LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Polk County, FL
I am an LGBT identifying therapist.
I work with individuals who are struggling with gender identity, sexual orientation, and open relationships. I assist clients in navigating the life transitions that come up while addressing these concerns. I am kink aware and currently working on sex therapy certification.
I am an LGBT identifying therapist.
I work with individuals who are struggling with gender identity, sexual orientation, and open relationships. I assist clients in navigating the life transitions that come up while addressing these concerns. I am kink aware and currently working on sex therapy certification.
Feeling Like You Just Want to Run Away From It All?
Work deadlines. Endless emails. Family stress. Back-to-back meetings.
And somehow you’re still expected to smile for the next selfie.
No wonder you’re feeling burned out, anxious, or just plain over it.
Hi, I’m Jason, a licensed counselor, coach, and consultant—and I get it. Life can feel overwhelming. When you’re juggling work, home, relationships, and everything in between, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Feeling Like You Just Want to Run Away From It All?
Work deadlines. Endless emails. Family stress. Back-to-back meetings.
And somehow you’re still expected to smile for the next selfie.
No wonder you’re feeling burned out, anxious, or just plain over it.
Hi, I’m Jason, a licensed counselor, coach, and consultant—and I get it. Life can feel overwhelming. When you’re juggling work, home, relationships, and everything in between, it’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by big emotions or find yourself stuck in challenging relationships? Maybe you worry about being left, have trouble trusting, or struggle to set healthy boundaries. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, I invite you to give this another chance. I understand how difficult it can be to feel alone, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of conflict and self-doubt. My approach offers real tools and genuine support to help you cope, connect, and build a life that feels more fulfilling.
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by big emotions or find yourself stuck in challenging relationships? Maybe you worry about being left, have trouble trusting, or struggle to set healthy boundaries. If you’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t feel quite right, I invite you to give this another chance. I understand how difficult it can be to feel alone, misunderstood, or caught in cycles of conflict and self-doubt. My approach offers real tools and genuine support to help you cope, connect, and build a life that feels more fulfilling.
Hi! My name is Anthia Casanova and I am Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addictions Professional in the state of Florida. I specialize in working with adults with mental health challenges to include substance use disorders. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or life transitions, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space to explore what is holding you back and develop effective tools for moving forward. My practice is unique because of the relaxed atmosphere I provide for my clients.
Hi! My name is Anthia Casanova and I am Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addictions Professional in the state of Florida. I specialize in working with adults with mental health challenges to include substance use disorders. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or life transitions, I offer a supportive and nonjudgmental space to explore what is holding you back and develop effective tools for moving forward. My practice is unique because of the relaxed atmosphere I provide for my clients.
Mx. Lauren Johnson— OCD, I-CBT, & LGBTQ
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
13 Endorsed
Online Only
Many of my clients are neurodivergent & LGBTQIA+ folks who’ve spent years trying to make sense of intrusive thoughts that confuse & disturb them.
For some, exposure therapy isn't the right fit. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) offers a cognitive approach focused on understanding how OCD’s reasoning works, not forcing exposures. OCD pulls your attention to imagined possibilities, away from what you know. Together, we learn to recognize these shifts & rebuild trust in yourself, your senses, & your judgment.
Many of my clients are neurodivergent & LGBTQIA+ folks who’ve spent years trying to make sense of intrusive thoughts that confuse & disturb them.
For some, exposure therapy isn't the right fit. Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) offers a cognitive approach focused on understanding how OCD’s reasoning works, not forcing exposures. OCD pulls your attention to imagined possibilities, away from what you know. Together, we learn to recognize these shifts & rebuild trust in yourself, your senses, & your judgment.
Hi, my name is Steven Sanchez and if you're here reading this, you're most likely going through difficult life experiences and seeking help at this time. This is your first step and I welcome you to do so. As a counselor with a background in social work, it is my mission to empower and advocate for my clients, and offer them a comfortable, safe and non-judgemental enviornment, where they can heal and grow, and become their true authenic self. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship, we can begin your journey and I will make sure that on this journey you are seen, heard and most importanlty validated.
Hi, my name is Steven Sanchez and if you're here reading this, you're most likely going through difficult life experiences and seeking help at this time. This is your first step and I welcome you to do so. As a counselor with a background in social work, it is my mission to empower and advocate for my clients, and offer them a comfortable, safe and non-judgemental enviornment, where they can heal and grow, and become their true authenic self. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship, we can begin your journey and I will make sure that on this journey you are seen, heard and most importanlty validated.
My name is G and I am a queer, trans, nonbinary licensed mental health counselor.
