LGBTQ+ Therapists in Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA
Joe Charette
Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am queer and I primarily work with LGBTQ, Gender-expansive, and Non-Binary communities, those who have experienced trauma, and those wanting support for sex and sexuality related experiences.
What is your story? What do you want to change in that story? In my years as a counselor I've learned that you have everything you need to grow, and I am here to support you in finding and using those skills. Whether you're wanting to process through trauma, looking for insight or new meaning, or you just need someone to listen I will be with you along the way. My approach is highly collaborative and rooted in the person-centered tradition. We will work to develop your preferred story by using your lived experience to draw on new meaning, insight, and self-awareness.
I am queer and I primarily work with LGBTQ, Gender-expansive, and Non-Binary communities, those who have experienced trauma, and those wanting support for sex and sexuality related experiences.
What is your story? What do you want to change in that story? In my years as a counselor I've learned that you have everything you need to grow, and I am here to support you in finding and using those skills. Whether you're wanting to process through trauma, looking for insight or new meaning, or you just need someone to listen I will be with you along the way. My approach is highly collaborative and rooted in the person-centered tradition. We will work to develop your preferred story by using your lived experience to draw on new meaning, insight, and self-awareness.
Alex Kapnek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, EMDR, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Online Only)
I have a passion for working with those exploring gender and sexual identity, trauma, substance use, recovery, and those in the LGBTQ+ community. The therapy I provide is tailored to your individual needs and can help you facilitate personal growth and development. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe and respected. I would be honored to provide that space for you. I view my work with you as a collaborative process. I want to learn more about you and understand the problems you are facing from your perspective. I can provide letters for gender confirmation surgery.
I have a passion for working with those exploring gender and sexual identity, trauma, substance use, recovery, and those in the LGBTQ+ community. The therapy I provide is tailored to your individual needs and can help you facilitate personal growth and development. Therapy is most effective when you feel safe and respected. I would be honored to provide that space for you. I view my work with you as a collaborative process. I want to learn more about you and understand the problems you are facing from your perspective. I can provide letters for gender confirmation surgery.
Frances Berger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Frances Berger is a therapist with four years of experience specializing in working with college students and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and exploring LGBTQIA+ identities. Frances works with clients utilizing a Psychodynamic and Relational approach and practices from a trauma-informed, feminist, and intersectional perspective. Frances aims to provide a safe and collaborative environment where clients can grow into their authentic selves.
Frances Berger is a therapist with four years of experience specializing in working with college students and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and exploring LGBTQIA+ identities. Frances works with clients utilizing a Psychodynamic and Relational approach and practices from a trauma-informed, feminist, and intersectional perspective. Frances aims to provide a safe and collaborative environment where clients can grow into their authentic selves.
Curtis Wilson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Online Only)
I also have a passion for the LGBTQ community and a desire to walk with any individuals or couples who are processing their own sexuality or sexual or gender identity.
Finding a Therapist can be Hard! Let's make it easier. Are you ready to reclaim your confidence and embrace a new way of viewing life? Are you feeling the impact of past trauma and the desire to unpack the baggage and move forward in freedom in your relationships? Let's collaborate together and find healthy ways to live and embrace life and freedom. Although taking the first step to seek help is sometimes hard, the lasting impact of that decision is worth that risk. Taking the time to focus on yourself, your relationships, and your future is never a wasted investment. I'm here to support you. www.curtiswilsoncounseling.com
I also have a passion for the LGBTQ community and a desire to walk with any individuals or couples who are processing their own sexuality or sexual or gender identity.
Finding a Therapist can be Hard! Let's make it easier. Are you ready to reclaim your confidence and embrace a new way of viewing life? Are you feeling the impact of past trauma and the desire to unpack the baggage and move forward in freedom in your relationships? Let's collaborate together and find healthy ways to live and embrace life and freedom. Although taking the first step to seek help is sometimes hard, the lasting impact of that decision is worth that risk. Taking the time to focus on yourself, your relationships, and your future is never a wasted investment. I'm here to support you. www.curtiswilsoncounseling.com
Jae Swanson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Jae Swanson (they/them) is a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum, grief/bereavement, terminal illness, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender identity, and issues related to systemic oppression. Jae has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, individually and in groups.
