LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Plainville, CT
Hi there! Taking this first step to counseling is not always easy. Whether you have been to therapy before or are starting for the first time, I am here to help. I believe in forming a positive relationship with clients, emphasizing the importance of a safe space for therapeutic rapport. I take an existential approach with my clients, to help clients foster their roles and responsibilities. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel empowered and capable without making you feel judged. I believe therapy should be collaborative and feel it is important to work with clients to help promote growth using your own timeline.
Hi there! Taking this first step to counseling is not always easy. Whether you have been to therapy before or are starting for the first time, I am here to help. I believe in forming a positive relationship with clients, emphasizing the importance of a safe space for therapeutic rapport. I take an existential approach with my clients, to help clients foster their roles and responsibilities. My goal as a therapist is to help you feel empowered and capable without making you feel judged. I believe therapy should be collaborative and feel it is important to work with clients to help promote growth using your own timeline.
Taking the step to seek therapy can be challenging and overwhelming. It marks the beginning of finding a safe and supportive space to process and work through the obstacles life presents. By exploring your past influences, current patterns, and inner beliefs, we can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life.
Taking the step to seek therapy can be challenging and overwhelming. It marks the beginning of finding a safe and supportive space to process and work through the obstacles life presents. By exploring your past influences, current patterns, and inner beliefs, we can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your life.
Daytime appointments available!
Congratulations on taking an important first step toward change by reaching out for support. If you are interested in continuing this journey, we can work together to explore your relationship with yourself and others in greater depth. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where you can foster both personal insight and meaningful growth, drawing on my 15 years of professional experience in the field.
Daytime appointments available!
Congratulations on taking an important first step toward change by reaching out for support. If you are interested in continuing this journey, we can work together to explore your relationship with yourself and others in greater depth. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where you can foster both personal insight and meaningful growth, drawing on my 15 years of professional experience in the field.
With clinicians from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, bilingual therapists fluent in Spanish and Ukrainian, a Christian therapist for faith-based support, and providers who offer LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive care, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and accessible therapeutic space.
You’re exhausted from holding everything together. You overthink, shut down, get stuck in old patterns, or feel unheard in your relationships. Maybe you’re burnt out, anxious, navigating trauma, or carrying wounds from your family that you’ve never had space to unpack. You want support from someone who doesn’t just nod, but gives you clear steps that actually help. At Soul Alignment- we provide holistic, direct yet compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to break long-standing patterns, heal your nervous system, and rebuild self-esteem. We support anxiety, couples issues, trauma, depression, BPD/NPD, ED, bipolar, ADHD & Grief.
With clinicians from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, bilingual therapists fluent in Spanish and Ukrainian, a Christian therapist for faith-based support, and providers who offer LGBTQIA+ affirming, inclusive care, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and accessible therapeutic space.
You’re exhausted from holding everything together. You overthink, shut down, get stuck in old patterns, or feel unheard in your relationships. Maybe you’re burnt out, anxious, navigating trauma, or carrying wounds from your family that you’ve never had space to unpack. You want support from someone who doesn’t just nod, but gives you clear steps that actually help. At Soul Alignment- we provide holistic, direct yet compassionate, trauma-informed therapy to break long-standing patterns, heal your nervous system, and rebuild self-esteem. We support anxiety, couples issues, trauma, depression, BPD/NPD, ED, bipolar, ADHD & Grief.
I feel passionately about working with highly sensitive people, you know, the deep feelers in the world, those who hold cycle-breaking experiences, and/or those who identify as neurodivergent. If you have spent much of your life feeling lonely or different, if you have had to break cycles on your own, I strive to create a safe place for you to feel supported and less alone in your experiences. I also enjoy working with people who are exploring their boundary needs in their various relationships in life.
I feel passionately about working with highly sensitive people, you know, the deep feelers in the world, those who hold cycle-breaking experiences, and/or those who identify as neurodivergent. If you have spent much of your life feeling lonely or different, if you have had to break cycles on your own, I strive to create a safe place for you to feel supported and less alone in your experiences. I also enjoy working with people who are exploring their boundary needs in their various relationships in life.
You don't have to go through your challenges alone. I am dedicated to assist you and your family face your struggles, find inner strength and create positive changes that will last for a lifetime. As a skillful clinician, with over ten years of extensive experience in mental health field, I believe in the power of taking a holistic approach to treatment. I combine evidence-based treatment methods with alternative healing therapies to address the full spectrum of my client's needs. When it comes to mental health I believe that optimum health is most attainable when your mind, body, and spirit are in alignment.
You don't have to go through your challenges alone. I am dedicated to assist you and your family face your struggles, find inner strength and create positive changes that will last for a lifetime. As a skillful clinician, with over ten years of extensive experience in mental health field, I believe in the power of taking a holistic approach to treatment. I combine evidence-based treatment methods with alternative healing therapies to address the full spectrum of my client's needs. When it comes to mental health I believe that optimum health is most attainable when your mind, body, and spirit are in alignment.
