LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in North Valley, San Jose, CA
My specialties include anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, PTSD, life transitions,
and working with immigrants, communities of color, first generation, and LGBTQ+ folks.
Hello, thank you for being here. I approach therapy as a collaborative process rooted in dignity, compassion, and social justice. Are you curious about unearthing what you've had to suppress to survive? Perhaps, you're curious about the therapeutic process and how it can help. Together we can explore all your parts: the ones that are thriving, the ones still buried, and the ones that feel like remnants of who you once were. I invite you to arrive as your full self while we make room for the contradictions — strength and tenderness, doubt and faith, sorrow and humor, logic and intuition.
My specialties include anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, PTSD, life transitions,
and working with immigrants, communities of color, first generation, and LGBTQ+ folks.
Hello, thank you for being here. I approach therapy as a collaborative process rooted in dignity, compassion, and social justice. Are you curious about unearthing what you've had to suppress to survive? Perhaps, you're curious about the therapeutic process and how it can help. Together we can explore all your parts: the ones that are thriving, the ones still buried, and the ones that feel like remnants of who you once were. I invite you to arrive as your full self while we make room for the contradictions — strength and tenderness, doubt and faith, sorrow and humor, logic and intuition.
You’re feeling burnt out & overwhelmed. You want to create a sustainable life for yourself but aren’t sure where to start. You crave feeling calm and grounded when the world around you feels chaotic. You’ve been so dysregulated it feels like all your energy is going into survival. You want to be connected with your authentic self, but you’ve been people pleasing for so long you don’t know how to honor your own needs. You’re tired of saying yes when you wish you could say no, and want to cultivate the confidence and inner strength it takes to set boundaries. You’re worried it’ll never get any easier & want someone who really gets it.
You’re feeling burnt out & overwhelmed. You want to create a sustainable life for yourself but aren’t sure where to start. You crave feeling calm and grounded when the world around you feels chaotic. You’ve been so dysregulated it feels like all your energy is going into survival. You want to be connected with your authentic self, but you’ve been people pleasing for so long you don’t know how to honor your own needs. You’re tired of saying yes when you wish you could say no, and want to cultivate the confidence and inner strength it takes to set boundaries. You’re worried it’ll never get any easier & want someone who really gets it.
I often support concerns of depression, anxiety, stress/burnout, disordered eating, trauma, racial and queer/trans identities, attachment work & codependency, sexual wellness, and grief & loss.
We all deserve a safe, compassionate space to process and explore, whether we are healing from difficult life events or simply taking a pause to reflect on our life. I deeply believe in holistic and intersectional care, where a client doesn’t have to leave any of their identities at the door and their whole self including mind, body, and spirit is recognized and affirmed. My approach to therapy is honest, anti-oppressive, and empowering. I strongly believe therapy should be a collaborative experience - I always encourage the client to take the lead in shaping the therapy space into whatever they need it to be!
I often support concerns of depression, anxiety, stress/burnout, disordered eating, trauma, racial and queer/trans identities, attachment work & codependency, sexual wellness, and grief & loss.
We all deserve a safe, compassionate space to process and explore, whether we are healing from difficult life events or simply taking a pause to reflect on our life. I deeply believe in holistic and intersectional care, where a client doesn’t have to leave any of their identities at the door and their whole self including mind, body, and spirit is recognized and affirmed. My approach to therapy is honest, anti-oppressive, and empowering. I strongly believe therapy should be a collaborative experience - I always encourage the client to take the lead in shaping the therapy space into whatever they need it to be!
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and I understand that no two people—or situations—are the same. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. In simple terms, that means I help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are connected, while also meeting you with compassion, curiosity, and respect for your pace and your story.
In our work together, I aim to create a space where you don’t feel judged or rushed.
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and I understand that no two people—or situations—are the same. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing. In simple terms, that means I help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are connected, while also meeting you with compassion, curiosity, and respect for your pace and your story.
In our work together, I aim to create a space where you don’t feel judged or rushed.
