LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Polk County, FL

Maya Angelou said, "there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you". I seek to help my clients share their stories in a comfortable, non-judgmental, and safe environment so that they can process their experiences and find a path to a brighter tomorrow.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and qualified supervisor (QS) in the state of Florida. I have vast experience in outpatient, inpatient, training, consulting, public speaking, and supervisory settings, and I have extensive training in various modalities, such as EMDR.
Maya Angelou said, "there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you". I seek to help my clients share their stories in a comfortable, non-judgmental, and safe environment so that they can process their experiences and find a path to a brighter tomorrow.
I'm a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and qualified supervisor (QS) in the state of Florida. I have vast experience in outpatient, inpatient, training, consulting, public speaking, and supervisory settings, and I have extensive training in various modalities, such as EMDR.

Anabellys Lopez
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, RMHCI
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33805
Life doesn’t have to feel this hard. If anxiety, depression, panic, or past trauma are weighing you down, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or just plain exhausted. You’re probably doing your best to manage, but maybe things still feel like they’re too much. I get it. This isn’t about needing to "fix" yourself; it’s about discovering ways to handle these challenges so you can grow into a version of yourself that feels stronger and more at peace.
Life doesn’t have to feel this hard. If anxiety, depression, panic, or past trauma are weighing you down, it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed or just plain exhausted. You’re probably doing your best to manage, but maybe things still feel like they’re too much. I get it. This isn’t about needing to "fix" yourself; it’s about discovering ways to handle these challenges so you can grow into a version of yourself that feels stronger and more at peace.

cousinpattherapy.com Dr. Patrick Argiro want to help anyone that is going through a hard time. I am an experienced Doctorate level Licensed Therapist who is dedicated to helping adults and children cope with anxiety, depression, and anger.
cousinpattherapy.com Dr. Patrick Argiro want to help anyone that is going through a hard time. I am an experienced Doctorate level Licensed Therapist who is dedicated to helping adults and children cope with anxiety, depression, and anger.

You are feeling like you have lost control over your life. You look around and it seems like all your choices are being made for you and when you try to go after what you want, you feel defeated before you can even take the first step. It does not have to be this way. In my role as a therapist, I believe it is my job to clear the fog that clouds the path that you want to be on. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own life.
You are feeling like you have lost control over your life. You look around and it seems like all your choices are being made for you and when you try to go after what you want, you feel defeated before you can even take the first step. It does not have to be this way. In my role as a therapist, I believe it is my job to clear the fog that clouds the path that you want to be on. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own life.

Gina Claxton - Qualified Lcsw Supervisor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEAP
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33815
Hey there! My name is Gina Claxton and I have been working as a counselor/therapist for over 10 years. I work in private practice and I am also a professor at a local university where I help graduate students become counselors themselves. My counseling style is warm, client-focused and non-judgmental. I aim to create a comfortable and safe space for my clients, where they can express themselves without fear of being judged. The three populations I enjoy working with most are couples, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety and depression, and family therapy.
Hey there! My name is Gina Claxton and I have been working as a counselor/therapist for over 10 years. I work in private practice and I am also a professor at a local university where I help graduate students become counselors themselves. My counseling style is warm, client-focused and non-judgmental. I aim to create a comfortable and safe space for my clients, where they can express themselves without fear of being judged. The three populations I enjoy working with most are couples, adolescents, and young adults dealing with anxiety and depression, and family therapy.

Are you struggling to manage your anxiety, stress, and overall emotions? We often neglect our emotional and mental health, especially in today's demanding world, which can then take a toll on our bodies. Counseling can help you overcome your struggles, strengthen your emotional and mental health, and in turn help you live a more purposeful, satisfying, happy life with a strong sense of self. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor for mental health interns and have been practicing clinically for over 12 years. I help clients heal from depression, anxiety, anger, traumatic stress, and low confidence.
Are you struggling to manage your anxiety, stress, and overall emotions? We often neglect our emotional and mental health, especially in today's demanding world, which can then take a toll on our bodies. Counseling can help you overcome your struggles, strengthen your emotional and mental health, and in turn help you live a more purposeful, satisfying, happy life with a strong sense of self. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Qualified Supervisor for mental health interns and have been practicing clinically for over 12 years. I help clients heal from depression, anxiety, anger, traumatic stress, and low confidence.