Jae Swanson (they/them) is a trauma-informed Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Music Therapist with over 10 years of experience specializing in anxiety, depression, Autism Spectrum, grief/bereavement, terminal illness, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender identity, and issues related to systemic oppression. Jae has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages, individually and in groups.
Kirsten Walker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys volunteering at a local horse stable, taking road trips with her toddler, building queer community, trying out new recipes, and hiking in the woods.
Kirsten Walker, LSW Kirsten Walker is a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania with ten years of experience. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern University and a Master of Social Work from Temple University. Kirsten believes in putting an emphasis on the person in their environment, with the philosophy that we are all part of larger interconnected systems that impact who we are as individuals. She brings a feminist perspective that focuses on gender identity and expression and how clients may experience a unique set of challenges and stressors therein.
In her spare time, Kirsten enjoys volunteering at a local horse stable, taking road trips with her toddler, building queer community, trying out new recipes, and hiking in the woods.
Kirsten Walker, LSW Kirsten Walker is a Licensed Social Worker in Pennsylvania with ten years of experience. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern University and a Master of Social Work from Temple University. Kirsten believes in putting an emphasis on the person in their environment, with the philosophy that we are all part of larger interconnected systems that impact who we are as individuals. She brings a feminist perspective that focuses on gender identity and expression and how clients may experience a unique set of challenges and stressors therein.
Maureen Zdanis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Mindful Connection Therapy
Counselor, LAC, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients and allies.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed or lost? Maybe you feel unfulfilled in your relationships, career, or other key areas of your life. If you are ready to explore these parts of yourself and interrupt patterns that are no longer serving you, I can help with that. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at the areas that are causing distress, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I provide therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself openly and authentically.
As an LGBTQ+ therapist, I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ clients and allies.
Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed or lost? Maybe you feel unfulfilled in your relationships, career, or other key areas of your life. If you are ready to explore these parts of yourself and interrupt patterns that are no longer serving you, I can help with that. Psychotherapy is a collaborative process which allows us to look at the areas that are causing distress, and identify ways to adjust your thoughts and behaviors to create positive change. I provide therapy in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself openly and authentically.
Laura Hetzel
Pre-Licensed Professional, MPS, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am a queer clinician.
I empower clients who are trying to get things right, but feel like they always fall short. Maybe you are stepping out on your own as a young adult, or navigating the mounting pressures of being a teen, or feeling overwhelmed by the stress of parenting a child dealing with their own big feelings. I support clients to accept difficult parts of yourself to feel more whole. I support skill-building to reduce anxiety & to enhance your trust in yourself & your abilities. In art making, we can create space to process experiences that feel outside of spoken language.
I am a queer clinician.
I empower clients who are trying to get things right, but feel like they always fall short. Maybe you are stepping out on your own as a young adult, or navigating the mounting pressures of being a teen, or feeling overwhelmed by the stress of parenting a child dealing with their own big feelings. I support clients to accept difficult parts of yourself to feel more whole. I support skill-building to reduce anxiety & to enhance your trust in yourself & your abilities. In art making, we can create space to process experiences that feel outside of spoken language.
Farhana Ferdous
Counselor, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
My practice is informed by my experiences as a queer Bangladeshi-American woman and I enjoy working with first/second gen immigrants, interracial/cultural, and queer individuals and couples.
Knowing that opening up about true feelings with another person can be intimidating, I create a warm space to unpack clients’ stories and uncover the root causes of issues with curiosity. My practice is grounded in understanding the unique experiences of my clients, especially how systems we exist in and outside of us contribute to distress. I believe in the natural intuition and resilience of all people and highlight those in therapy so that greater understanding and compassion for oneself can emerge, while also empowering clients with new perspectives and tools.
My practice is informed by my experiences as a queer Bangladeshi-American woman and I enjoy working with first/second gen immigrants, interracial/cultural, and queer individuals and couples.
