LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Southington, CT
White Lotus Wellness,
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, EMDR, RYT500, Reiki
3 Endorsed
Southington, CT 06489
There are events that immobilize us to the point of negatively impacting ourselves and our relationships. It could be a traumatic event or negative self-perspective. My role as your therapist is to help you navigate these roadblocks by giving you the tools to find a balance between these events and your emotions, to stay mindful and to understand how our environment impacts us, to understand your past and how it relates to your mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing being. I am your guide in a journey which can ultimately lead you to finding peace through love, compassion and acceptance aligned with Self.
There are events that immobilize us to the point of negatively impacting ourselves and our relationships. It could be a traumatic event or negative self-perspective. My role as your therapist is to help you navigate these roadblocks by giving you the tools to find a balance between these events and your emotions, to stay mindful and to understand how our environment impacts us, to understand your past and how it relates to your mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing being. I am your guide in a journey which can ultimately lead you to finding peace through love, compassion and acceptance aligned with Self.
I'm a licensed psychologist in CT and NY with specialized training in gender-affirming care, youth therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and supporting LGBTQ and neurodivergent young people across clinics, schools, and community settings.
Are you a parent seeking support for your transgender or gender-diverse child—or navigating this journey yourself? Many of the families I work with are managing identity development alongside anxiety, trauma, school stress, or neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, high sensitivity). They want clarity, steadiness, and practical support—not just affirmation, but real tools to help their child feel grounded and their family feel more confident.
I'm a licensed psychologist in CT and NY with specialized training in gender-affirming care, youth therapy, trauma-informed approaches, and supporting LGBTQ and neurodivergent young people across clinics, schools, and community settings.
Are you a parent seeking support for your transgender or gender-diverse child—or navigating this journey yourself? Many of the families I work with are managing identity development alongside anxiety, trauma, school stress, or neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, high sensitivity). They want clarity, steadiness, and practical support—not just affirmation, but real tools to help their child feel grounded and their family feel more confident.
New clients welcome! Starting therapy can be anxiety inducing, and scary. You deserve to feel relief and safety. Put yourself first and begin your journey of growth and healing. I utilize a holistic and somatic approach that will customize our sessions around your desires while focusing on your goals. I also use a client-centered, strength-based and solution-focused approach. My goal is to help you establish appropriate coping skills that can be implemented at anytime. Sessions are truly a collaborative space, where you are the main character.
New clients welcome! Starting therapy can be anxiety inducing, and scary. You deserve to feel relief and safety. Put yourself first and begin your journey of growth and healing. I utilize a holistic and somatic approach that will customize our sessions around your desires while focusing on your goals. I also use a client-centered, strength-based and solution-focused approach. My goal is to help you establish appropriate coping skills that can be implemented at anytime. Sessions are truly a collaborative space, where you are the main character.
FREE Phone Consult. Call me now! Mediation for Divorce and Pre/Post Divorce issues. TELL me your STORY. Mediator with 25 years of experience. Mediation is far less costly than litigation. Relationship and Couples work. Divorce with less lawyering. Trained and highly experienced as a Divorce Mediator, Parenting Coordinator (Judicial/Court approved), Therapist. All things divorce. Don't litigate, MEDIATE! Divorce Document Prep, Custody, Division of Property, Assets/Debts, Visitation/Parenting Plans. Far less costly than litigation! CT Center for Divorce and Healing is here to help YOU. Mediation with care. Reach out to me now
FREE Phone Consult. Call me now! Mediation for Divorce and Pre/Post Divorce issues. TELL me your STORY. Mediator with 25 years of experience. Mediation is far less costly than litigation. Relationship and Couples work. Divorce with less lawyering. Trained and highly experienced as a Divorce Mediator, Parenting Coordinator (Judicial/Court approved), Therapist. All things divorce. Don't litigate, MEDIATE! Divorce Document Prep, Custody, Division of Property, Assets/Debts, Visitation/Parenting Plans. Far less costly than litigation! CT Center for Divorce and Healing is here to help YOU. Mediation with care. Reach out to me now
Sometimes attempting to navigate the complexity of mental health, life change or relationships, we need support! I'm Shane Putney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm here to be that support for you. Drawing from diverse experience and ongoing learning, my approach is holistic and client centered. I understand that every individual, couple, and family brings their own unique rhythm and narrative. I am dedicated to establishing a safe space where you can explore parts of yourself and gather insight you need to make a shift in your life.
Sometimes attempting to navigate the complexity of mental health, life change or relationships, we need support! I'm Shane Putney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm here to be that support for you. Drawing from diverse experience and ongoing learning, my approach is holistic and client centered. I understand that every individual, couple, and family brings their own unique rhythm and narrative. I am dedicated to establishing a safe space where you can explore parts of yourself and gather insight you need to make a shift in your life.
