LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Hartford, CT
Welcome!
I've been a Social Worker since 2nd grade—always first in line to offer a hug, support a friend, or share my snacks. In college, I finally discovered there was actually a profession for what I'd been doing my whole life. I took “Social Work 101,” and I've never looked back.
My career began in addictions, and over the years I've had the privilege of working with people in many different circumstances of life. My experience includes inpatient/outpatient addiction/mental health treatment, hospice, a major veterinary hospital, university teaching, and private practice.
Welcome!
I've been a Social Worker since 2nd grade—always first in line to offer a hug, support a friend, or share my snacks. In college, I finally discovered there was actually a profession for what I'd been doing my whole life. I took “Social Work 101,” and I've never looked back.
My career began in addictions, and over the years I've had the privilege of working with people in many different circumstances of life. My experience includes inpatient/outpatient addiction/mental health treatment, hospice, a major veterinary hospital, university teaching, and private practice.
Tree of Life Counseling: Taking new KAP clients.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Hartford, CT 06105
I also have worked with people with depression, grief, medical struggles, conflicts at work or home, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ plus.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut and in Massachusetts. I have started using IFS and KAP, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. You can work with just me or you can use me as the psychedelic clinician and for ketamine assisted psychotherapy. I received my master's from Springfield College and have been practicing for 15 years. I practice a integrative, multicultural, practice of compassionate healing and growth. You are not just lectured at or listened to, we come together to help spark that part of you that was always there.
I also have worked with people with depression, grief, medical struggles, conflicts at work or home, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQ plus.
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut and in Massachusetts. I have started using IFS and KAP, Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. You can work with just me or you can use me as the psychedelic clinician and for ketamine assisted psychotherapy. I received my master's from Springfield College and have been practicing for 15 years. I practice a integrative, multicultural, practice of compassionate healing and growth. You are not just lectured at or listened to, we come together to help spark that part of you that was always there.
I provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming telehealth therapy for adults — especially women and high-achieving moms who are tired of pushing through, exhausted from masking, and wanting to live more authentically.
Many of my clients are capable, organized, and outwardly “high-achieving,” yet feel overwhelmed by emotional labor, chronic exhaustion, anxiety, etc. If you suspect you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism spectrum, or both), spent years masking, or are navigating burnout or life transitions, we should work together.
I provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming telehealth therapy for adults — especially women and high-achieving moms who are tired of pushing through, exhausted from masking, and wanting to live more authentically.
Many of my clients are capable, organized, and outwardly “high-achieving,” yet feel overwhelmed by emotional labor, chronic exhaustion, anxiety, etc. If you suspect you’re neurodivergent (ADHD, autism spectrum, or both), spent years masking, or are navigating burnout or life transitions, we should work together.
What I can uniquely offer is holistic and expert care in Asian American mental health, LGBTQIA+ challenges, neurodiversity, perfectionism in "high performers," veteran mental health, and sexual and intimacy issues.
I have over a decade of experience with integrative, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed healing modalities (ACT, CBT, DBT, and Eastern contemplative practices), as well as culturally sensitive neuropsychological evaluations. I have a special interest and training in conducting Adult ADHD and Autism evaluation and Executive Functioning Coaching.
What I can uniquely offer is holistic and expert care in Asian American mental health, LGBTQIA+ challenges, neurodiversity, perfectionism in "high performers," veteran mental health, and sexual and intimacy issues.
I have over a decade of experience with integrative, strengths-focused, and trauma-informed healing modalities (ACT, CBT, DBT, and Eastern contemplative practices), as well as culturally sensitive neuropsychological evaluations. I have a special interest and training in conducting Adult ADHD and Autism evaluation and Executive Functioning Coaching.
My ideal clients are LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals and couples seeking clarity, emotional relief, and deeper connection.
I specialize in LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care grounded in existential and Gestalt therapy. I help you explore identity, shift patterns, and connect with meaning through embodied, present-moment work. You’ll find a collaborative space to heal, grow, and reclaim your voice.
