LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Polk County, FL
Shelby Gaudette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33801
Everyone deserves to be supported, understood, and celebrated during their therapy experience! Seeking help is a brave and important step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. I’m here to create a safe, non-judgmental space for people of all gender expressions and cultures. At Ascend Mind and Body, my goal is to support you in finding more effective ways to manage and create a fulfilling life. I work to create a collaborative and supportive relationships with my clients so they can make positive change. DBT's core principle—that people are doing the best they can and people want to improve—guides my approach.
Everyone deserves to be supported, understood, and celebrated during their therapy experience! Seeking help is a brave and important step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life. I’m here to create a safe, non-judgmental space for people of all gender expressions and cultures. At Ascend Mind and Body, my goal is to support you in finding more effective ways to manage and create a fulfilling life. I work to create a collaborative and supportive relationships with my clients so they can make positive change. DBT's core principle—that people are doing the best they can and people want to improve—guides my approach.
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.
Domenica R Alioto
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MSc
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33805
Let me pour a cup of tea, and let's talk! Do you feel stuck? Do you find yourself in the grips of anxiety, trapped in the depths of depression, or oscillating toward both? Are you having trouble with making decisions, in relationships, focusing, functioning in daily life, giving and receiving love, or engaging in activities that were once your everyday life? Do you find yourself stuck in a loop of negative coping mechanisms leading you down a harmful path? I strive for empathy, understanding, and healing with everyone who pulls up a chair with me.
Let me pour a cup of tea, and let's talk! Do you feel stuck? Do you find yourself in the grips of anxiety, trapped in the depths of depression, or oscillating toward both? Are you having trouble with making decisions, in relationships, focusing, functioning in daily life, giving and receiving love, or engaging in activities that were once your everyday life? Do you find yourself stuck in a loop of negative coping mechanisms leading you down a harmful path? I strive for empathy, understanding, and healing with everyone who pulls up a chair with me.
I believe that true healing happens when we look within ourselves and learn to accept who we are as a person. As we learn to minimize our weaknesses by recognizing our strengths, we grow in the process.
I believe that true healing happens when we look within ourselves and learn to accept who we are as a person. As we learn to minimize our weaknesses by recognizing our strengths, we grow in the process.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Health Psychology and 19 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life stressors. I blend evidence-based approaches—including CBT, EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—to meet your unique needs.
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Master’s Degree in Clinical and Counseling Health Psychology and 19 years of experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life stressors. I blend evidence-based approaches—including CBT, EMDR, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—to meet your unique needs.
Cue Counseling Center
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, RMHCI, MC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lakeland, FL 33815
Are you experiencing life changes, issues within your relationships, or suffering from anxiety and depression? Life is too short to let trauma control us or be stressed/ angry all the time. I want you to be free of emotional pain, able to deal with life on life’s terms, and find purpose and meaning in work, family, friendships, and all other life areas. We can all overcome challenges and rise above them, but sometimes, we need guidance. Allow me to help you on your journey of healing and self-discovery.
Are you experiencing life changes, issues within your relationships, or suffering from anxiety and depression? Life is too short to let trauma control us or be stressed/ angry all the time. I want you to be free of emotional pain, able to deal with life on life’s terms, and find purpose and meaning in work, family, friendships, and all other life areas. We can all overcome challenges and rise above them, but sometimes, we need guidance. Allow me to help you on your journey of healing and self-discovery.
Melissa Rabell
Licensed Mental Health Counselor , MS, LMHC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, perfectionism, or past trauma? Struggling with boundaries, relationships, or prioritizing yourself? You don’t have to navigate this alone—healing is possible.
Hi, my name is Melissa and I would love the chance to hear your story and walk alongside you on your journey. As a therapist, I aim to be in your corner, creating a safe, dependable place to help you process, explore new perspectives, and navigate life’s challenges. While your past shapes you, it doesn’t define your future. Together, we’ll break unhelpful patterns and build the life you deserve.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by anxiety, perfectionism, or past trauma? Struggling with boundaries, relationships, or prioritizing yourself? You don’t have to navigate this alone—healing is possible.
