LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Dover, TN
Do you often feel like something is wrong with you? Do you wonder why other people seem to be happy while you can’t be? Are you tormented by excessive worry and overthinking? Does being social and vulnerable even with people you trust terrify you? Life by itself can be hard. Instead of parties and parades, it’s often obstacles, infidelity, fighting, betrayal, moves, funerals, and divorces. But every day, people just like you, are starting therapy and finding many accessible paths to joy, peace of mind, and a grounding that is their birthright. Are you in need of this type of relief?
Do you often feel like something is wrong with you? Do you wonder why other people seem to be happy while you can’t be? Are you tormented by excessive worry and overthinking? Does being social and vulnerable even with people you trust terrify you? Life by itself can be hard. Instead of parties and parades, it’s often obstacles, infidelity, fighting, betrayal, moves, funerals, and divorces. But every day, people just like you, are starting therapy and finding many accessible paths to joy, peace of mind, and a grounding that is their birthright. Are you in need of this type of relief?
Online Therapists
Taylor Renwick
Pre-Licensed Professional, BSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
My special interests include pleasure mentoring, kink, ethical non-monogamy, polyamorous relationships, trans and non-binary care, religious trauma, anti-racism, and vicarious trauma.
I know how vital a welcoming, compassionate environment is to your safety, genuine growth, and wellbeing. I'm so excited to stand alongside you as we begin that journey! You may be trans or nonbinary, ethically nonmonogamous, polyamorous, queer, gay, questioning, in the kink community, or marginalized by society in other ways. Regardless, you deserve to feel seen, heard, and accepted as we work through whatever may be present in your life.
My special interests include pleasure mentoring, kink, ethical non-monogamy, polyamorous relationships, trans and non-binary care, religious trauma, anti-racism, and vicarious trauma.
I know how vital a welcoming, compassionate environment is to your safety, genuine growth, and wellbeing. I'm so excited to stand alongside you as we begin that journey! You may be trans or nonbinary, ethically nonmonogamous, polyamorous, queer, gay, questioning, in the kink community, or marginalized by society in other ways. Regardless, you deserve to feel seen, heard, and accepted as we work through whatever may be present in your life.
Megan Graf Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MA, SEP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Franklin, TN 37067
I specialize in helping the LGBT community, people struggling with anxiety, and trauma survivors.
You know yourself best, and I hope to help guide you in the journey of improving your quality of life. We all need help from an outside perspective from time to time; I create a safe, non-judgmental, environment to help you with your goals. Battling anxiety? Wanting to grow into a more authentic you? Let's work together to meet these struggles head on.
I specialize in helping the LGBT community, people struggling with anxiety, and trauma survivors.
You know yourself best, and I hope to help guide you in the journey of improving your quality of life. We all need help from an outside perspective from time to time; I create a safe, non-judgmental, environment to help you with your goals. Battling anxiety? Wanting to grow into a more authentic you? Let's work together to meet these struggles head on.
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
OTHER SPECIALTIES: LGBTQ Affirmative Counseling, exploring Spirituality vs.
As an artist, I understand the life-long vitality of artistic growth, & the importance of creativity to one’s perception of the world. As a professional counselor, I treat issues unique to artists, performers and other creative individuals. I encourage my clients to work with the highs/lows of the creative process, integrate them, and channel them appropriately through their art. Let’s explore ways to balance intense periods of creative work with healthy self-care and self-compassion. See more on my website on ways I can support you on your artist’s journey.
Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh
Counselor, MHR, MA, LPCMHSP, LCMHC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37211 (Online Only)
I am accepting online clients for virtual therapy in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I work with adults (Individuals, couples, and families) across a number of life experiences and mental health issues. I also work with the LGBTQIA+ community as an "out" counselor. I approach counseling from a multicultural and social justice viewpoint and have lived and worked in many countries and US states. I draw from these experiences to understand your unique situation.
I am accepting online clients for virtual therapy in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I work with adults (Individuals, couples, and families) across a number of life experiences and mental health issues. I also work with the LGBTQIA+ community as an "out" counselor. I approach counseling from a multicultural and social justice viewpoint and have lived and worked in many countries and US states. I draw from these experiences to understand your unique situation.
Charles B Cobble
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, BCD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermitage, TN 37076 (Online Only)
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016 and have worked with diverse populations, including active duty military, veterans in transition, & the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m glad to see you are considering therapy to overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or another other issue, I can help you find relief and overcome obstacles on your path to success. I’m compassionate and supportive. Our conversation is confidential in the comfort of your own home.
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2016 and have worked with diverse populations, including active duty military, veterans in transition, & the LGBTQ+ community.