Everyone has a story, from where they have come from to where they are wanting to go. Everyone has road bumps in their story; whether it is depression, anxiety, trauma, these road bumps slow us down as our life takes a sharp turn we didn't prepare for. We all struggle and at the end of the day we find our footing again. I love the work I do because I get walk along side of you and where your journey is taking you and see the growth and change and recover, whatever that looks like to you. I am hoping to be able to work with you and honor your journey and help as we make meaningful change to help create a life worth living
My name is G and I am a queer, trans, nonbinary licensed mental health counselor.
Everyone has a story, from where they have come from to where they are wanting to go. Everyone has road bumps in their story; whether it is depression, anxiety, trauma, these road bumps slow us down as our life takes a sharp turn we didn't prepare for. We all struggle and at the end of the day we find our footing again. I love the work I do because I get walk along side of you and where your journey is taking you and see the growth and change and recover, whatever that looks like to you. I am hoping to be able to work with you and honor your journey and help as we make meaningful change to help create a life worth living
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults ages 12+ who deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQIA issues, insomnia, sexual intimacy and other relationship issues through individual, couples, and hypnotherapy counseling.
I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in a variety of settings throughout my career. I draw from a variety of treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), talk therapy, supportive therapy, and heart-centered hypnotherapy.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults ages 12+ who deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, LGBTQIA issues, insomnia, sexual intimacy and other relationship issues through individual, couples, and hypnotherapy counseling.
I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in a variety of settings throughout my career. I draw from a variety of treatment modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), talk therapy, supportive therapy, and heart-centered hypnotherapy.
It can feel like the world is spinning faster every day, there’s always “breaking news,” another crisis, and another reason to feel stressed or uncertain. It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. Sometimes, it helps to have a space where you can pause, breathe, and make sense of it all.
It can feel like the world is spinning faster every day, there’s always “breaking news,” another crisis, and another reason to feel stressed or uncertain. It’s no wonder so many of us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected. Sometimes, it helps to have a space where you can pause, breathe, and make sense of it all.
Are you the one everyone depends on, but no one checks on?
You’re holding together a lot right now. Maybe you’re caring for an aging parent, raising kids, managing work, and trying to keep up with everyone else’s needs while quietly running on empty yourself. You may look like you’re functioning on the outside, but inside you feel exhausted, resentful, overwhelmed, or like there’s never room for you.
Are you the one everyone depends on, but no one checks on?
You’re holding together a lot right now. Maybe you’re caring for an aging parent, raising kids, managing work, and trying to keep up with everyone else’s needs while quietly running on empty yourself. You may look like you’re functioning on the outside, but inside you feel exhausted, resentful, overwhelmed, or like there’s never room for you.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, I integrate CBT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients build resilience and emotional well-being. I guide individuals in reframing negative thoughts, cultivating mindfulness, strengthening relationships, and fostering self-compassion. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, creating a safe space for healing, growth, and meaningful change. I am committed to helping clients develop emotional balance and achieve lasting personal transformation.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, I integrate CBT, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy to help clients build resilience and emotional well-being. I guide individuals in reframing negative thoughts, cultivating mindfulness, strengthening relationships, and fostering self-compassion. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, creating a safe space for healing, growth, and meaningful change. I am committed to helping clients develop emotional balance and achieve lasting personal transformation.
My name is Laura and I have a lot of passion for working with clients in the LGBTQIA community especially those with overwhelming emotions or difficult family situations.
I aim to provide a safe place to learn to identify your emotions, fears and needs so that you can work towards building better boundaries and increasing safety and security within yourself and your environment. In the first few sessions we will work to identify your primary needs in therapy and identify what strategies resonate with you most.
My name is Laura and I have a lot of passion for working with clients in the LGBTQIA community especially those with overwhelming emotions or difficult family situations.
I aim to provide a safe place to learn to identify your emotions, fears and needs so that you can work towards building better boundaries and increasing safety and security within yourself and your environment. In the first few sessions we will work to identify your primary needs in therapy and identify what strategies resonate with you most.
Hi, I’m Rebecca and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with experience providing therapy since 2016. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan and from many different backgrounds. My early career focused on supporting children and adolescents who were struggling academically, emotionally, or socially. Over time, my work expanded to include adults and families, and now I provide online therapy to clients of all ages. I value creating a supportive, collaborative space where people feel heard and understood as they navigate life transitions and personal challenges.
Hi, I’m Rebecca and I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with experience providing therapy since 2016. I have worked with individuals across the lifespan and from many different backgrounds. My early career focused on supporting children and adolescents who were struggling academically, emotionally, or socially. Over time, my work expanded to include adults and families, and now I provide online therapy to clients of all ages. I value creating a supportive, collaborative space where people feel heard and understood as they navigate life transitions and personal challenges.
