LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Spirit Lake, IA
Through my years of experience, I have worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. This has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of contemporary issues and has allowed me to develop a unique combination of interpersonal psychoanalysis, mind-body stimulation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the ability to diagnose and treat clients in a detailed manner. My work with Murphy CDT, further allows a client to be their authentic selves in session. I am known to be approachable, genuine, and have a welcoming "take your shoes off and relax" view to therapy.
Through my years of experience, I have worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. This has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of contemporary issues and has allowed me to develop a unique combination of interpersonal psychoanalysis, mind-body stimulation, cognitive behavioral techniques, and the ability to diagnose and treat clients in a detailed manner. My work with Murphy CDT, further allows a client to be their authentic selves in session. I am known to be approachable, genuine, and have a welcoming "take your shoes off and relax" view to therapy.
I provide an affirming, inclusive space that honors LGBTQ+ identities and diverse cultural backgrounds.
I work with adolescents and adults who are processing trauma, anxiety, relationship wounds, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together, we move at a pace that feels safe for you.
I provide an affirming, inclusive space that honors LGBTQ+ identities and diverse cultural backgrounds.
I work with adolescents and adults who are processing trauma, anxiety, relationship wounds, and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Together, we move at a pace that feels safe for you.
As a therapist, I’m authentic, compassionate, and a little quirky. I believe therapy should feel real, not rehearsed. I create a space where clients can show up fully as themselves, without judgment or pretense. Based in Spencer, Iowa, I work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, families, and children both in-person and online across Iowa, supporting emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs through creative and playful approaches. My style blends warmth, humor, and practical tools to help clients manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, and build confidence while fostering genuine growth and lasting change.
As a therapist, I’m authentic, compassionate, and a little quirky. I believe therapy should feel real, not rehearsed. I create a space where clients can show up fully as themselves, without judgment or pretense. Based in Spencer, Iowa, I work with neurodivergent individuals, couples, families, and children both in-person and online across Iowa, supporting emotional regulation, communication, and sensory needs through creative and playful approaches. My style blends warmth, humor, and practical tools to help clients manage anxiety, strengthen relationships, and build confidence while fostering genuine growth and lasting change.
As a clinician, I believe that my clients know themselves best and I am here to support them in their journey of self-exploration. My passion is to assist individuals in creating positive change in their life. I primarily assist clients in creating goals from a Cognitive Behavior Therapy perspective while pulling from Person-Centered and Solution-Focused techniques. Creating awareness in the mind-body connection is incredibly important to me as a clinician. I encourage this by creating the space for my clients to gain emotional and physical awareness in their minds and bodies.
As a clinician, I believe that my clients know themselves best and I am here to support them in their journey of self-exploration. My passion is to assist individuals in creating positive change in their life. I primarily assist clients in creating goals from a Cognitive Behavior Therapy perspective while pulling from Person-Centered and Solution-Focused techniques. Creating awareness in the mind-body connection is incredibly important to me as a clinician. I encourage this by creating the space for my clients to gain emotional and physical awareness in their minds and bodies.
More Therapists Nearby
Over the past five years, I have dedicated myself to helping clients of all ages navigate the various stressors in their lives, assisting them in the journey toward becoming the best versions of themselves. My practice is rooted in a deep understanding of life's complexities, whether you are facing day-to-day challenges or larger, more daunting hurdles. As a mother of a daughter with autism, I have firsthand experience with the intense process of seeking answers and working through personal and family struggles, which fuels my dedication to supporting you in your path to peace and fulfillment.
Over the past five years, I have dedicated myself to helping clients of all ages navigate the various stressors in their lives, assisting them in the journey toward becoming the best versions of themselves. My practice is rooted in a deep understanding of life's complexities, whether you are facing day-to-day challenges or larger, more daunting hurdles. As a mother of a daughter with autism, I have firsthand experience with the intense process of seeking answers and working through personal and family struggles, which fuels my dedication to supporting you in your path to peace and fulfillment.
Childhood is filled with fun and challenge. I have been helping kids and their families find happier, more functional lives for many years. Treatment at Child Glow Therapy is person centered, trauma informed as well as gently and effectively experienced.