I’m glad to see you are considering therapy to overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, or another other issue, I can help you find relief and overcome obstacles on your path to success. I’m compassionate and supportive. Our conversation is confidential in the comfort of your own home.
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
I am passionate about working with queer folks in the South - individuals, couples, and parents of LGBTQIA+ persons.
As a therapist, I strive to create an environment for my clients that fosters acceptance and connection in a way that best supports their healing and their journey. It is one of the greatest honors of my life to walk beside my clients through sorrow, anxiety, joy – all the experiences inherent in being human. I seek to aid clients in recognizing their own strengths as well as assist them in developing new coping skills to meet life’s challenges. As a therapist, I aim to greet every client, every session with non-judgment, radical acceptance, and a genuine interest in their wellbeing.
Mark Jameson PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207 (Online Only)
Who is this guy? Hello and welcome ! Here's my story: My name is Mark. I'm gonna go ahead and tear down some walls. I have ADHD. I am gay and also a survivor of gay reparative therapy and religious trauma. I'm an LCSW with 13 years experience working with adults and children in acute psychiatric care settings including psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive residential programs for adults. The latter half of my career, I have honed in on providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults in individual settings. I enjoy accompanying my clients on their unique journey to empowerment.
Who is this guy? Hello and welcome ! Here's my story: My name is Mark. I'm gonna go ahead and tear down some walls. I have ADHD. I am gay and also a survivor of gay reparative therapy and religious trauma. I'm an LCSW with 13 years experience working with adults and children in acute psychiatric care settings including psychiatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive residential programs for adults. The latter half of my career, I have honed in on providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults in individual settings. I enjoy accompanying my clients on their unique journey to empowerment.
Together we will foster a sacred space to experience the transformative process of witnessing and being witnessed.
Hi there! I’m Lydia and my pronouns are she/her. As a queer, neurodivergent woman, my lived experiences propel me towards advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. As an art therapist, my goal is to create a judgement-free space where you feel supported in your journey towards your most authentic self. It’s not uncommon for folks to feel unsure of or intimidated by the thought of art therapy, but my favorite thing about it is that you don’t have to be an artist or “good” at making art to benefit from the experience!
Together we will foster a sacred space to experience the transformative process of witnessing and being witnessed.
Hi there! I’m Lydia and my pronouns are she/her. As a queer, neurodivergent woman, my lived experiences propel me towards advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. As an art therapist, my goal is to create a judgement-free space where you feel supported in your journey towards your most authentic self. It’s not uncommon for folks to feel unsure of or intimidated by the thought of art therapy, but my favorite thing about it is that you don’t have to be an artist or “good” at making art to benefit from the experience!
Stephen Lockridge
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MTS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brentwood, TN 37027
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
Hi! I'm Kevin- your mindful therapist for the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma survivors, and those battling the twists and turns of anxiety and depression. I think of therapy like gardening. Taming the overgrowth of ignored emotions, tending to the roots of your experiences, and pruning away what no longer serves you. I am here to support you as you hone your green thumb for personal growth. It takes work and sometimes is uncomfortable. But thankfully discomfort leads to growth. Together, we'll meet that discomfort in a different way to cultivate an inner landscape where you can flourish.
Hi! I'm Kevin- your mindful therapist for the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma survivors, and those battling the twists and turns of anxiety and depression. I think of therapy like gardening. Taming the overgrowth of ignored emotions, tending to the roots of your experiences, and pruning away what no longer serves you. I am here to support you as you hone your green thumb for personal growth. It takes work and sometimes is uncomfortable. But thankfully discomfort leads to growth. Together, we'll meet that discomfort in a different way to cultivate an inner landscape where you can flourish.
Many people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, often feel lonely and struggle with depression and anxiety. It's important to know that you don't have to go through this alone. With time, effort, and support, things can get better.
Many people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, often feel lonely and struggle with depression and anxiety. It's important to know that you don't have to go through this alone. With time, effort, and support, things can get better.
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
I am especially interested in helping Gay men better understand themselves, create and sustain caring relationships, and enjoy being gay! I also love working with couples, polycules, and LGBTQ+ families.
As a Gay man living in TN, I am passionate about supporting your growth, affirming who you are, and helping you create the life you want! I am committed to making our therapeutic experience safe, caring, and supportive. As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist intern at Healing Umbrella Psychotherapy, I know that our unique gifts, talents, and wisdom often grow from our Queer identities. I am interested in helping Gay men better understand themselves, create and sustain caring relationships, and enjoy being gay! I also love working with couples, polycules, and LGBTQ+ families helping to build affirming and meaningful bonds and connections.