My ideal clients are LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals and couples seeking clarity, emotional relief, and deeper connection.
I specialize in LGBTQ+ and gender-affirming care grounded in existential and Gestalt therapy. I help you explore identity, shift patterns, and connect with meaning through embodied, present-moment work. You’ll find a collaborative space to heal, grow, and reclaim your voice.
I work virtually with couples and individuals (primarily young adults) who feel stuck in their relationships or struggling to understand themselves. They often come in feeling disconnected, unheard, or trapped in patterns they can’t break. I help them understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, practice new ways of relating, and feel genuinely seen and connected.
I work virtually with couples and individuals (primarily young adults) who feel stuck in their relationships or struggling to understand themselves. They often come in feeling disconnected, unheard, or trapped in patterns they can’t break. I help them understand what’s really going on beneath the surface, practice new ways of relating, and feel genuinely seen and connected.
I am passionate about providing LGBTQIA+ and culturally-attuned care– a basic human need is feeling accepted and safe.
I am a trauma-informed therapist that uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), therapeutic art activities and play therapy techniques to give you the tools you need to feel safe sharing your needs, grow confidence, and feel secure connecting with others.
I am passionate about providing LGBTQIA+ and culturally-attuned care– a basic human need is feeling accepted and safe.
I am a trauma-informed therapist that uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), therapeutic art activities and play therapy techniques to give you the tools you need to feel safe sharing your needs, grow confidence, and feel secure connecting with others.
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+-related issues, & parenting issues.
I take a person-centered approach in which I believe that you know yourself best and can make positive changes. My role is to guide you on the way. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist in challenging unhealthy thought patterns and to promote the regulation of emotions.
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+-related issues, & parenting issues.
I take a person-centered approach in which I believe that you know yourself best and can make positive changes. My role is to guide you on the way. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to assist in challenging unhealthy thought patterns and to promote the regulation of emotions.
Dr. Ashley Sweet, Certified Sex
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCPC, LPC, LMHC, CST
1 Endorsed
Online Only
(I also support Poly/ENM, LGBTQ+, and religious trauma.
I try to meet folks where they are, and use humor and empowerment in my approach. I find that while many people have had some semblance of sex education, most have never had pleasure education; I help fill the gaps in your intimacy so you know what feels good in your body and how to communicate what you need to others. Let's release your anxiety and shame.
(I also support Poly/ENM, LGBTQ+, and religious trauma.
I try to meet folks where they are, and use humor and empowerment in my approach. I find that while many people have had some semblance of sex education, most have never had pleasure education; I help fill the gaps in your intimacy so you know what feels good in your body and how to communicate what you need to others. Let's release your anxiety and shame.
I am passionate about working with and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with seven years of experience. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of New Haven, where I also minored in Art. I went on to earn my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph. Since graduating in 2019 I’ve worked in both community mental health and private practice settings to best support clients with their goals.
I am passionate about working with and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with seven years of experience. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of New Haven, where I also minored in Art. I went on to earn my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Saint Joseph. Since graduating in 2019 I’ve worked in both community mental health and private practice settings to best support clients with their goals.
With years of experience with clients of all structures and identities, specializing in queer and gender-diverse clients, I facilitate the challenging conversations that therapists can avoid, diminishing shame.
It can be demoralizing to fall back into painful emotions and old patterns you have been determined to change. A part of you wants connection, relief, or a different way forward, while another part, despite your best efforts, keeps pulling you back into familiar pain. My primary approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS), a nonpathologizing, interactive therapy that helps you identify parts of yourself operating outside your awareness and begin to transform your relationship with yourself and those who matter most. Clients often leave IFS sessions with greater clarity, and with the sense that something actually “happened” in therapy.
With years of experience with clients of all structures and identities, specializing in queer and gender-diverse clients, I facilitate the challenging conversations that therapists can avoid, diminishing shame.