Childhood is filled with fun and challenge. I have been helping kids and their families find happier, more functional lives for many years. Treatment at Child Glow Therapy is person centered, trauma informed as well as gently and effectively experienced.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, now is a great time and I am ready to work with you wherever you are on your journey. My therapy sessions are provided in a warm and welcoming environment, where you will be accepted no matter what. I serve clients of all ages and I am able to meet you in person or through virtual therapy.
I am a temporary licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience supporting individuals across a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. I provide in person therapy for children, adolescents and adults in the Spencer and Storm Lake area. Offering telehealth counseling across Iowa with a focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
I am a temporary licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience supporting individuals across a range of emotional and behavioral challenges. I provide in person therapy for children, adolescents and adults in the Spencer and Storm Lake area. Offering telehealth counseling across Iowa with a focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Online Therapists
Cassandra Dickerson
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, MS, LMHC
Sioux City, IA 51104
Waitlist for new clients
I address focus areas such as: Trauma - LGBTQ Affirming Therapy - Anxiety, Overwhelm, Burnout - Life Transitions & Identity.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’ve lost touch with your own needs, intuition, or sense of direction. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating transitions, or asking deeper questions about who you are and what you want, therapy can offer a grounded place to slow down and come home to yourself. I offer holistic, relational therapy that supports you in untangling old patterns, building emotional resilience, and making space for more ease, trust, and self-understanding.
I address focus areas such as: Trauma - LGBTQ Affirming Therapy - Anxiety, Overwhelm, Burnout - Life Transitions & Identity.
Life can feel overwhelming when you’ve lost touch with your own needs, intuition, or sense of direction. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating transitions, or asking deeper questions about who you are and what you want, therapy can offer a grounded place to slow down and come home to yourself. I offer holistic, relational therapy that supports you in untangling old patterns, building emotional resilience, and making space for more ease, trust, and self-understanding.
I am passionate about helping individuals who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, life-changes, and trauma. I believe that I create a space where you can feel heard, seen, comfortable, and supported. I want to help guide you in healing and becoming the best version of yourself.
I am passionate about helping individuals who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, life-changes, and trauma. I believe that I create a space where you can feel heard, seen, comfortable, and supported. I want to help guide you in healing and becoming the best version of yourself.
I love helping people heal and to be a part of that process with them. We are either healing or healed, lets get through this together. I offer a range of modalities such as EMDR and art therapy, which get the whole brain on board and are both evidence based practices. Connecting with your therapist is one thing and effective interventions is another. I like working with individuals, couples, and families to develop this relationship and address the concerns they present with. Treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and general life stressors are what I do best.
I love helping people heal and to be a part of that process with them. We are either healing or healed, lets get through this together. I offer a range of modalities such as EMDR and art therapy, which get the whole brain on board and are both evidence based practices. Connecting with your therapist is one thing and effective interventions is another. I like working with individuals, couples, and families to develop this relationship and address the concerns they present with. Treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and general life stressors are what I do best.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.- Gandalf, LOTR. I believe a small amount of hope helps a person get through most obstacles in life. Hope, to me, is the little bit of light in the darkness. My ultimate goal is to help my clients find their light. The common thread throughout my career as a therapist has been the treatment of trauma, adverse experiences, and toxic stress. Regardless of where a client is on their journey towards healing, I help them continue to take the steps to move forward.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.- Gandalf, LOTR. I believe a small amount of hope helps a person get through most obstacles in life. Hope, to me, is the little bit of light in the darkness. My ultimate goal is to help my clients find their light. The common thread throughout my career as a therapist has been the treatment of trauma, adverse experiences, and toxic stress. Regardless of where a client is on their journey towards healing, I help them continue to take the steps to move forward.
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, women’s issues, compassion fatigue and burnout, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and kink-informed therapy.
Since 2015, I’ve supported individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges with warmth, skill, and compassion. I am also the cofounder of Inner Spark therapy, coaching, and consulting. We opened our in person office February 2026..
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and identity exploration. Whether you’re rebuilding after a difficult experience or working toward more authentic connection, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and grounded in your strengths.
