LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Windsor Locks, CT
Many of the individuals and couples who come to my practice have already tried therapy and still feel stuck. You may understand your patterns but still find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, frozen by past trauma, or caught in painful relationship cycles that repeat no matter how hard you try to change them. When the nervous system has been shaped by stress or attachment wounds, insight alone often is not enough. I help individuals and couples move beyond simply talking about problems and begin shifting the deeper patterns that keep them feeling trapped.
Many of the individuals and couples who come to my practice have already tried therapy and still feel stuck. You may understand your patterns but still find yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, frozen by past trauma, or caught in painful relationship cycles that repeat no matter how hard you try to change them. When the nervous system has been shaped by stress or attachment wounds, insight alone often is not enough. I help individuals and couples move beyond simply talking about problems and begin shifting the deeper patterns that keep them feeling trapped.
I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist specializing in work with first responders, police, fire and veterans addressing issues of stress, trauma, work and relationship functioning. I work collaboratively with you to determine your treatment needs and specifically tailor our work together to bring about the change you are looking for, in a realistic and focused manner. You can get a sense of my work from my podcast Be Awesome - Celebrating Mental Health and Wellness, or from my books Own Best Friend: 8 Steps to a Life of Purpose, Passion and Ease, and Be Awesome - Banish Burnout, Create Motivation
I am a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist specializing in work with first responders, police, fire and veterans addressing issues of stress, trauma, work and relationship functioning. I work collaboratively with you to determine your treatment needs and specifically tailor our work together to bring about the change you are looking for, in a realistic and focused manner. You can get a sense of my work from my podcast Be Awesome - Celebrating Mental Health and Wellness, or from my books Own Best Friend: 8 Steps to a Life of Purpose, Passion and Ease, and Be Awesome - Banish Burnout, Create Motivation
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just exhausted from carrying so much? You’re not alone. Life can be relentless with so many transitions and challenges.
I’m a licensed professional counselor who has helped people of all ages make sense of their emotions, patterns, and experiences so they can move toward a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just exhausted from carrying so much? You’re not alone. Life can be relentless with so many transitions and challenges.
I’m a licensed professional counselor who has helped people of all ages make sense of their emotions, patterns, and experiences so they can move toward a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
Not accepting new clients.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or unable to stop thinking about the past? Trauma, whether from childhood experiences, abusive relationships, sexual violence, or difficult family dynamics, can have a lasting impact. When our nervous systems remain on high alert, it can show up as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, intrusive memories, low-self esteem, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Though trauma is my niche, I also specialize in working with adults and teenagers navigating depression, anxiety, general life stress, and parenting challenges.
Not accepting new clients.
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or unable to stop thinking about the past? Trauma, whether from childhood experiences, abusive relationships, sexual violence, or difficult family dynamics, can have a lasting impact. When our nervous systems remain on high alert, it can show up as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, intrusive memories, low-self esteem, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Though trauma is my niche, I also specialize in working with adults and teenagers navigating depression, anxiety, general life stress, and parenting challenges.
Are you or your kids struggling with the right words to explain emotions and feelings? I create a safe and supportive space where everyone can express themselves as they are. I work with kids and caregivers building emotional growth, confidence, and healthy coping skills.
Are you or your kids struggling with the right words to explain emotions and feelings? I create a safe and supportive space where everyone can express themselves as they are. I work with kids and caregivers building emotional growth, confidence, and healthy coping skills.
Michelle Barrett, LMHC, Beyond the Mask,
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Not taking new clients at the moment.
You’ve worked hard to hold it all together, but inside it feels exhausting. Maybe trauma, ADHD, or autism makes everyday life heavier than people around you realize. You want relief from the constant overthinking, the burnout, and the pressure to keep masking. My clients come to therapy wanting clarity, practical tools, and a safe place to be real. Together we uncover what’s underneath the mask so you can stop just surviving and start building a life that actually feels like yours.
Not taking new clients at the moment.
You’ve worked hard to hold it all together, but inside it feels exhausting. Maybe trauma, ADHD, or autism makes everyday life heavier than people around you realize. You want relief from the constant overthinking, the burnout, and the pressure to keep masking. My clients come to therapy wanting clarity, practical tools, and a safe place to be real. Together we uncover what’s underneath the mask so you can stop just surviving and start building a life that actually feels like yours.
More Therapists Nearby
It's not easy reaching out for professional help with relationship, family or emotional problems, but I hope you choose to take this important first step toward changing your life for the better. In my 34 years of practice, I have never felt a greater sense of hope and optimism about what talk therapy can realistically offer to reduce suffering and improve our personal and family lives. I can present you with a "user friendly" path into treatment that will ease your very understandable anxiety and skepticism. My goals for you as a client are learning, growth, empowerment and customer satisfaction.