It can be demoralizing to fall back into painful emotions and old patterns you have been determined to change. A part of you wants connection, relief, or a different way forward, while another part, despite your best efforts, keeps pulling you back into familiar pain. My primary approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS), a nonpathologizing, interactive therapy that helps you identify parts of yourself operating outside your awareness and begin to transform your relationship with yourself and those who matter most. Clients often leave IFS sessions with greater clarity, and with the sense that something actually “happened” in therapy.
Providing affirming, relational therapy to humans exploring gender identity and navigating life's biggest transitions is my specialty.
Maybe you've achieved expert-level status at convincing yourself and everyone else that you're fine. Maybe you've realized the life you've built no longer fits, and pretending is taking more energy than telling yourself the truth. Therapy can be a place to stop performing, get curious, and discover what feels authentically you. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy.
Providing affirming, relational therapy to humans exploring gender identity and navigating life's biggest transitions is my specialty.
Maybe you've achieved expert-level status at convincing yourself and everyone else that you're fine. Maybe you've realized the life you've built no longer fits, and pretending is taking more energy than telling yourself the truth. Therapy can be a place to stop performing, get curious, and discover what feels authentically you. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy.
With 10 years of clinical experience, I have had the opportunity to work across a wide range of concerns and life circumstances. While my clinical background is broad, my primary focus and passion has been working with adults navigating substance use and recovery. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding yourself—your experiences, patterns, strengths, and the beliefs that may be shaping how you navigate life.
I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can openly express and process your experiences while also being challenged when needed. My style is direct, compassionate, and flexible.
With 10 years of clinical experience, I have had the opportunity to work across a wide range of concerns and life circumstances. While my clinical background is broad, my primary focus and passion has been working with adults navigating substance use and recovery. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding yourself—your experiences, patterns, strengths, and the beliefs that may be shaping how you navigate life.
I strive to provide a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can openly express and process your experiences while also being challenged when needed. My style is direct, compassionate, and flexible.
Having a therapist you can trust help you process through big emotions, life changes, challenges that arise with belonging to the LGBTQ community, and mental health struggles is important.
I believe healing is not one-size-fits-all. While I draw from clinically grounded approaches such as CBT, mindfulness-based practices, and strengths-based frameworks, I also honor intuitive and energetic dimensions of well-being for clients who are open to it. Holistic practices are offered with full transparency and client consent.
Having a therapist you can trust help you process through big emotions, life changes, challenges that arise with belonging to the LGBTQ community, and mental health struggles is important.
I believe healing is not one-size-fits-all. While I draw from clinically grounded approaches such as CBT, mindfulness-based practices, and strengths-based frameworks, I also honor intuitive and energetic dimensions of well-being for clients who are open to it. Holistic practices are offered with full transparency and client consent.
I’m JoJo Solano Solórzano, a bilingual Costa Rican-American Licensed Clinical Social Worker and behavioral health expert. I provide warm, compassionate therapy for individuals and couples navigating emotional burnout, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the feeling of being stuck or depleted.
My work blends modern, somatic, evidence-based therapy with holistic, ancestral wisdom and nervous-system-aware care to support safety, regulation, and meaningful change.
I’m JoJo Solano Solórzano, a bilingual Costa Rican-American Licensed Clinical Social Worker and behavioral health expert. I provide warm, compassionate therapy for individuals and couples navigating emotional burnout, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the feeling of being stuck or depleted.
My work blends modern, somatic, evidence-based therapy with holistic, ancestral wisdom and nervous-system-aware care to support safety, regulation, and meaningful change.
Strive to live and not just survive. That is the hope and driving force behind my engagement with clients. I encourage my clients that even the slightest change is worth celebrating! Healing is not a linear process. Some days will help move you forward, some may put you a few steps back. Let's take the journey together!
"If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help, that's their problem, because it saved my own life". - Michael Phelps
Strive to live and not just survive. That is the hope and driving force behind my engagement with clients. I encourage my clients that even the slightest change is worth celebrating! Healing is not a linear process. Some days will help move you forward, some may put you a few steps back. Let's take the journey together!