I specialize in trauma and PTSD, women’s issues, compassion fatigue and burnout, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, and kink-informed therapy.
Since 2015, I’ve supported individuals and couples in navigating life’s challenges with warmth, skill, and compassion. I am also the cofounder of Inner Spark therapy, coaching, and consulting. We opened our in person office February 2026..
I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, and identity exploration. Whether you’re rebuilding after a difficult experience or working toward more authentic connection, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and grounded in your strengths.
My approach to working with clients is one that is solution-focused. We all need help from time to time in our lives. I work with clients to identify their strengths in order to assist them in working through their limitations. Together, through collaboration, I work with clients to identify solutions for some of life's most overwhelming problems. I work with clients to develop an individualized treatment plan to ensure that their specific needs are being addressed in the counseling setting.
My approach to working with clients is one that is solution-focused. We all need help from time to time in our lives. I work with clients to identify their strengths in order to assist them in working through their limitations. Together, through collaboration, I work with clients to identify solutions for some of life's most overwhelming problems. I work with clients to develop an individualized treatment plan to ensure that their specific needs are being addressed in the counseling setting.
I have been providing therapy for children (age 12 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/negative impact on the person and their families.
I have been providing therapy for children (age 12 and up), adolescents and adults since 1995 in a variety of therapeutic settings. I specialize in the area of trauma and other forms of abuse causing emotional distress/negative impact on the person and their families.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
Happy to offer online therapy and remote EMDR. My work is evidence-based, unique, and creative. It is grounded in behavioral change, mindfulness, and traditional talk therapy, which has been shown to effectively reduce trauma, stress, anxiety, depression, childhood behavioral disorders, and grief. Through the therapy process adults, families, and children can find a safe place to develop the skills they need to heal, to grow, and to thrive. My goal is to make each session unique to the needs of each person so they can build upon what already makes them happy.
I help clients' health through a blend of evidence-based counseling and creative expression. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation, and life transitions, offering a compassionate, grounded space where insight and creativity come together.
I help clients' health through a blend of evidence-based counseling and creative expression. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation, and life transitions, offering a compassionate, grounded space where insight and creativity come together.
Blue Anchor Counseling & Support
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LISW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Therapy is a space to slow down, feel supported, and make sense of what you’re experiencing—without judgment or pressure. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach, meeting you where you are and honoring your pace. Together, we’ll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping tools, and reconnect with your strengths. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—just a willingness to start.
Therapy is a space to slow down, feel supported, and make sense of what you’re experiencing—without judgment or pressure. I take a collaborative, client-centered approach, meeting you where you are and honoring your pace. Together, we’ll explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build practical coping tools, and reconnect with your strengths. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—just a willingness to start.
Addison Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW
Mason City, IA 50401
Waitlist for new clients
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
Seeing clients across Iowa via Telehealth! I have a tremendous understanding of the social, emotional, psychological, and societal impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences, and am aware of the importance of identifying and addressing toxic stress in both children and adults. I am also well-versed on the numerous symptoms of trauma. I understand how these symptoms can perpetuate other secondary effects such as addiction, eating disorders, difficulties with learning and processing information, and building and sustaining relationships.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play. You are deserving of a place where you feel warm, welcome, seen, heard, validated, safe, and trusting. You deserve to share your story and know you are truly valued and respected in your journey. The Heart of Play recognizes the heart of healing requires vulnerability, courage, integrity, and bravery. We will walk alongside you in your journey, joining you in your vulnerability and healing as equals. We are not the experts on you— you are! You, all of you, are welcome here. That is our approach.
You are more than a number at The Heart of Play. You are deserving of a place where you feel warm, welcome, seen, heard, validated, safe, and trusting. You deserve to share your story and know you are truly valued and respected in your journey. The Heart of Play recognizes the heart of healing requires vulnerability, courage, integrity, and bravery. We will walk alongside you in your journey, joining you in your vulnerability and healing as equals. We are not the experts on you— you are! You, all of you, are welcome here. That is our approach.
See more therapy options for Spirit Lake
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.