Photo of Jennifer Lynn Johnson-Thomas, Counselor in Gulfport, MS
Jennifer Lynn Johnson-Thomas
Counselor, MS, LPC, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Gulfport, MS 39503
I also work with clients that suffer from Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Depression, Personal Growth needs, Self-Esteem, Sex and intimacy issues, Marriage and Partnerships.
I am a board-certified clinical mental health counselor who is considered an expert in my field. Using an eclectic style of therapy, my work focuses on implementing evidence-based practices along with holistic practices to improve the identification and treatment of mental illness. I do not believe in "fixing" people because I am not a mechanic and people are not machines. I do feel that everyone has their own journey, and each path may be different, but it never hurts to have a guide. No matter what your past consists of it does not define who you are.
I also work with clients that suffer from Anxiety, Panic Disorders, Depression, Personal Growth needs, Self-Esteem, Sex and intimacy issues, Marriage and Partnerships.
I am a board-certified clinical mental health counselor who is considered an expert in my field. Using an eclectic style of therapy, my work focuses on implementing evidence-based practices along with holistic practices to improve the identification and treatment of mental illness. I do not believe in "fixing" people because I am not a mechanic and people are not machines. I do feel that everyone has their own journey, and each path may be different, but it never hurts to have a guide. No matter what your past consists of it does not define who you are.
(228) 456-4710 View (228) 456-4710
Photo of Lavender Healing Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Lavender Healing Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gulfport, MS 39503
You feel that you are at wits end and you have tried everything you could. I am assuming this is your last stop before giving up. I urge you to give it one more go, at LHC. We are a black owned, women and veteran led practice that offers marriage counseling and sex therapy for adults and teens experiencing hardships in their family and/or relationships. We utilize Brainspotting to assist in processing trauma.
You feel that you are at wits end and you have tried everything you could. I am assuming this is your last stop before giving up. I urge you to give it one more go, at LHC. We are a black owned, women and veteran led practice that offers marriage counseling and sex therapy for adults and teens experiencing hardships in their family and/or relationships. We utilize Brainspotting to assist in processing trauma.
(682) 328-0063 View (682) 328-0063
Photo of Paula L. Hollingsworth, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Paula L. Hollingsworth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gulfport, MS 39503  (Online Only)
My goal as your counselor is to empower you to become the best YOU possible. Being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for many years, I have experience assisting Individuals, Couples and Families navigate daily trials. Whether it be marriage and family crises, a traumatic experience, relationship issues, or various other mental health issues, I am committed to helping you unravel and discover the best version of yourself.
My goal as your counselor is to empower you to become the best YOU possible. Being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for many years, I have experience assisting Individuals, Couples and Families navigate daily trials. Whether it be marriage and family crises, a traumatic experience, relationship issues, or various other mental health issues, I am committed to helping you unravel and discover the best version of yourself.
(228) 364-1976 View (228) 364-1976
Photo of Catherine Jones, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Catherine Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Gulfport, MS 39501
** Please email me for quickest response to appointment inquires.**
** Please email me for quickest response to appointment inquires.**
(228) 687-8724 View (228) 687-8724
Photo of Shannon R Smith, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Shannon R Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Gulfport, MS 39502
Waitlist for new clients
Throughout my life, I have observed and developed a deep appreciation of human nature - including the struggle we face to maintain uniqueness in a society that bombards us with unrealistic expectations of who we “should” be. Do you find yourself trying to fit into the mold of what you perceive other people (romantic partners, friends, family, employers) expect of you? In our attempt to maintain connections and avoid feelings of rejection, we avoid letting people know who we truly are. We will put on any mask that secures the illusion of being loved or accepted - all the while rejecting and losing connection with our true selves.
Throughout my life, I have observed and developed a deep appreciation of human nature - including the struggle we face to maintain uniqueness in a society that bombards us with unrealistic expectations of who we “should” be. Do you find yourself trying to fit into the mold of what you perceive other people (romantic partners, friends, family, employers) expect of you? In our attempt to maintain connections and avoid feelings of rejection, we avoid letting people know who we truly are. We will put on any mask that secures the illusion of being loved or accepted - all the while rejecting and losing connection with our true selves.
(769) 327-6094 View (769) 327-6094
Photo of Michelle M Jeanfreau, Marriage & Family Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Michelle M Jeanfreau
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gulfport, MS 39503
Not accepting new clients
My areas of expertise include couples and marriage counseling including infidelity, financial conflict and issues, and sex and intimacy therapy, parenting, life transitions and challenges, and personal growth and wellness.
The decision to come to therapy is often a difficult step to take. Life by nature is not easy to navigate. We all get stuck now and again. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, working with individuals, families, adolescents, and couples to strengthen relationships through some of life's challenges and transitions.
My areas of expertise include couples and marriage counseling including infidelity, financial conflict and issues, and sex and intimacy therapy, parenting, life transitions and challenges, and personal growth and wellness.
The decision to come to therapy is often a difficult step to take. Life by nature is not easy to navigate. We all get stuck now and again. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, working with individuals, families, adolescents, and couples to strengthen relationships through some of life's challenges and transitions.
(769) 207-8301 View (769) 207-8301

Online Therapists

Photo of Leah Polk, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Gulfport, MS
Leah Polk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Have you ever wanted to begin counseling, but didn’t feel like your problems were big enough? Or, have you ever ghosted a therapist because you didn’t feel helped? Me too. So, we go it alone - doing everything to change ourselves and our relationships. We continuously find ourselves stuck between what we want to do and what we “should” do. This dilemma often shows up as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. That’s why it’s my mission to provide approachable counseling that works.
Have you ever wanted to begin counseling, but didn’t feel like your problems were big enough? Or, have you ever ghosted a therapist because you didn’t feel helped? Me too. So, we go it alone - doing everything to change ourselves and our relationships. We continuously find ourselves stuck between what we want to do and what we “should” do. This dilemma often shows up as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. That’s why it’s my mission to provide approachable counseling that works.
(314) 794-5846 View (314) 794-5846
Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.