"If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help, that's their problem, because it saved my own life". - Michael Phelps
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence & ADHD, LGBTQIA+ clients, and teens struggling with confidence, school avoidance, and social relationships.
Hi! Admitting we need help and finding the right therapist is not easy, so I'm glad you're here. A probably not surprising tidbit about me is that I believe everything is connected. That means that we cannot treat the mind separate from the body. We have to treat the whole system. That's why I take a more holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of our relationships, time in nature, creative outlets, spirituality & religion, sleep, nutrition, and movement - what I believe to be the pillars for a well-balanced and fulfilling life. If any of that resonates with you, then we might be a good fit.
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence & ADHD, LGBTQIA+ clients, and teens struggling with confidence, school avoidance, and social relationships.
Hi! Admitting we need help and finding the right therapist is not easy, so I'm glad you're here. A probably not surprising tidbit about me is that I believe everything is connected. That means that we cannot treat the mind separate from the body. We have to treat the whole system. That's why I take a more holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of our relationships, time in nature, creative outlets, spirituality & religion, sleep, nutrition, and movement - what I believe to be the pillars for a well-balanced and fulfilling life. If any of that resonates with you, then we might be a good fit.
My approach is grounded in genuine care, connection, and lived experience. I believe in meeting each individual uniquely where they are while also considering the systems that influence us all. Each session should feel like sanctuary, relief, and moving closer towards the life your highest-self envisions.
My approach is grounded in genuine care, connection, and lived experience. I believe in meeting each individual uniquely where they are while also considering the systems that influence us all. Each session should feel like sanctuary, relief, and moving closer towards the life your highest-self envisions.
It's important to me that clients know I offer only secular therapy, I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, and am also deeply into the fat acceptance movement.
My practice focuses on assisting teens and emerging adults in navigating their complex world and the issues that are common for them including anxiety, depression, body image issues, and self-harm. I often hear "I feel like I don't know what I'm doing" and therapy can be a place where this feeling is both normalized (who does know what they're doing?!) and to gain more perspective on how to cope with challenges while finding their place in this world.
It's important to me that clients know I offer only secular therapy, I am LGBTQIA+ affirming, and am also deeply into the fat acceptance movement.
My practice focuses on assisting teens and emerging adults in navigating their complex world and the issues that are common for them including anxiety, depression, body image issues, and self-harm. I often hear "I feel like I don't know what I'm doing" and therapy can be a place where this feeling is both normalized (who does know what they're doing?!) and to gain more perspective on how to cope with challenges while finding their place in this world.
Are you feeling angry, guilty, hopeless, tired of taking care of everyone but yourself? Are sometimes bewildered about your own behavior? Feel like you don't fit in; no one really gets you? Is it hard to turn off your brain and relax? Need someone to listen and help you find your way? As a social worker, I endeavor to make a strong bond with you and explore your strengths. I will hold a space for you to experience feelings that you may have been putting off or avoiding confronting. I have a calming demeanor and welcoming personality that will put you at ease. Together we can evaluate & explore any issues that may be troubling you.
Are you feeling angry, guilty, hopeless, tired of taking care of everyone but yourself? Are sometimes bewildered about your own behavior? Feel like you don't fit in; no one really gets you? Is it hard to turn off your brain and relax? Need someone to listen and help you find your way? As a social worker, I endeavor to make a strong bond with you and explore your strengths. I will hold a space for you to experience feelings that you may have been putting off or avoiding confronting. I have a calming demeanor and welcoming personality that will put you at ease. Together we can evaluate & explore any issues that may be troubling you.
See more therapy options for Hartford
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Hartford
- Bloomfield
- East Hartford
- Farmington
- Glastonbury
- Manchester
- New Britain
- Newington
- Rocky Hill
- South Windsor
- West Hartford
- Wethersfield
- Windsor
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.