Therapists in 37303
Cindy Ensminger
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, TN 37303 (Online Only)
I have been working in the mental health field since 1995 and with both adolescents and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings, including residential, in-home, and outpatient. Some particular areas of focus are: emotional issues that disrupt one's life (including anxiety, stress, anger management and depression), parenting struggles, adolescent and young adult issues, parent/child relationships and improving/enhancing marital relationships. My therapeutic model is eclectic and utilizes multiple techniques. I welcome all religions, ethnicity, gender identities and sexual orientations.
I have been working in the mental health field since 1995 and with both adolescents and adults. I have worked in a variety of settings, including residential, in-home, and outpatient. Some particular areas of focus are: emotional issues that disrupt one's life (including anxiety, stress, anger management and depression), parenting struggles, adolescent and young adult issues, parent/child relationships and improving/enhancing marital relationships. My therapeutic model is eclectic and utilizes multiple techniques. I welcome all religions, ethnicity, gender identities and sexual orientations.
Courtney Liljekvist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Athens, TN 37303
I work with children (ages 4-12), adolescents, families, and adults. My goal is to offer a safe space to those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, low self-esteem, family conflict, or attachment issues. While I like to draw from multiple approaches, including: attachment work, play therapy, mindfulness practices, art therapy, CBT, and family therapy. I ultimately tailor my approach to the needs of the person. Coming to therapy takes a significant step of bravery and I strive to create an environment that promotes acceptance and growth.
I work with children (ages 4-12), adolescents, families, and adults. My goal is to offer a safe space to those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, low self-esteem, family conflict, or attachment issues. While I like to draw from multiple approaches, including: attachment work, play therapy, mindfulness practices, art therapy, CBT, and family therapy. I ultimately tailor my approach to the needs of the person. Coming to therapy takes a significant step of bravery and I strive to create an environment that promotes acceptance and growth.
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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.