I also specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and I'm committed to providing compassionate and high quality care to all my clients.
During our first few sessions I will ask questions to learn about your needs and allow you the space to share what feels most important to you. I use CBT which examines negative thinking patterns and DBT, which helps you learn practical skills to manage strong emotions and improve the quality of your relationship with yourself and others.
I also specialize in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and I'm committed to providing compassionate and high quality care to all my clients.
During our first few sessions I will ask questions to learn about your needs and allow you the space to share what feels most important to you. I use CBT which examines negative thinking patterns and DBT, which helps you learn practical skills to manage strong emotions and improve the quality of your relationship with yourself and others.
Immediate openings available! Feeling anxious, stressed, or like you're constantly battling your inner critic? I'm passionate about supporting adults who are struggling with anxiety, burnout, depression, disordered eating, neurodiversity, LGTBQ+ related issues, and more. You're not alone, and real change is possible. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help people regain their sense of hope and learn effective coping skills. Together we will: 1. Identify and change negative thought patterns 2. Develop a more positive self-image 3. Boost your confidence in all areas of your life.
Immediate openings available! Feeling anxious, stressed, or like you're constantly battling your inner critic? I'm passionate about supporting adults who are struggling with anxiety, burnout, depression, disordered eating, neurodiversity, LGTBQ+ related issues, and more. You're not alone, and real change is possible. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) to help people regain their sense of hope and learn effective coping skills. Together we will: 1. Identify and change negative thought patterns 2. Develop a more positive self-image 3. Boost your confidence in all areas of your life.
We all have the power to heal. Within each of us are emotional parts that guide our choices, lifestyle, and overall way of being. These parts are created through our experiences, generational burdens, or through childhood trauma. In our work together, I will guide you in looking inward, seeking to identify your unique parts, how they came to be, and eventually learn to embrace them. It is through this inward journey, that you begin to feel love, kindness, and whole. In my work as a Marriage and Family Therapist, my approach is unique to each client.
We all have the power to heal. Within each of us are emotional parts that guide our choices, lifestyle, and overall way of being. These parts are created through our experiences, generational burdens, or through childhood trauma. In our work together, I will guide you in looking inward, seeking to identify your unique parts, how they came to be, and eventually learn to embrace them. It is through this inward journey, that you begin to feel love, kindness, and whole. In my work as a Marriage and Family Therapist, my approach is unique to each client.
I am a licensed therapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented, creating a space where you can better understand yourself while also developing practical tools for change. Together, we will work to uncover patterns that may be keeping you stuck, strengthen your sense of self, and help you move forward with greater clarity, balance, and emotional resilience.
I am a licensed therapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and insight-oriented, creating a space where you can better understand yourself while also developing practical tools for change. Together, we will work to uncover patterns that may be keeping you stuck, strengthen your sense of self, and help you move forward with greater clarity, balance, and emotional resilience.
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. You may want to address conflict in a relationship; you may no longer be able to manage or tolerate your symptoms; you may want to find meaning and fulfillment in your life; or you may want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself in the world. Whatever your goal, it helps to have a caring individual who will listen and guide you through this process. The first step is reaching out.
People seek therapy for a variety of reasons. You may want to address conflict in a relationship; you may no longer be able to manage or tolerate your symptoms; you may want to find meaning and fulfillment in your life; or you may want to gain a deeper understanding of yourself in the world. Whatever your goal, it helps to have a caring individual who will listen and guide you through this process. The first step is reaching out.
Life can feel especially heavy when you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past experiences. I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can begin to process these challenges, develop new ways of coping, and move toward a greater sense of peace and fulfillment. I work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking practical tools to manage stress or a deeper exploration of patterns that keep you feeling stuck, I tailor each session to meet your needs and goals.
Life can feel especially heavy when you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past experiences. I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can begin to process these challenges, develop new ways of coping, and move toward a greater sense of peace and fulfillment. I work with individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Whether you’re seeking practical tools to manage stress or a deeper exploration of patterns that keep you feeling stuck, I tailor each session to meet your needs and goals.
I have extensive experience working with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, family & relationship challenges, & LGBTQ issues.
My clinical focus also includes maternal mental health and adjustment issues related to life transitions. I draw on concepts such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused, Mindfulness Practice. Therapy is deeply individual, and we will collaborate to find what works for you.
I have extensive experience working with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, family & relationship challenges, & LGBTQ issues.
My clinical focus also includes maternal mental health and adjustment issues related to life transitions. I draw on concepts such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused, Mindfulness Practice. Therapy is deeply individual, and we will collaborate to find what works for you.