Starting or considering therapy is a big first step, and holding a safe space for you is an honor. As a seasoned therapist, I help young adults and professionals find more meaning and fulfillment by overcoming stress, conflict, burnout, trauma, and substance. In addition, with nearly a decade of experience in tech/startup and related industries, I understand the unique pressures of fast-paced, high-demand environments and finding balance to thrive.
Starting or considering therapy is a big first step, and holding a safe space for you is an honor. As a seasoned therapist, I help young adults and professionals find more meaning and fulfillment by overcoming stress, conflict, burnout, trauma, and substance. In addition, with nearly a decade of experience in tech/startup and related industries, I understand the unique pressures of fast-paced, high-demand environments and finding balance to thrive.
Meghan Macgeorge - Trauma & Somatic Therapy
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
5 Endorsed
North Valley, San Jose, CA 95101
You may be the person everyone depends on. The one who shows up, takes care of others, and keeps everything running. From the outside, you seem capable and put together. Yet internally, you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you need.
Many of the clients I work with struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and the effects of relational trauma. They often recognize their patterns but still feel stuck repeating them. Deep down, many believe that their needs matter less than everyone else's.
You may be the person everyone depends on. The one who shows up, takes care of others, and keeps everything running. From the outside, you seem capable and put together. Yet internally, you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you need.
Many of the clients I work with struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and the effects of relational trauma. They often recognize their patterns but still feel stuck repeating them. Deep down, many believe that their needs matter less than everyone else's.
I am a Board Certified & Licensed Clinician (CA, OR & NV) that takes a holistic approach to treatment. I assist adolescents, adults, and couples in achieving psychological and interpersonal health and wellness by fostering a safe and trusting space where they can explore, process, and move through life's difficulties. I understand that each of us have unique strengths, challenges, identities, and life experiences. I work with each client to tailor treatment to their individual needs so they can reach their personal and relational goals, address concerns impacting their well-being, and move towards personal growth and healing.
I am a Board Certified & Licensed Clinician (CA, OR & NV) that takes a holistic approach to treatment. I assist adolescents, adults, and couples in achieving psychological and interpersonal health and wellness by fostering a safe and trusting space where they can explore, process, and move through life's difficulties. I understand that each of us have unique strengths, challenges, identities, and life experiences. I work with each client to tailor treatment to their individual needs so they can reach their personal and relational goals, address concerns impacting their well-being, and move towards personal growth and healing.
Dr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, acute stress, relationship problems, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in living from and connecting to personal values, his approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. He integrates CBT and mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals to uncover, discover, and discard thinking and behavioral patterns that are blocking them from living enriched and empowered lives.
Dr. Thomas is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise in substance addiction, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, acute stress, relationship problems, and chronic pain. With an emphasis in living from and connecting to personal values, his approach is highly compassionate, culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and evidenced-based. He integrates CBT and mindfulness-based interventions to help individuals to uncover, discover, and discard thinking and behavioral patterns that are blocking them from living enriched and empowered lives.
I welcome interracial couples and LGBT couples.
For marriages & couples stuck in conflict, relationships feeling trapped in repeating patterns, wondering how to improve communication; I’ve been working successfully as a couples therapist for years, I’ve probably seen it all. I’m sorry you guys are not feeling as supported as you could be. I hope therapy hasn’t come up as an ultimatum. If any of this resonates with you, I'm Alejandro Daniel Pina, LMFT a California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensed and EFT-trained couples therapist here to help. Your situation is probably more common than you think. Let’s get you guys on the same page again…
I welcome interracial couples and LGBT couples.
For marriages & couples stuck in conflict, relationships feeling trapped in repeating patterns, wondering how to improve communication; I’ve been working successfully as a couples therapist for years, I’ve probably seen it all. I’m sorry you guys are not feeling as supported as you could be. I hope therapy hasn’t come up as an ultimatum. If any of this resonates with you, I'm Alejandro Daniel Pina, LMFT a California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensed and EFT-trained couples therapist here to help. Your situation is probably more common than you think. Let’s get you guys on the same page again…
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Dr. Denise Stilwell is a licensed clinical psychologist with seven years of experience providing psychotherapy in a variety of clinical settings. She worked as a nurse for sixteen years before she became a psychotherapist and brings that rich experience into her practice. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, identity issues, interpersonal issues, grief, managing chronic illness, and somatic symptom disorder. Dr. Stilwell collaborates with her clients to ensure they feel seen and heard in their sessions while utilizing evidence-based therapy approaches that are culturally sensitive and individually focused.