Hi, my name is Melissa and I would love the chance to hear your story and walk alongside you on your journey. As a therapist, I aim to be in your corner, creating a safe, dependable place to help you process, explore new perspectives, and navigate life’s challenges. While your past shapes you, it doesn’t define your future. Together, we’ll break unhelpful patterns and build the life you deserve.
My dedication of consistently helping my clients find balance in all aspects of life. With over 8 years of experience with post doctorate in psychology allows me to help clients connect their thoughts, behaviors and feelings. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, feelings of irritability, tearfulness or having consistent negative or irrational thoughts? Panic attacks? These may be symptoms of underlying core issues that have not been addressed. Many adults and children experience events that may have life-long consequences. Past events could include childhood experiences, addiction within the family, I specialize in these areas.
My dedication of consistently helping my clients find balance in all aspects of life. With over 8 years of experience with post doctorate in psychology allows me to help clients connect their thoughts, behaviors and feelings. Are you feeling anxious, depressed, feelings of irritability, tearfulness or having consistent negative or irrational thoughts? Panic attacks? These may be symptoms of underlying core issues that have not been addressed. Many adults and children experience events that may have life-long consequences. Past events could include childhood experiences, addiction within the family, I specialize in these areas.
I specialize in helping people explore attachment styles, manage depression and anxiety, and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you’re wrestling with relational challenges, trauma, or personal boundaries, I’m here to support you in creating meaningful change and lasting growth. My approach combines deep empathy with evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment-focused work. Together, we’ll unpack the patterns holding you back and develop tools to help you move forward.
I specialize in helping people explore attachment styles, manage depression and anxiety, and build stronger, healthier relationships. Whether you’re wrestling with relational challenges, trauma, or personal boundaries, I’m here to support you in creating meaningful change and lasting growth. My approach combines deep empathy with evidence-based techniques like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and attachment-focused work. Together, we’ll unpack the patterns holding you back and develop tools to help you move forward.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with seven years of clinical experience. I have helped individuals and minors work through trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, divorce care, adjustment concerns, career changes, and many other challenges. Some treatment methods I have used are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Relational, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Expressive Arts, and Motivational Interviewing. I believe that together we can identify what you need to live a more fulfilled life.
I am a licensed mental health counselor with seven years of clinical experience. I have helped individuals and minors work through trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, divorce care, adjustment concerns, career changes, and many other challenges. Some treatment methods I have used are Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Relational, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Expressive Arts, and Motivational Interviewing. I believe that together we can identify what you need to live a more fulfilled life.
With over 6 years of experience supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, I specialize in helping international students, young professionals, and adults in transitional stages overcome stress, anxiety, workplace challenges, self-esteem issues, and the complexities of immigration and acculturation. Whether you’re struggling to adapt to a new environment, clarify your goals, or build meaningful relationships, therapy can provide the space to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence. As a bilingual therapist, I create a culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental space where your individuality is honored.
With over 6 years of experience supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, I specialize in helping international students, young professionals, and adults in transitional stages overcome stress, anxiety, workplace challenges, self-esteem issues, and the complexities of immigration and acculturation. Whether you’re struggling to adapt to a new environment, clarify your goals, or build meaningful relationships, therapy can provide the space to help you regain balance and move forward with confidence. As a bilingual therapist, I create a culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental space where your individuality is honored.
Meet Our LGBTQ+ Therapists
Hi, I'm Mike! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida who enjoys helping people become the best version of themselves. My specialty would tend to be clients that suffer from anxiety or depression. I have a unique perspective on internet addiction and gaming addiction, and negative symptoms stemming from those behaviors. I also do well with coaching parents in regard to these topics.
Hi, I'm Mike! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida who enjoys helping people become the best version of themselves. My specialty would tend to be clients that suffer from anxiety or depression. I have a unique perspective on internet addiction and gaming addiction, and negative symptoms stemming from those behaviors. I also do well with coaching parents in regard to these topics.
Alex Daniel Castaneda
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, MA, RMHCI
Verified Verified
Lakeland, FL 33803
My ideal client is one wrestling with problems of meaning, identity, life satisfaction, and relational issues. They are looking for stability and purpose in their life and they want to learn to manage their anxiety and negative emotions adaptively.