It's not easy reaching out for professional help with relationship, family or emotional problems, but I hope you choose to take this important first step toward changing your life for the better. In my 34 years of practice, I have never felt a greater sense of hope and optimism about what talk therapy can realistically offer to reduce suffering and improve our personal and family lives. I can present you with a "user friendly" path into treatment that will ease your very understandable anxiety and skepticism. My goals for you as a client are learning, growth, empowerment and customer satisfaction.
I strive to foster a supportive and non-judgmental space for clients to embark on their journey of growth and healing. My approach varies by individuals and their goals. I incorporate a systemic, multicultural, and social justice lens, recognizing the broader contexts that influence one's life and experiences. As a Mexican/Chicana and Puerto Rican therapist, I value culturally responsive care and creating a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered.
I strive to foster a supportive and non-judgmental space for clients to embark on their journey of growth and healing. My approach varies by individuals and their goals. I incorporate a systemic, multicultural, and social justice lens, recognizing the broader contexts that influence one's life and experiences. As a Mexican/Chicana and Puerto Rican therapist, I value culturally responsive care and creating a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered.
As a Narrative Therapist and Identity Specialist, I use both my life experience navigating queer and multiracial identity and my professional, clinical training to help guide my clients towards insight about themselves, empower them to seize control of their own story, and then help them both visualize and implement their ideal reality.
It's really hard to know yourself. To know what you want, who you are, and how to move through the world with a sense of confident authenticity. Learning to understand and accept oneself can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Even once you know yourself, it can be hard to actually be that person - especially in the face of lack of acceptance from others - and an inability to be yourself always prevents you from consistent satisfaction. If you are someone who is struggling with their sense of identity or how they show up, both individually and in their relationships, then I am the right therapist for you.
As a Narrative Therapist and Identity Specialist, I use both my life experience navigating queer and multiracial identity and my professional, clinical training to help guide my clients towards insight about themselves, empower them to seize control of their own story, and then help them both visualize and implement their ideal reality.
It's really hard to know yourself. To know what you want, who you are, and how to move through the world with a sense of confident authenticity. Learning to understand and accept oneself can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Even once you know yourself, it can be hard to actually be that person - especially in the face of lack of acceptance from others - and an inability to be yourself always prevents you from consistent satisfaction. If you are someone who is struggling with their sense of identity or how they show up, both individually and in their relationships, then I am the right therapist for you.
Bardwell Behavioral
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, TPMC, CEDS-S
2 Endorsed
Middletown, CT 06457
Understanding we are all in different "stages of change", we utilize an eclectic approach to guide you through your own process at your own pace. It is absolutely an honor and our passion to treat those who struggle with mental health issues such as Eating Disorders, Substance Use, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues and associated disorders. We employ an individualized approach to therapy in order to empower people to change their lives. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, humor, and style."
Understanding we are all in different "stages of change", we utilize an eclectic approach to guide you through your own process at your own pace. It is absolutely an honor and our passion to treat those who struggle with mental health issues such as Eating Disorders, Substance Use, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues and associated disorders. We employ an individualized approach to therapy in order to empower people to change their lives. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, humor, and style."
I am especially passionate about working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities.
You've gotten good at looking fine. Showing up, keeping up, holding it together for everyone else. But underneath, you're running on empty and nobody sees it. I see it. I'm Clay, a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW working with teens and adults on anxiety, burnout, depression, and the weight of family and identity. As a Puerto Rican trans man, I know what it's like to carry things no one else gets. Let's unpack them together and help you live a more satisfying life. I'm in Manchester CT and online. Most major insurance, sliding scale, daytime openings.
Calls are returned by our Care Coordinator Andrew. Hablamos English & español.
I am especially passionate about working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities.
You've gotten good at looking fine. Showing up, keeping up, holding it together for everyone else. But underneath, you're running on empty and nobody sees it. I see it. I'm Clay, a bilingual (English/Spanish) LCSW working with teens and adults on anxiety, burnout, depression, and the weight of family and identity. As a Puerto Rican trans man, I know what it's like to carry things no one else gets. Let's unpack them together and help you live a more satisfying life. I'm in Manchester CT and online. Most major insurance, sliding scale, daytime openings.
Calls are returned by our Care Coordinator Andrew. Hablamos English & español.
As a trans therapist, I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Working on your emotional well-being can feel like a large undertaking, but know that you don't have to do it alone. It can be a lot easier and more successful with help. Please consider reaching out for a free 15 minute phone consultation where we can discuss your goals and needs!
As a trans therapist, I am passionate about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, with a focus on issues surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Working on your emotional well-being can feel like a large undertaking, but know that you don't have to do it alone. It can be a lot easier and more successful with help. Please consider reaching out for a free 15 minute phone consultation where we can discuss your goals and needs!