I'm sorry, I am unable to accept new clients at this time. Feel free to visit the page again in the future or request to be added to the waitlist.
I'm sorry, I am unable to accept new clients at this time. Feel free to visit the page again in the future or request to be added to the waitlist.
Dr. Lleidy Ivelisse Reina De Leon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, MSW
1 Endorsed
Plainville, CT 06062
You are probably scrolling trying to find the ideal therapist for your concerns. Are you on the hunt for the perfect therapist, but feeling lost in the sea of options? It's a daunting journey, filled with questions. How do you find someone who truly gets you, who can provide the support you need? As someone who has walked that path, I understand the importance of finding the right fit. With my extensive experience in tackling various mental health challenges, from trauma to anxiety an I believe that achieving the best version of yourself is possible and I will love to help you get there. Let's meet!
You are probably scrolling trying to find the ideal therapist for your concerns. Are you on the hunt for the perfect therapist, but feeling lost in the sea of options? It's a daunting journey, filled with questions. How do you find someone who truly gets you, who can provide the support you need? As someone who has walked that path, I understand the importance of finding the right fit. With my extensive experience in tackling various mental health challenges, from trauma to anxiety an I believe that achieving the best version of yourself is possible and I will love to help you get there. Let's meet!
Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, and finding the right therapist isn't always easy. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel safe to share your story, explore what’s holding you back, and begin moving toward the life you want. My approach is collaborative and person-centered, focusing on helping you gain insight, build healthier coping skills, and work toward meaningful personal change.
Therapy with me combines compassion, validation and sometimes even a bit of humor to help build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, and finding the right therapist isn't always easy. My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel safe to share your story, explore what’s holding you back, and begin moving toward the life you want. My approach is collaborative and person-centered, focusing on helping you gain insight, build healthier coping skills, and work toward meaningful personal change.
Therapy with me combines compassion, validation and sometimes even a bit of humor to help build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
When you make the decision to seek therapy, I believe it is important to find a therapist that makes you feel valued, safe and understood. As a therapist I seek to build a positive therapeutic partnership with you to restore emotional well-being, build strengths, and help you realize your path to achieve your unique goals. I will work carefully and conscientiously to create a therapeutic experience that allows self-discovery, healing and growth to occur.
When you make the decision to seek therapy, I believe it is important to find a therapist that makes you feel valued, safe and understood. As a therapist I seek to build a positive therapeutic partnership with you to restore emotional well-being, build strengths, and help you realize your path to achieve your unique goals. I will work carefully and conscientiously to create a therapeutic experience that allows self-discovery, healing and growth to occur.
*Accepting New Clients* If you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed, or like the small stuff seems bigger than it should, you're not alone. Reaching out for help is the first step towards healing and obtaining inner peace. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which to address the issues that are weighing you down so that you may lead a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
*Accepting New Clients* If you're feeling anxious and overwhelmed, or like the small stuff seems bigger than it should, you're not alone. Reaching out for help is the first step towards healing and obtaining inner peace. I offer a safe and non-judgmental space in which to address the issues that are weighing you down so that you may lead a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
I especially enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ clients, sensitive or creative individuals, and young adults looking for clarity and connection.
Before pursuing my master’s at Fairfield University, I served as an Expressive Arts Coordinator, where I supported adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I bring this grounding in both clinical care and creative expression to my sessions. My background in expressive arts means therapy with me isn’t just talking, it’s experiential.
I especially enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ clients, sensitive or creative individuals, and young adults looking for clarity and connection.
Before pursuing my master’s at Fairfield University, I served as an Expressive Arts Coordinator, where I supported adults living with severe and persistent mental illness. I bring this grounding in both clinical care and creative expression to my sessions. My background in expressive arts means therapy with me isn’t just talking, it’s experiential.
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been carrying things on your own. Skylar Arnold, MSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut and a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Massachusetts who is committed to helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered in their growth. Skylar has extensive experience in inpatient treatment settings, specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Having worked with individuals across the lifespan, Skylar supports clients navigating trauma, personality disorders, identity-related challenges, and other complex concerns.
Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve been carrying things on your own. Skylar Arnold, MSW, is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Connecticut and a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Massachusetts who is committed to helping clients feel supported, understood, and empowered in their growth. Skylar has extensive experience in inpatient treatment settings, specializing in substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions. Having worked with individuals across the lifespan, Skylar supports clients navigating trauma, personality disorders, identity-related challenges, and other complex concerns.
We all have an innate desire to feel deeply understood. I provide affirming and inclusive therapy specializing in gender diversity, women's issues, ADHD, and trauma-informed therapy for adults. I offer a transformative therapeutic experience that honors each client's unique journey. My therapeutic approach is holistic and integrative, blending mindfulness techniques, mind-body-soul connection, and narrative therapy. I believe in the power of self-awareness and self-compassion. At the core of my work is a commitment to creating a safe and validating space for clients to explore their authentic selves and feel empowered.