I am especially interested in helping Gay men better understand themselves, create and sustain caring relationships, and enjoy being gay! I also love working with couples, polycules, and LGBTQ+ families.
As a Gay man living in TN, I am passionate about supporting your growth, affirming who you are, and helping you create the life you want! I am committed to making our therapeutic experience safe, caring, and supportive. As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist intern at Healing Umbrella Psychotherapy, I know that our unique gifts, talents, and wisdom often grow from our Queer identities. I am interested in helping Gay men better understand themselves, create and sustain caring relationships, and enjoy being gay! I also love working with couples, polycules, and LGBTQ+ families helping to build affirming and meaningful bonds and connections.
Aunge Cory
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCMHSP, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209 (Online Only)
One of my biggest struggles in life has been finding ways to show up authentically. As a Black, non-binary and queer person, finding spaces that validate core aspects of my identity have been challenging. It’s an honor to hold space for individuals who are struggling to find their voice and place in the world. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you feel accepted, respected, and understood. I enjoy working with individuals from marginalized and underserved communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+). My practice is intersectional, collaborative, based in a social justice framework, and sex positive.
One of my biggest struggles in life has been finding ways to show up authentically. As a Black, non-binary and queer person, finding spaces that validate core aspects of my identity have been challenging. It’s an honor to hold space for individuals who are struggling to find their voice and place in the world. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe space where you feel accepted, respected, and understood. I enjoy working with individuals from marginalized and underserved communities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+). My practice is intersectional, collaborative, based in a social justice framework, and sex positive.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that prevent you from thriving and succeeding in ways that deep down you know you can? Perhaps your relationships are suffering, or intimacy feels hard or scary. Whether it's anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, relationship problems, self-harm, addictions, or something else, my guess is these patterns emerged from a need to cope or survive. As a queer person, I know how hard finding an affirming and non-judgmental therapist can be, especially if you are LGBTQ+. A therapist who meets you exactly where you are right now can be the first step to building the life you want!
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that prevent you from thriving and succeeding in ways that deep down you know you can? Perhaps your relationships are suffering, or intimacy feels hard or scary. Whether it's anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, relationship problems, self-harm, addictions, or something else, my guess is these patterns emerged from a need to cope or survive. As a queer person, I know how hard finding an affirming and non-judgmental therapist can be, especially if you are LGBTQ+. A therapist who meets you exactly where you are right now can be the first step to building the life you want!
Grace (Bomar) Finn
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37204
I hear folks on my therapy couch often ask these questions: "Why can't I get a hold on these anxious feelings?" "Why am I still repeating these same patterns?" "Why does (experience) bring up so much (emotion) for me?" I help adults and adolescents (16+) translate this curiosity into insight to develop emotion regulation skills, a sense of self rooted in integrity instead of shame, and more mindfulness in their relationships. I work mostly with anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, emotion regulation difficulty, relationship issues, spirituality, and grief, including “identity grief” (grieving the life we thought we’d live).
I hear folks on my therapy couch often ask these questions: "Why can't I get a hold on these anxious feelings?" "Why am I still repeating these same patterns?" "Why does (experience) bring up so much (emotion) for me?" I help adults and adolescents (16+) translate this curiosity into insight to develop emotion regulation skills, a sense of self rooted in integrity instead of shame, and more mindfulness in their relationships. I work mostly with anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, depression, emotion regulation difficulty, relationship issues, spirituality, and grief, including “identity grief” (grieving the life we thought we’d live).
Colleen O’Connell
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Murfreesboro, TN 37129
I have several years of experience counseling children and young adults from a variety of backgrounds, and have focused my work with clients in the LGBTQ+ community, in both exploring their identity and handling life stressors unrelated to their identity.
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
I have several years of experience counseling children and young adults from a variety of backgrounds, and have focused my work with clients in the LGBTQ+ community, in both exploring their identity and handling life stressors unrelated to their identity.
I help guide children, teens, and adults towards a mentally and emotionally healthy life, where they have the tools to pursue their best selves. Life often throws the unexpected at us, and we need someone to help us through life stressors, family conflicts, exploring our identity, and finding goals and direction in life.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
I specialize in individual counseling for those struggling with anxiety, relationship, work, and school stress, negative thoughts, mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ concerns including gender and sexual identity. My goal is to make the therapeutic process as stress-free as possible for my clients by providing an open, welcoming environment where you can express yourself freely while we work together to meet your needs.
I specialize in individual counseling for those struggling with anxiety, relationship, work, and school stress, negative thoughts, mood disorders, and LGBTQ+ concerns including gender and sexual identity. My goal is to make the therapeutic process as stress-free as possible for my clients by providing an open, welcoming environment where you can express yourself freely while we work together to meet your needs.
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.