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.
Sometimes it can all feel like too much. Maybe you’re struggling with life transitions, relationship challenges, or substance use issues. You need support and guidance, or just someone to listen. Perhaps you’re involved with the child welfare system, or the criminal or family courts and need an experienced professional to help you navigate these complex systems. As a recognized professional within these systems I will provide you with the experience and knowledge to guide you through your challenges. I am here to help you resolve these issues with a non-judgmental, solution-focused approach.
Sometimes it can all feel like too much. Maybe you’re struggling with life transitions, relationship challenges, or substance use issues. You need support and guidance, or just someone to listen. Perhaps you’re involved with the child welfare system, or the criminal or family courts and need an experienced professional to help you navigate these complex systems. As a recognized professional within these systems I will provide you with the experience and knowledge to guide you through your challenges. I am here to help you resolve these issues with a non-judgmental, solution-focused approach.
My approach is experiential, social justice-oriented, and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
If you’ve found your way here, you might have learned to rationalize your pain, avoid difficult conversations, or master the art of "checking out" during conflict. Whether you are navigating the aftermath of sexual or betrayal trauma, or struggling with emotional avoidance and recurring relationship conflict, intellectualizing, people-pleasing, and dissociating are parts of you that kept you safe when connection felt unsafe. While I honor these survival strategies, they can also leave you feeling isolated and stuck. Together, we can transform these patterns to build self-compassion, deeper intimacy, and lasting healing.
My approach is experiential, social justice-oriented, and LGBTQIA+ affirming.
If you’ve found your way here, you might have learned to rationalize your pain, avoid difficult conversations, or master the art of "checking out" during conflict. Whether you are navigating the aftermath of sexual or betrayal trauma, or struggling with emotional avoidance and recurring relationship conflict, intellectualizing, people-pleasing, and dissociating are parts of you that kept you safe when connection felt unsafe. While I honor these survival strategies, they can also leave you feeling isolated and stuck. Together, we can transform these patterns to build self-compassion, deeper intimacy, and lasting healing.
Erika Santosuosso-EMDR-Trauma-CSAT-Sex
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAT, EMDRIA
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
If you’re struggling with relational trauma—whether from betrayal, infidelity, unhealthy relationship patterns, compulsivity, or attachment wounds—you may feel like you’ve lost your sense of safety, trust, or even yourself. Healing is possible. I work with individuals and couples who are ready to understand the impact of these experiences, process painful emotions, and build healthier, more secure relationships. Using trauma-focused, evidence-based approaches, I provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can reconnect with yourself, strengthen your relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and hope.
If you’re struggling with relational trauma—whether from betrayal, infidelity, unhealthy relationship patterns, compulsivity, or attachment wounds—you may feel like you’ve lost your sense of safety, trust, or even yourself. Healing is possible. I work with individuals and couples who are ready to understand the impact of these experiences, process painful emotions, and build healthier, more secure relationships. Using trauma-focused, evidence-based approaches, I provide a compassionate, collaborative space where you can reconnect with yourself, strengthen your relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and hope.
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.
I have much experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.
I recognize that every individual is unique, and every path to healing looks different. I primarily use Mindfulness-based, Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies. I often use art-based approaches, along with both nature and animal assistance in treatment. Together, we will find the best plan for you!
I have much experience working with the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.
I recognize that every individual is unique, and every path to healing looks different. I primarily use Mindfulness-based, Person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapies. I often use art-based approaches, along with both nature and animal assistance in treatment. Together, we will find the best plan for you!
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.
If you are facing a challenge, transition or trying to break free from something in your past that is causing you pain, I am so glad you are reaching out today.
With a wide range of experience, I know you will find a safe and collaborative space where we can work together to help you heal & grow in the areas you need. With expertise in multiple evidence-based methods, I offer a strength-based, compassionate, holistic approach with/ a special focus on working with anxiety and stress, relationship issues, life transitions, including school/career changes, addiction/food-related issues & chronic health struggles.
If you are facing a challenge, transition or trying to break free from something in your past that is causing you pain, I am so glad you are reaching out today.
With a wide range of experience, I know you will find a safe and collaborative space where we can work together to help you heal & grow in the areas you need. With expertise in multiple evidence-based methods, I offer a strength-based, compassionate, holistic approach with/ a special focus on working with anxiety and stress, relationship issues, life transitions, including school/career changes, addiction/food-related issues & chronic health struggles.
See more therapy options for Windsor Locks
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Windsor Locks
- Bloomfield
- East Hartford
- East Windsor
- Ellington
- Enfield
- Granby
- Simsbury
- South Windsor
- Suffield
- Vernon
- Vernon Rockville
- 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.