Knowing that opening up about true feelings with another person can be intimidating, I create a warm space to unpack clients’ stories and uncover the root causes of issues with curiosity. My practice is grounded in understanding the unique experiences of my clients, especially how systems we exist in and outside of us contribute to distress. I believe in the natural intuition and resilience of all people and highlight those in therapy so that greater understanding and compassion for oneself can emerge, while also empowering clients with new perspectives and tools.
Diana Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Diana’s area of interest includes postpartum depression/anxiety, LGBTQIA, play therapy, life transitions, and low self esteem.
Reaching out to a therapist takes courage. You deserve a therapist that creates a safe space to examine your interior life and how you want to show up in the world. Diana supports growth and self discovery, at a pace that is comfortable for the client. She works with clients to develop goals that are meaningful and personal to them. Diana brings a strengths-based perspective to therapy.
Diana’s area of interest includes postpartum depression/anxiety, LGBTQIA, play therapy, life transitions, and low self esteem.
Reaching out to a therapist takes courage. You deserve a therapist that creates a safe space to examine your interior life and how you want to show up in the world. Diana supports growth and self discovery, at a pace that is comfortable for the client. She works with clients to develop goals that are meaningful and personal to them. Diana brings a strengths-based perspective to therapy.
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Sylvie Beauvais
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLA, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
I warmly welcome those who may be leery of therapists: LGBTQIA+, immigrants, POC.
Finding the right therapist can be intimidating. My goal is to make the therapy process welcoming and transparent. I work particularly well with people who've been told they are "too sensitive" or who identify as Highly Sensitive People. My talent lies in treating anxiety, trauma, and attachment/relationship wounds, as well as self-esteem. I support those who care for their communities: healers, caregivers, artists or those with creative practices, and activists. I've worked with ages 3-90 across class, race, gender, sexual orientation, & health status. Together, we can explore hard topics with sensitivity and humor.
I warmly welcome those who may be leery of therapists: LGBTQIA+, immigrants, POC.
Finding the right therapist can be intimidating. My goal is to make the therapy process welcoming and transparent. I work particularly well with people who've been told they are "too sensitive" or who identify as Highly Sensitive People. My talent lies in treating anxiety, trauma, and attachment/relationship wounds, as well as self-esteem. I support those who care for their communities: healers, caregivers, artists or those with creative practices, and activists. I've worked with ages 3-90 across class, race, gender, sexual orientation, & health status. Together, we can explore hard topics with sensitivity and humor.
Marie Moriarty Puggi
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Marie Moriarty-Puggi is Licensed Eligible for her LPC and has 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about serving children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in their journey toward healing and reaching their personal goals. Marie specializes in all areas of trauma/PTSD, domestic violence, grief, and more. She also treats LGBTQ concerns, auto-immune deficiency disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, depression, and the impact of substance abuse in family units.
Marie Moriarty-Puggi is Licensed Eligible for her LPC and has 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about serving children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly in their journey toward healing and reaching their personal goals. Marie specializes in all areas of trauma/PTSD, domestic violence, grief, and more. She also treats LGBTQ concerns, auto-immune deficiency disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, depression, and the impact of substance abuse in family units.
John C McWilliams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am passionate about helping adults of all ages navigate the transitions in their lives, approaching my work from the perspective that all of us are seeking to realize our full potential. I help clients find solutions to what’s blocking their path and compromising their joy. I have been successful in helping people struggling to find their sense of identity through career and intimate relationships and to recover from the trauma of invalidating families and cultures. I help couples break their cycle of defensive communication to create more intimate connections through reciprocal vulnerability.
I am passionate about helping adults of all ages navigate the transitions in their lives, approaching my work from the perspective that all of us are seeking to realize our full potential. I help clients find solutions to what’s blocking their path and compromising their joy. I have been successful in helping people struggling to find their sense of identity through career and intimate relationships and to recover from the trauma of invalidating families and cultures. I help couples break their cycle of defensive communication to create more intimate connections through reciprocal vulnerability.