My ideal client is one wrestling with problems of meaning, identity, life satisfaction, and relational issues. They are looking for stability and purpose in their life and they want to learn to manage their anxiety and negative emotions adaptively.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Post-Master Certificate in Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice from NYU. I specialize in trauma, including generational trauma and identity-related stress, and I understand how deeply emotional pain can impact both the mind and body. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, integrating each person’s culture, family history, and place in society. I believe in whole-person care that acknowledges the complexity of who you are and how your experiences have shaped you.
I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Post-Master Certificate in Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice from NYU. I specialize in trauma, including generational trauma and identity-related stress, and I understand how deeply emotional pain can impact both the mind and body. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, integrating each person’s culture, family history, and place in society. I believe in whole-person care that acknowledges the complexity of who you are and how your experiences have shaped you.
As a clinical psychologist, I provide psychological evaluations, therapy, and coaching. Having worked in private practice for over 10 years, I have expertise in diagnosing and treating people coping with stress and relationship concerns to those who are coping with treatment resistant depression, and people who are feeling the effects of significant psychological trauma and abuse on their current lives.
As a clinical psychologist, I provide psychological evaluations, therapy, and coaching. Having worked in private practice for over 10 years, I have expertise in diagnosing and treating people coping with stress and relationship concerns to those who are coping with treatment resistant depression, and people who are feeling the effects of significant psychological trauma and abuse on their current lives.
Reaching out for support is a step in the right direction towards a happy and healthy lifestyle. You may find yourself not able to handle life stressors the way you would like to. Together, we can work through these challenges you have been facing, allowing you to regain control of your life. You are ready to make this leap for yourself, and I look forward to helping you through this process.
Reaching out for support is a step in the right direction towards a happy and healthy lifestyle. You may find yourself not able to handle life stressors the way you would like to. Together, we can work through these challenges you have been facing, allowing you to regain control of your life. You are ready to make this leap for yourself, and I look forward to helping you through this process.
Thank you for visiting my profile and congratulations for taking the first step on your path to inner peace and greater well-being. I am passionate about helping you learn to be compassionate with yourself as you face and find solutions to life's challenges whether it be unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, fears, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, or other concerns you may be faced with.
Thank you for visiting my profile and congratulations for taking the first step on your path to inner peace and greater well-being. I am passionate about helping you learn to be compassionate with yourself as you face and find solutions to life's challenges whether it be unresolved trauma, depression, anxiety, fears, relationship issues, self-esteem issues, or other concerns you may be faced with.
If you are looking to work with a “real" person, I will meet you where you are, and you will be encouraged to be your true self, unapologetically. Bad humor (usually in the form of puns or dad jokes), geeking out over the latest Marvel show/movie, and discussing the latest video game releases can be commonplace in your sessions.
If you are looking to work with a “real" person, I will meet you where you are, and you will be encouraged to be your true self, unapologetically. Bad humor (usually in the form of puns or dad jokes), geeking out over the latest Marvel show/movie, and discussing the latest video game releases can be commonplace in your sessions.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I am here to help navigate through life issues and mental health challenges. I can help you through your journey providing support, guidance, and facilitating processing difficult emotions utilizing cognitive techniques and behavior modification among others. I am a responsible, mature, and committed individual with strong communication skills who has a long standing and successful counseling career and loves to work with individuals, families, couples, and groups.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and I am here to help navigate through life issues and mental health challenges. I can help you through your journey providing support, guidance, and facilitating processing difficult emotions utilizing cognitive techniques and behavior modification among others. I am a responsible, mature, and committed individual with strong communication skills who has a long standing and successful counseling career and loves to work with individuals, families, couples, and groups.
Do you want to improve the communication between you and your partner? Are you a parent looking to get help for your child and family? Is your child having problems in school or acting out? Are you feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities and questioning your decisions? Is anxiety or depression preventing you to live up your potential? As a relational therapist, I am here to help you navigate complicated dynamics with family members, and empower you with the skills to be able to address the problem without loosing your mental peace.
Do you want to improve the communication between you and your partner? Are you a parent looking to get help for your child and family? Is your child having problems in school or acting out? Are you feeling overwhelmed with responsibilities and questioning your decisions? Is anxiety or depression preventing you to live up your potential? As a relational therapist, I am here to help you navigate complicated dynamics with family members, and empower you with the skills to be able to address the problem without loosing your mental peace.