Are you someone who frequently worries and wrestles with anxiety, particularly in your relationships with others? Do you struggle with feelings of being less than worthy, leading you to give a lot more of yourself in hopes of feeling validated? If so, I specialize in helping individuals like you improve their relationship with themselves, get untangled from societal expectations, learn to navigate their anxiety, get empowered to set boundaries, put yourself first and find fulfillment in healthier, more balanced connections with others.
Are you someone who frequently worries and wrestles with anxiety, particularly in your relationships with others? Do you struggle with feelings of being less than worthy, leading you to give a lot more of yourself in hopes of feeling validated? If so, I specialize in helping individuals like you improve their relationship with themselves, get untangled from societal expectations, learn to navigate their anxiety, get empowered to set boundaries, put yourself first and find fulfillment in healthier, more balanced connections with others.
Dr. Suzanne Lavelle is the founder of Lakeland Psychology. She and her associates provide comprehensive psychological evaluations and customized psychological treatment.
Dr. Suzanne Lavelle is the founder of Lakeland Psychology. She and her associates provide comprehensive psychological evaluations and customized psychological treatment.

I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can navigate life’s most challenging moments. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, past trauma, or relationship conflict, know that you are not alone—and you are worthy of healing.
I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where you can navigate life’s most challenging moments. Whether you're facing stress, anxiety, past trauma, or relationship conflict, know that you are not alone—and you are worthy of healing.

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.

I have over 13 years of experience working with all age groups and populations. When working with me you’ll receive understanding and empathy towards your challenges, and while you can expect my unwavering support, I will always give you the truth, what you need to hear versus what you want to hear. My approach is always warm, calming, and welcoming. Become the best version of yourself. Let’s work on your goals together!
I have over 13 years of experience working with all age groups and populations. When working with me you’ll receive understanding and empathy towards your challenges, and while you can expect my unwavering support, I will always give you the truth, what you need to hear versus what you want to hear. My approach is always warm, calming, and welcoming. Become the best version of yourself. Let’s work on your goals together!
Meet Our LGBTQ+ Therapists

Jade Greene Counseling
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA, RMHCI
Verified Verified
Davenport, FL 33897
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone, without fear of judgement. My passion is helping clients navigate through whatever is troubling them and assisting as they reconnect with themselves in the process. I enjoy working with couples or individuals on issues related to relationships. I focus on helping my clients to understand their attachment styles, improve their communication and identify barriers that get in the way of them having the relationship that they truly desire. I work with singles and divorcees to process breakups, build strong boundaries, and identify self sabotaging behaviors.
Sometimes you just need to talk to someone, without fear of judgement. My passion is helping clients navigate through whatever is troubling them and assisting as they reconnect with themselves in the process. I enjoy working with couples or individuals on issues related to relationships. I focus on helping my clients to understand their attachment styles, improve their communication and identify barriers that get in the way of them having the relationship that they truly desire. I work with singles and divorcees to process breakups, build strong boundaries, and identify self sabotaging behaviors.

Virtual Appointments Only. Are you an adult female looking to begin therapy? As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and easy to talk to. I wholeheartedly believe in the ability to change regardless of life circumstances. Our sessions will be filled with humor, empathy, and compassion as we focus on making progress towards your desired outcome. My main focus is for my clients to feel safe, heard, understood, and respected. You are the expert on your experience, and I will work with you to navigate challenges, heal from pain and trauma, and offer insight from a therapeutic perspective.
Virtual Appointments Only. Are you an adult female looking to begin therapy? As a therapist, I am warm, open, encouraging, and easy to talk to. I wholeheartedly believe in the ability to change regardless of life circumstances. Our sessions will be filled with humor, empathy, and compassion as we focus on making progress towards your desired outcome. My main focus is for my clients to feel safe, heard, understood, and respected. You are the expert on your experience, and I will work with you to navigate challenges, heal from pain and trauma, and offer insight from a therapeutic perspective.

At Ascend, previously Cassidy Mind and Body Institute (CMBI), we believe that every person is doing their best, and they also want to learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively. We warmly welcome individuals, couples, and families seeking support and guidance. Our diverse patient community includes those dealing with anxiety, OCD, BPD, depression, stress, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, addiction, trauma recovery, and relationship difficulties. Together, we'll create a tailored treatment plan to empower you in achieving your goals, engaging in personal growth, and finding fulfillment.
At Ascend, previously Cassidy Mind and Body Institute (CMBI), we believe that every person is doing their best, and they also want to learn to navigate life's challenges more effectively. We warmly welcome individuals, couples, and families seeking support and guidance. Our diverse patient community includes those dealing with anxiety, OCD, BPD, depression, stress, emotion dysregulation, self-harm, addiction, trauma recovery, and relationship difficulties. Together, we'll create a tailored treatment plan to empower you in achieving your goals, engaging in personal growth, and finding fulfillment.