We all have an innate desire to feel deeply understood. I provide affirming and inclusive therapy specializing in gender diversity, women's issues, ADHD, and trauma-informed therapy for adults. I offer a transformative therapeutic experience that honors each client's unique journey. My therapeutic approach is holistic and integrative, blending mindfulness techniques, mind-body-soul connection, and narrative therapy. I believe in the power of self-awareness and self-compassion. At the core of my work is a commitment to creating a safe and validating space for clients to explore their authentic selves and feel empowered.
As a therapist that specializes in maternal mental health, I am passionate about supporting you through your various life transitions. My approach centers on working with you to identify your areas of need, with the goal of helping you develop the skills you are looking for in order to blossom into your best self. Through a person-centered, strengths-based approach I am here to help you enhance the strengths you may already have but not be utilizing to your fullest potential. I offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space for expecting and new parents as you navigate the perinatal and postpartum stage.
As a therapist that specializes in maternal mental health, I am passionate about supporting you through your various life transitions. My approach centers on working with you to identify your areas of need, with the goal of helping you develop the skills you are looking for in order to blossom into your best self. Through a person-centered, strengths-based approach I am here to help you enhance the strengths you may already have but not be utilizing to your fullest potential. I offer a nurturing, non-judgmental space for expecting and new parents as you navigate the perinatal and postpartum stage.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you sad, angry, feeling anxious at the current crisis? We all get affected by the stresses of life but you don't have to face this alone. Life is full of challenges that leave us feeling lonely and stuck without knowing where to turn. I work with clients in a safe, validating, empathetic and non judgmental virtual space to support you in expressing your deepest feelings. Together we will work to create goals to help you feel a greater sense of hope, well being, and happiness. I am Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy effective for processing traumatic and adverse memories.
Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you sad, angry, feeling anxious at the current crisis? We all get affected by the stresses of life but you don't have to face this alone. Life is full of challenges that leave us feeling lonely and stuck without knowing where to turn. I work with clients in a safe, validating, empathetic and non judgmental virtual space to support you in expressing your deepest feelings. Together we will work to create goals to help you feel a greater sense of hope, well being, and happiness. I am Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy effective for processing traumatic and adverse memories.
Sometimes we need help, either in big ways or little ways. I’ll provide a judgment free zone for you to feel like you are talking with an old friend. I tailor each session to you and your needs, whether that be with humor, art, music, etc.
Sometimes we need help, either in big ways or little ways. I’ll provide a judgment free zone for you to feel like you are talking with an old friend. I tailor each session to you and your needs, whether that be with humor, art, music, etc.
Amy Finkenstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the field for over 20 years. She is a strengths-based and client-focused therapist providing trauma informed care. Amy strives to empower adults and provide hope in sessions. She has been trained in CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing and EMDR as well as relapse prevention. Amy utilizes both harm reduction and abstinence-based models. She supports individuals and couples in utilizing more effective coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
Amy Finkenstein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been in the field for over 20 years. She is a strengths-based and client-focused therapist providing trauma informed care. Amy strives to empower adults and provide hope in sessions. She has been trained in CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing and EMDR as well as relapse prevention. Amy utilizes both harm reduction and abstinence-based models. She supports individuals and couples in utilizing more effective coping skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
I am a great fit for someone who has either tried traditional talk therapy before and is looking for a more personalized and relaxed environment, or someone who has been considering starting their mental health journey for a while and is looking to get started. I find great joy in working with people who are seeking a safe space to talk and be seen.
I am a great fit for someone who has either tried traditional talk therapy before and is looking for a more personalized and relaxed environment, or someone who has been considering starting their mental health journey for a while and is looking to get started. I find great joy in working with people who are seeking a safe space to talk and be seen.
More Therapists Nearby
Let’s get you to where you want to be. I feel strongly that my clients are the experts in their own lives and I bring to the work: lived experience, training, and a sincere commitment to you living your best life. I follow your lead while also speaking up when something sounds like it might be harmful internalized messaging. I am invested in working with people of a wide range of relationship models and social identities including polyamorous/non-monogamous, trans and nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, and sex workers. Being a therapist is a second career from art and education work.
Let’s get you to where you want to be. I feel strongly that my clients are the experts in their own lives and I bring to the work: lived experience, training, and a sincere commitment to you living your best life. I follow your lead while also speaking up when something sounds like it might be harmful internalized messaging. I am invested in working with people of a wide range of relationship models and social identities including polyamorous/non-monogamous, trans and nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fat, disabled, neurodivergent, and sex workers. Being a therapist is a second career from art and education work.
See more therapy options for Plainville
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Plainville
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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.