Our relationships, work, and health can be stressful or fulfilling. There are specific, practical, scientifically proven methods for increasing happiness, success, and well being for yourself and in your relationships and significantly reducing anger, anxiety, stress, job loss, relationship conflicts, and hypertension. I have 15 years of clinical experience in bringing together best practices that work! I teach Stanford University's courses in Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, and related Research regarding the best and most practical methods for effectively reducing anger, anxiety, and stress, and significantly improving personal and professional relationships, health & well being, and professional goals and success.
Our relationships, work, and health can be stressful or fulfilling. There are specific, practical, scientifically proven methods for increasing happiness, success, and well being for yourself and in your relationships and significantly reducing anger, anxiety, stress, job loss, relationship conflicts, and hypertension. I have 15 years of clinical experience in bringing together best practices that work! I teach Stanford University's courses in Wisdom, Emotional Intelligence, Career Development, and related Research regarding the best and most practical methods for effectively reducing anger, anxiety, and stress, and significantly improving personal and professional relationships, health & well being, and professional goals and success.
Hi and welcome. I'm Anna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I'm glad you're here.
Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of past experiences while trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life. I specialize in working with women and adolescents navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship challenges, difficult family dynamics, and major life transitions. Many of my clients have experienced childhood trauma, abuse, unhealthy relationships, or environments where they learned to put everyone else's needs before their own.
Hi and welcome. I'm Anna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I'm glad you're here.
Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of past experiences while trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life. I specialize in working with women and adolescents navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship challenges, difficult family dynamics, and major life transitions. Many of my clients have experienced childhood trauma, abuse, unhealthy relationships, or environments where they learned to put everyone else's needs before their own.
Hello, ¡Hola! My name is Dioscelina Gonzalez, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Hispanic Mexican American licensed clinical social worker fluent in both Spanish and English. I strive to create an empathetic and nonjudgmental environment for all my clients. My approach to therapy is rooted in client-centered principles, emphasizing empathy, respect, and collaboration. I tailor treatment to your specific needs, incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and family systems therapy.
Hello, ¡Hola! My name is Dioscelina Gonzalez, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Hispanic Mexican American licensed clinical social worker fluent in both Spanish and English. I strive to create an empathetic and nonjudgmental environment for all my clients. My approach to therapy is rooted in client-centered principles, emphasizing empathy, respect, and collaboration. I tailor treatment to your specific needs, incorporating modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, and family systems therapy.
Seeking therapy can be a challenging step, because opening up about intimate issues to a stranger is both terrifying, brave, and can leave you feeling vulnerable. That's why it's important to find somebody with whom you feel comfortable. It is my priority to make you feel at ease, because reaching your goal is more difficult when this is not at the foundation of the therapeutic experience. This approach has enabled me to work with a wide array of teens, adults, couples, and families.
Seeking therapy can be a challenging step, because opening up about intimate issues to a stranger is both terrifying, brave, and can leave you feeling vulnerable. That's why it's important to find somebody with whom you feel comfortable. It is my priority to make you feel at ease, because reaching your goal is more difficult when this is not at the foundation of the therapeutic experience. This approach has enabled me to work with a wide array of teens, adults, couples, and families.
I also see folks who are polyamorous, kinky and/or queer who may be dealing with other issues, such as anxiety or depression.
A lot of people struggle with some aspect of their sexuality, but they may find it difficult to talk about their problems, fears, or concerns with anyone. Unfortunately most therapists don't receive much training on sexual health. I am very open to hearing whatever is going on in your life and I'm not afraid to talk about anything, including sex!