I want to create a safe space for you to be yourself, so that you can express yourself, and understand yourself better. We can then explore anything you need to such as your stressors or ways to help move your life into a better direction. I'm a listener not a judger. I'm here to walk with you wherever you want to go. I will support you in any way I can! I am trilingual, speaking English, German, and Vietnamese with a lot of multicultural experiences.
I want to create a safe space for you to be yourself, so that you can express yourself, and understand yourself better. We can then explore anything you need to such as your stressors or ways to help move your life into a better direction. I'm a listener not a judger. I'm here to walk with you wherever you want to go. I will support you in any way I can! I am trilingual, speaking English, German, and Vietnamese with a lot of multicultural experiences.

I am passionate about helping Millennials and Gen Z overcome hopelessness, exhaustion and self-doubt. My clients feel like they’re forcing a smile but deep down they feel depressed and defeated. It’s confusing and scary! There’s a reason for your sadness, and I want to discover where it’s coming from with you. I’ll help you shed a light on your depression so you don’t have to feel like a fraud or a crazy person. I get it, we can figure this out together. Here’s a bit more about what it’s like working with me in therapy:
I am passionate about helping Millennials and Gen Z overcome hopelessness, exhaustion and self-doubt. My clients feel like they’re forcing a smile but deep down they feel depressed and defeated. It’s confusing and scary! There’s a reason for your sadness, and I want to discover where it’s coming from with you. I’ll help you shed a light on your depression so you don’t have to feel like a fraud or a crazy person. I get it, we can figure this out together. Here’s a bit more about what it’s like working with me in therapy:

Sometimes, when our emotions feel out of our control, we do things that don’t reflect our values. My goal is to assist you as you work to engage in life more authentically using effective nervous system regulation and increasing skillfulness. I believe that people are always doing the best that they can with the resources that they have, and they also want and need to deal with the hardships of life more effectively - that's where I step in to support, accept, educate, and guide. Some of my areas of specialization include Addiction, Anxiety, BPD, Depression, Identity Exploration, Trauma Resolution, & Relationships and Communication.
Sometimes, when our emotions feel out of our control, we do things that don’t reflect our values. My goal is to assist you as you work to engage in life more authentically using effective nervous system regulation and increasing skillfulness. I believe that people are always doing the best that they can with the resources that they have, and they also want and need to deal with the hardships of life more effectively - that's where I step in to support, accept, educate, and guide. Some of my areas of specialization include Addiction, Anxiety, BPD, Depression, Identity Exploration, Trauma Resolution, & Relationships and Communication.

Have you been stuck or struggling for so long that it's hard to imagine your life feeling any differently? Maybe you're not even sure why you're feeling the way you do? Or, you know why, but certainly feel like you can't say why out loud to anyone you know. I help adults with depression, anxiety, & trauma break out of dysfunctional patterns with compassion & scientifically proven strategies. Let's get your sleep, relationships, job, school, parenting, friendships, hobbies, health, eating, & happiness back on track without those pesky intrusive/racing thoughts, flashbacks, panic attacks, self-hatred, & dread.
Have you been stuck or struggling for so long that it's hard to imagine your life feeling any differently? Maybe you're not even sure why you're feeling the way you do? Or, you know why, but certainly feel like you can't say why out loud to anyone you know. I help adults with depression, anxiety, & trauma break out of dysfunctional patterns with compassion & scientifically proven strategies. Let's get your sleep, relationships, job, school, parenting, friendships, hobbies, health, eating, & happiness back on track without those pesky intrusive/racing thoughts, flashbacks, panic attacks, self-hatred, & dread.

Pine Grove Counseling LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, Christopher Grove, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33803
I know the importance of finding someone who lets you take your time, respects your emotional development and upholds your dignity. I want to help you make sense of the life that you have and turn it into the one you want. Growth looks different for all of us. What blocks us from it might not block everybody else, too. We are all doing the best we can and deserve the best not just for, but from ourselves. Do you want a helping hand and open heart to help you reconnect with the center of who you are?
I know the importance of finding someone who lets you take your time, respects your emotional development and upholds your dignity. I want to help you make sense of the life that you have and turn it into the one you want. Growth looks different for all of us. What blocks us from it might not block everybody else, too. We are all doing the best we can and deserve the best not just for, but from ourselves. Do you want a helping hand and open heart to help you reconnect with the center of who you are?

Ansley Adelma Kilgore
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33803
There is no better day than today to make positive changes in your life. I feel that the counseling process is a good first step in making those changes. I have provided individual therapy for the past 35 years. My guiding principal in counseling is to help clients identify their issues and custom fit a plan to address their concerns. I use various counseling techniques, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients gain a different perspective and outlook.
There is no better day than today to make positive changes in your life. I feel that the counseling process is a good first step in making those changes. I have provided individual therapy for the past 35 years. My guiding principal in counseling is to help clients identify their issues and custom fit a plan to address their concerns. I use various counseling techniques, including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, to help clients gain a different perspective and outlook.