Central Valley, California. Navigating life's challenges can be difficult. Past events, unresolved hurts, and current stressors sometimes keep us "stuck" in a cycle of suffering, shame, or guilt. These cycles may contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, negative thought patterns, and unhealthy core beliefs.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Central Valley, California. Navigating life's challenges can be difficult. Past events, unresolved hurts, and current stressors sometimes keep us "stuck" in a cycle of suffering, shame, or guilt. These cycles may contribute to symptoms of anxiety, depression, negative thought patterns, and unhealthy core beliefs.
I support youth (5-21) and families through mental health and relationship challenges in an affirming, collaborative and hopeful space. I strive to show up authentically so my clients can too, while incorporating evidence-based therapies individualized to each person's strengths, needs and interests. I work especially well with imaginative, sensitive kids who light up when given space to express themselves beyond just words, and with older youths who are figuring out growing independence (and the pressures that can come with it).
I support youth (5-21) and families through mental health and relationship challenges in an affirming, collaborative and hopeful space. I strive to show up authentically so my clients can too, while incorporating evidence-based therapies individualized to each person's strengths, needs and interests. I work especially well with imaginative, sensitive kids who light up when given space to express themselves beyond just words, and with older youths who are figuring out growing independence (and the pressures that can come with it).
I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck between who they think they should be for others and the authentic version of themselves they yearn to know. In our work, I support clients in strengthening and reclaiming their inner voice and sense of agency and in building relationships that feel more genuine and sustainable. Therapy is not about merely insight. It is also about internalizing and embodying new ways of relating—learning to say no without guilt, rest without shame, and to cultivate connections that allow for reciprocity and depth. The relationship and trust we build together becomes the foundation for healing.
I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck between who they think they should be for others and the authentic version of themselves they yearn to know. In our work, I support clients in strengthening and reclaiming their inner voice and sense of agency and in building relationships that feel more genuine and sustainable. Therapy is not about merely insight. It is also about internalizing and embodying new ways of relating—learning to say no without guilt, rest without shame, and to cultivate connections that allow for reciprocity and depth. The relationship and trust we build together becomes the foundation for healing.
High achievers often tell me that things look good on paper and yet life isn't going exactly how they planned. They feel stuck. And they are ready to break out of unhelpful cycles, improve their relationships, and live a more meaningful life. My clients are typically high-achieving and are familiar with the concept of mastery, whether in work, a sport, or hobby. They know what it takes to be great at something.
Together, we'll explore what has helped you find success and apply it to the growth areas in your life.
High achievers often tell me that things look good on paper and yet life isn't going exactly how they planned. They feel stuck. And they are ready to break out of unhelpful cycles, improve their relationships, and live a more meaningful life. My clients are typically high-achieving and are familiar with the concept of mastery, whether in work, a sport, or hobby. They know what it takes to be great at something.
Together, we'll explore what has helped you find success and apply it to the growth areas in your life.
I believe that therapy doesn’t have to last a lifetime to be life-changing. Rather, I view our work together as a targeted season of support—a dedicated chapter in your life designed to support you with the clarity, resilience, and tools needed to move forward. I work with adults who are ready to look inward, especially those carrying wounds from childhood, struggling with social anxiety, or feeling like connection is something that works for others but not for them. If that sounds familiar, I can help you understand what’s really happening inside, increasing insight about what you’ve had to hide or fight against just to get by.
I believe that therapy doesn’t have to last a lifetime to be life-changing. Rather, I view our work together as a targeted season of support—a dedicated chapter in your life designed to support you with the clarity, resilience, and tools needed to move forward. I work with adults who are ready to look inward, especially those carrying wounds from childhood, struggling with social anxiety, or feeling like connection is something that works for others but not for them. If that sounds familiar, I can help you understand what’s really happening inside, increasing insight about what you’ve had to hide or fight against just to get by.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. With over 10 years of experience in mental health, I specialize in supporting adults through a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, trauma, and more. I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, which has given me a well-rounded approach to therapy. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their struggles and developing healthier coping skills and habits to lead more fulfilling lives.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. With over 10 years of experience in mental health, I specialize in supporting adults through a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, trauma, and more. I have experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, which has given me a well-rounded approach to therapy. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their struggles and developing healthier coping skills and habits to lead more fulfilling lives.
See more therapy options for Half Moon Bay
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Half Moon Bay
- Belmont
- Burlingame
- El Granada
- Foster City
- Hillsborough
- Millbrae
- Pacifica
- Redwood City
- San Bruno
- San Carlos
- San Mateo
- Woodside
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.