You may be exhausted, disconnected, or feeling empty and looking for some hope. You may feel alone on this journey and believe something needs to change. Perhaps you are in a relationship that just doesn’t feel right or you have experienced something that has left you feeling afraid, out of control, or numb. Maybe you are navigating a difficult journey toward motherhood, grieving the loss of one or more pregnancies, or have arrived at motherhood to realize that this is not what you had expected.
You may be exhausted, disconnected, or feeling empty and looking for some hope. You may feel alone on this journey and believe something needs to change. Perhaps you are in a relationship that just doesn’t feel right or you have experienced something that has left you feeling afraid, out of control, or numb. Maybe you are navigating a difficult journey toward motherhood, grieving the loss of one or more pregnancies, or have arrived at motherhood to realize that this is not what you had expected.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to guiding people along their path to wellness. I strive to help create a safe environment to build trust, overall peace and self awareness. Therapy and the therapeutic process is a non judgmental safe space to work on whatever you may be going through. I have extensive experience in addressing complex trauma, anxiety and panic, depression, OCD, behavioral and emotional reactivity, substance abuse and addiction, sexual reactivity, parenting and other life transitions.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to guiding people along their path to wellness. I strive to help create a safe environment to build trust, overall peace and self awareness. Therapy and the therapeutic process is a non judgmental safe space to work on whatever you may be going through. I have extensive experience in addressing complex trauma, anxiety and panic, depression, OCD, behavioral and emotional reactivity, substance abuse and addiction, sexual reactivity, parenting and other life transitions.
I started Seasons of Change LLC in 2025 after having been apart of a wonderful group practice for five years as well as embracing being a seasoned clinician in the field for over twelve years. It is my hope that through this opportunity I will continue to be able to aid clients in growing a sense of empowerment through various life changes and transitions. I provide support, skills and hope to teens, adults and families. I specialize in treating depression, mood disorders and anxiety as well as developing parenting skills and strengthening family dynamics.
I started Seasons of Change LLC in 2025 after having been apart of a wonderful group practice for five years as well as embracing being a seasoned clinician in the field for over twelve years. It is my hope that through this opportunity I will continue to be able to aid clients in growing a sense of empowerment through various life changes and transitions. I provide support, skills and hope to teens, adults and families. I specialize in treating depression, mood disorders and anxiety as well as developing parenting skills and strengthening family dynamics.
I am passionate about providing LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally sensitive care.
Hi there! My name is Erika Ross and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and co-owner of Clear Mind Wellness. I have experience supporting children, teens, and adults through a variety of life’s challenges in both community mental health and outpatient settings. I specialize in my work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the everyday stressors that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My therapeutic style is rooted in kindness, empathy, and genuine connection with a splash of humor to make the heavy days feel a little lighter.
I am passionate about providing LGBTQ+ affirming and culturally sensitive care.
Hi there! My name is Erika Ross and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and co-owner of Clear Mind Wellness. I have experience supporting children, teens, and adults through a variety of life’s challenges in both community mental health and outpatient settings. I specialize in my work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the everyday stressors that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My therapeutic style is rooted in kindness, empathy, and genuine connection with a splash of humor to make the heavy days feel a little lighter.
Hi, I’m Jessica!
I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and my goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard and supported. My approach is collaborative and caring as I believe therapy works best when we’re working together toward your goals.
Hi, I’m Jessica!
I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and my goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where you feel heard and supported. My approach is collaborative and caring as I believe therapy works best when we’re working together toward your goals.
I also specialize in working with the forensic population, those who have involvements or experiences with the legal system, the LGBTQIA population, etc.
Therapy is really about you. My approach is influenced by Person-Centered and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Basically, this means that you lead with what you’d like to discuss, I help to find connections between thoughts and behaviors, then together we discuss helpful tools, skills, or next steps. Whether you’re searching for peace, clarity, or healing, we will work towards your goal together. It is important to find a therapist that you connect with. Working together is more successful with a therapist you trust. I provide an unbiased, collaborative, open, and relaxed environment and strive for honest and direct communication.
I also specialize in working with the forensic population, those who have involvements or experiences with the legal system, the LGBTQIA population, etc.
Therapy is really about you. My approach is influenced by Person-Centered and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy. Basically, this means that you lead with what you’d like to discuss, I help to find connections between thoughts and behaviors, then together we discuss helpful tools, skills, or next steps. Whether you’re searching for peace, clarity, or healing, we will work towards your goal together. It is important to find a therapist that you connect with. Working together is more successful with a therapist you trust. I provide an unbiased, collaborative, open, and relaxed environment and strive for honest and direct communication.
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.
See more therapy options for Southington
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Southington
- Berlin
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- East Berlin
- Farmington
- Meriden
- New Britain
- 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.