I also see folks who are polyamorous, kinky and/or queer who may be dealing with other issues, such as anxiety or depression.
A lot of people struggle with some aspect of their sexuality, but they may find it difficult to talk about their problems, fears, or concerns with anyone. Unfortunately most therapists don't receive much training on sexual health. I am very open to hearing whatever is going on in your life and I'm not afraid to talk about anything, including sex!
We all want happiness. However, we could lose clarity that has once helped us make healthy decisions when life prompts us with challenging situations: marital problems, family discord, difficult parent-child relationships, acculturation issues, individual psychological problems, spiritual crisis, personal existential crisis, or transitional life issues. My calling is to help people find happiness, whether by developing new insights into their troubling predicaments, increasing mutual understanding amongst family members through effective communication, empowering human diversity, thereby fostering a satisfactory outcome.
We all want happiness. However, we could lose clarity that has once helped us make healthy decisions when life prompts us with challenging situations: marital problems, family discord, difficult parent-child relationships, acculturation issues, individual psychological problems, spiritual crisis, personal existential crisis, or transitional life issues. My calling is to help people find happiness, whether by developing new insights into their troubling predicaments, increasing mutual understanding amongst family members through effective communication, empowering human diversity, thereby fostering a satisfactory outcome.
Do you feel unseen or unheard? Do you struggle with feeling like you don’t quite belong—or maybe feel disconnected from yourself entirely?
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, trying to juggle societal pressures alongside cultural and familial expectations. Others carry the weight of childhood or intergenerational trauma. Some struggle with imposter syndrome in their workplaces or post-grad programs, while others long for healthier, more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and those around them.
Do you feel unseen or unheard? Do you struggle with feeling like you don’t quite belong—or maybe feel disconnected from yourself entirely?
Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, trying to juggle societal pressures alongside cultural and familial expectations. Others carry the weight of childhood or intergenerational trauma. Some struggle with imposter syndrome in their workplaces or post-grad programs, while others long for healthier, more fulfilling relationships—with themselves and those around them.
I help individuals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, and self-doubt find clarity, stability, and a stronger sense of self. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking, emotional exhaustion, or low self-esteem—functioning on the outside while quietly wondering when they will finally feel okay again. You don’t have to navigate that alone.
I help individuals who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, and self-doubt find clarity, stability, and a stronger sense of self. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck in cycles of overthinking, emotional exhaustion, or low self-esteem—functioning on the outside while quietly wondering when they will finally feel okay again. You don’t have to navigate that alone.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing service to those in need. I have been providing individual therapy since 2012. I am a California native and grew up in the Los Angeles area. I am genuine, patient, humorous and experienced with a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, trauma and relationship challenges. My goal in your work with me is to improve your quality life through psychoeducation, identifying healthy coping strategies as well as an emphasis on mindfulness skills to enable you to become more self-aware.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing service to those in need. I have been providing individual therapy since 2012. I am a California native and grew up in the Los Angeles area. I am genuine, patient, humorous and experienced with a wide range of mental health challenges including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, trauma and relationship challenges. My goal in your work with me is to improve your quality life through psychoeducation, identifying healthy coping strategies as well as an emphasis on mindfulness skills to enable you to become more self-aware.
Chauncey Chatman. Marriage & Family Therapist License LMFT45560. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy services to adolescents, couples, families and adults. My approach is a combination of collaborative talk therapy with a strong emphasis on mindfulness practices that foster self-awareness and behavior modification that result in more positive outcomes. My approach: My approach also includes active use of the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused therapy. I currently work with individual adult clients.
Chauncey Chatman. Marriage & Family Therapist License LMFT45560. I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy services to adolescents, couples, families and adults. My approach is a combination of collaborative talk therapy with a strong emphasis on mindfulness practices that foster self-awareness and behavior modification that result in more positive outcomes. My approach: My approach also includes active use of the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused therapy. I currently work with individual adult clients.
See more therapy options for North Valley, San Jose
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for North Valley, San Jose
See More LGBTQ+ TherapistsNearby Searches for North Valley, San Jose
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.