Michael C. Wright
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located near Rittenhouse Square. While I have experience with a wide range of issues, I am especially skilled in working with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss, shame, and sexual and gender identity concerns. My approach to treatment is relational and psychodynamic. This means that I strive to maintain a strong focus on the relationship—both the therapeutic and real, human relationship—between the client and me. To this end, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is itself a powerful agent for change and can serve as a foundation for addressing numerous real-world problems.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist located near Rittenhouse Square. While I have experience with a wide range of issues, I am especially skilled in working with depression, anxiety, loneliness, loss, shame, and sexual and gender identity concerns. My approach to treatment is relational and psychodynamic. This means that I strive to maintain a strong focus on the relationship—both the therapeutic and real, human relationship—between the client and me. To this end, I believe that the therapeutic relationship is itself a powerful agent for change and can serve as a foundation for addressing numerous real-world problems.
Conor Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Conor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 3 years experience working in the mental health field including experience with young adults as well as children and adolescents. He specializes in working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, interpersonal challenges, existential/spiritual concerns, and major life transitions.
Conor is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 3 years experience working in the mental health field including experience with young adults as well as children and adolescents. He specializes in working with people struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, interpersonal challenges, existential/spiritual concerns, and major life transitions.
Glenn Shrum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Glenn T. Shrum is a licensed professional counselor who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education with an M. Phil. in Professional Counseling. Trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Prolonged Exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD, Glenn also draws on psychodynamic, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy approaches to respond to his clients' individual needs.
Glenn T. Shrum is a licensed professional counselor who has been practicing since 2018. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education with an M. Phil. in Professional Counseling. Trained and certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as Prolonged Exposure therapy for the treatment of PTSD, Glenn also draws on psychodynamic, person-centered, and solution-focused therapy approaches to respond to his clients' individual needs.
Mary Jean Shirk
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Mary Jean (MJ) Rainsford, PsyD Mary Jean (MJ) Rainsford is a Psychologist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2022. She has a BS in Human Services from the University of Delaware, an MS in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a PsyD in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. MJ specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 25. She uses individualized treatment plans to meet the strengths and needs of each client.
Mary Jean (MJ) Rainsford, PsyD Mary Jean (MJ) Rainsford is a Psychologist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2022. She has a BS in Human Services from the University of Delaware, an MS in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a PsyD in School Psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. MJ specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 25. She uses individualized treatment plans to meet the strengths and needs of each client.
Rachel Collier
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Dr. Rachel Collier is a Psychologist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Collier primarily works from a client-centered and psychodynamic framework and incorporates techniques from many theories to find what is best for her client. Dr. Collier enjoys helping people embrace who they are and find the highest quality of life. Outside of work, Dr. Collier embraces nature, enjoys hiking, gardening, reading outside, swimming, and taking her perfect angel dog for walks. She also loves baking. Another passion is football. Ask who is the reigning fantasy football champ (it's her).
Dr. Rachel Collier is a Psychologist in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2023. Dr. Collier primarily works from a client-centered and psychodynamic framework and incorporates techniques from many theories to find what is best for her client. Dr. Collier enjoys helping people embrace who they are and find the highest quality of life. Outside of work, Dr. Collier embraces nature, enjoys hiking, gardening, reading outside, swimming, and taking her perfect angel dog for walks. She also loves baking. Another passion is football. Ask who is the reigning fantasy football champ (it's her).
Irina Syrnikova
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairmount, Philadelphia, PA 19130
Irina Syrnikova, LPC Irina Syrnikova is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MS in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University. Irina believes that starting counseling is a major decision and it may seem challenging to disclose certain things about ourselves to a person we are not familiar with, so she usually makes it her priority to take time and get to know her clients and create a safe space for them to share with her. Together you can determine what one would like to work on and explore.
Irina Syrnikova, LPC Irina Syrnikova is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2020. She has an MS in Community and Trauma Counseling from Thomas Jefferson University. Irina believes that starting counseling is a major decision and it may seem challenging to disclose certain things about ourselves to a person we are not familiar with, so she usually makes it her priority to take time and get to know her clients and create a safe space for them to share with her. Together you can determine what one would like to work on and explore.
See more therapy options for Fairmount, Philadelphia
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Fairmount, Philadelphia
- Brewerytown
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- City Center West
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- Hartranft
- Logan Square
- Midtown Village
- North Central
- Northern Liberties
- Poplar
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- Rittenhouse Square
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.