I am an advocate and ally to members of the LGBT+ community and am also a member of the community.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold licenses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. Certifications as an Advanced Drug & Alcohol Counselor and a Clinical Trauma Professional. I am a firm believer in everything that happens creates the person. I am a whole life counselor and work with people to explore what it would take to move past the difficult times in life. I take the time to get to know my clients and have many clients who have been with me for years. That doesn't mean someone will see me every week for the rest of their life. It means client know I am available when they have need.
I am an advocate and ally to members of the LGBT+ community and am also a member of the community.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I hold licenses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut. Certifications as an Advanced Drug & Alcohol Counselor and a Clinical Trauma Professional. I am a firm believer in everything that happens creates the person. I am a whole life counselor and work with people to explore what it would take to move past the difficult times in life. I take the time to get to know my clients and have many clients who have been with me for years. That doesn't mean someone will see me every week for the rest of their life. It means client know I am available when they have need.
My ideal clients are adults who feel weighed down by past experiences and are ready to work through the impact of trauma on their lives and relationships. Many feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but want meaningful change. I work with individuals open to a collaborative, supportive process of self-exploration. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to build insight, develop healthier patterns, and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
My ideal clients are adults who feel weighed down by past experiences and are ready to work through the impact of trauma on their lives and relationships. Many feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, but want meaningful change. I work with individuals open to a collaborative, supportive process of self-exploration. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to build insight, develop healthier patterns, and move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a supportive and affirming space for all clients.
In our first session, I’ll take time to get to know you by gathering some background information about your life and what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about what feels most important to address right now, as well as your long-term goals. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that feels meaningful and manageable for you.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I offer a supportive and affirming space for all clients.
In our first session, I’ll take time to get to know you by gathering some background information about your life and what brought you to therapy. We’ll talk about what feels most important to address right now, as well as your long-term goals. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that feels meaningful and manageable for you.
Whether you're struggling with self-compassion or seeking a more fulfilling life, my LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent affirmative approach can help you find clarity and build resilience.
My therapy approach is rooted in compassion and support, helping you explore your true self. With 7+ years of experience, I specialize in sexuality, gender, trauma, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism. As an LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent-affirmative therapist, I aim to foster self-love, healing, and personal growth.
Whether you're struggling with self-compassion or seeking a more fulfilling life, my LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent affirmative approach can help you find clarity and build resilience.
My therapy approach is rooted in compassion and support, helping you explore your true self. With 7+ years of experience, I specialize in sexuality, gender, trauma, and mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and Autism. As an LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent-affirmative therapist, I aim to foster self-love, healing, and personal growth.
Hiya! I'm Mariah a licensed marriage and family therapist. I found my passion in helping people navigate the challenges of life while maintaining connection, stability, and hope. I chose this path from witnessing firsthand how transformative this work can be, not only for clients, but for entire family systems. I believe that every client's life experience is unique and therefore, the therapeutic relationship between clients is unique to create the best possible working relationship to support the differences you want to make within yourself.
Hiya! I'm Mariah a licensed marriage and family therapist. I found my passion in helping people navigate the challenges of life while maintaining connection, stability, and hope. I chose this path from witnessing firsthand how transformative this work can be, not only for clients, but for entire family systems. I believe that every client's life experience is unique and therefore, the therapeutic relationship between clients is unique to create the best possible working relationship to support the differences you want to make within yourself.
Every individual holds their own answers and has the ability to change. I’m committed to helping clients find their own solutions and promoting personal growth and self-empowerment.
Every individual holds their own answers and has the ability to change. I’m committed to helping clients find their own solutions and promoting personal growth and self-empowerment.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. Long days filled with even longer nights, feeling like it's never enough, that you are not enough. You feel disconnected from yourself and others, wondering if it will always be this way. Perhaps you feel "different" from those around you, and think to yourself "how could anyone understand me?" Feelings of shame, doubt and guilt grip you, and you wonder if you will ever feel like you again. In a world that values busyness over presence, it's easy to feel disconnected, untethered. You are searching for peace, understanding, connection and overall to feel "better." It's what has brought you here.
It wasn't supposed to be this way. Long days filled with even longer nights, feeling like it's never enough, that you are not enough. You feel disconnected from yourself and others, wondering if it will always be this way. Perhaps you feel "different" from those around you, and think to yourself "how could anyone understand me?" Feelings of shame, doubt and guilt grip you, and you wonder if you will ever feel like you again. In a world that values busyness over presence, it's easy to feel disconnected, untethered. You are searching for peace, understanding, connection and overall to feel "better." It's what has brought you here.
See more therapy options for Polk County
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.