LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Gaithersburg, MD
Hello, my name is DJ and my pronouns are they/them. I am a professional counselor licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and I provide teletherapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. I primarily address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions with clients who are LGBTQIAA+, polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous, and/or into kink/BDSM. If this sounds like you, contact me and we can set up an initial phone consultation to see if we would be a good fit!
Hello, my name is DJ and my pronouns are they/them. I am a professional counselor licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and I provide teletherapy through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform. I primarily address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and life transitions with clients who are LGBTQIAA+, polyamorous/ethically non-monogamous, and/or into kink/BDSM. If this sounds like you, contact me and we can set up an initial phone consultation to see if we would be a good fit!
My passion is working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, those seeking gender affirming care, and those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
I will tailor your therapy to fit your needs and depending on what works for you, we can use talk therapy, grounding techniques and/or yoga therapy to help you manage your emotions and physical feelings. I am here to support you in your journey offering you a safe place to explore and process who you are, what's happened before, or what's happening now.
My passion is working with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, those seeking gender affirming care, and those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
I will tailor your therapy to fit your needs and depending on what works for you, we can use talk therapy, grounding techniques and/or yoga therapy to help you manage your emotions and physical feelings. I am here to support you in your journey offering you a safe place to explore and process who you are, what's happened before, or what's happening now.
Together, we can explore these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment, in a space that honors neurodiversity and is LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Hi, I’m Anthony. I work with adults in both Maine and Maryland who feel burned out, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same patterns—especially after trying therapy or doing a lot of self-work already. You may understand why you feel the way you do, but still find yourself overthinking, shutting down, or reacting in ways you can’t change. It can be frustrating to have insight but still feel stuck.
Together, we can explore these patterns with curiosity rather than judgment, in a space that honors neurodiversity and is LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Hi, I’m Anthony. I work with adults in both Maine and Maryland who feel burned out, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same patterns—especially after trying therapy or doing a lot of self-work already. You may understand why you feel the way you do, but still find yourself overthinking, shutting down, or reacting in ways you can’t change. It can be frustrating to have insight but still feel stuck.
We have multilingual therapists, therapists with different faith backgrounds, and therapists who are in the LGBTQ+ community.
New Hope Counseling Group, LLC, is a group of diverse licensed therapists who take great pride in providing a safe and comfortable space to explore a range of challenges with each client we work with. We strive to empower our clients to navigate life's challenges through individualized, collaborative, trauma-informed treatment modalities. We seek to match you with the best fit therapist based on your presenting needs or personal goals.
We have multilingual therapists, therapists with different faith backgrounds, and therapists who are in the LGBTQ+ community.
New Hope Counseling Group, LLC, is a group of diverse licensed therapists who take great pride in providing a safe and comfortable space to explore a range of challenges with each client we work with. We strive to empower our clients to navigate life's challenges through individualized, collaborative, trauma-informed treatment modalities. We seek to match you with the best fit therapist based on your presenting needs or personal goals.
As an LGBTQ+ biracial therapist, I'm familiar with the intense pressure folks feel when they try to meet the demands of various social identities.
Having worked in psychiatric rehabilitation, I am comfortable addressing the symptoms of anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders, along with helping adults with neurodiverse needs. I use a psychodynamic approach and attachment work to understand clients' long-term struggles and patterns, while I provide DBT skills for day to day problem-solving.
As an LGBTQ+ biracial therapist, I'm familiar with the intense pressure folks feel when they try to meet the demands of various social identities.
Having worked in psychiatric rehabilitation, I am comfortable addressing the symptoms of anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders, along with helping adults with neurodiverse needs. I use a psychodynamic approach and attachment work to understand clients' long-term struggles and patterns, while I provide DBT skills for day to day problem-solving.
Maybe managing your mental health has always been hard, but lately it’s felt impossible. Maybe your teen is struggling to adjust to all of the changes they are facing. Or maybe you just want someone to listen and truly hear you. No matter the reason, the decision to get help is rarely a simple one. In the therapy room, we’ll center your values as the focus of treatment. I know from my experiences as both a clinician and a client that the therapeutic relationship alone can be a powerful influence in growth and self-discovery. My goal is to use validation, dialectics, the strengths you already possess, to guide you in your journey.
Maybe managing your mental health has always been hard, but lately it’s felt impossible. Maybe your teen is struggling to adjust to all of the changes they are facing. Or maybe you just want someone to listen and truly hear you. No matter the reason, the decision to get help is rarely a simple one. In the therapy room, we’ll center your values as the focus of treatment. I know from my experiences as both a clinician and a client that the therapeutic relationship alone can be a powerful influence in growth and self-discovery. My goal is to use validation, dialectics, the strengths you already possess, to guide you in your journey.
My commitment to approaching therapy with multicultural and trauma-informed lenses allows me to work with people from all walks of life. I primarily utilize acceptance and commitment therapy, borrowing from other modalities as needed to better meet my clients' needs. I offer virtual weekday sessions. I provide a free 15-minute consultation call for all prospective clients. Our work together will be a collaborative process as we find ways to tailor our sessions to work best for you. Through therapy and our work together, I believe we can help find you relief from life’s challenges and nurture your natural strengths and resilience.
My commitment to approaching therapy with multicultural and trauma-informed lenses allows me to work with people from all walks of life. I primarily utilize acceptance and commitment therapy, borrowing from other modalities as needed to better meet my clients' needs. I offer virtual weekday sessions. I provide a free 15-minute consultation call for all prospective clients. Our work together will be a collaborative process as we find ways to tailor our sessions to work best for you. Through therapy and our work together, I believe we can help find you relief from life’s challenges and nurture your natural strengths and resilience.
Navigating life stressors, transitions and relationships can be challenging. I assist individuals and couples in a non-judgmental, compassionate manner, using a strengths-based approach to address a variety of mental health, relationship, communication and career issues. During our sessions, I will support you in identifying emotional triggers, learning coping techniques, healthier communication strategies, and conflict resolution skills, while developing self-care practices, that promote psychological wellness and stability. Start living your best life today!
Navigating life stressors, transitions and relationships can be challenging. I assist individuals and couples in a non-judgmental, compassionate manner, using a strengths-based approach to address a variety of mental health, relationship, communication and career issues. During our sessions, I will support you in identifying emotional triggers, learning coping techniques, healthier communication strategies, and conflict resolution skills, while developing self-care practices, that promote psychological wellness and stability. Start living your best life today!
I’m Deanna, and I specialize in supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the unique experiences of neurodivergence. My ideal clients are people seeking a compassionate, affirming space to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and move through life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
I’m Deanna, and I specialize in supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the unique experiences of neurodivergence. My ideal clients are people seeking a compassionate, affirming space to better understand themselves, strengthen their relationships, and move through life’s challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
Shannon
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a neurodivergent, queer, AI critical therapist, and I approach therapy from a relational and collaborative place where I aim to help you feel safe and supported.
I offer a judgement free, accessible place to work on your individual goals. I specialize in anxiety disorders and OCD.
I am a neurodivergent, queer, AI critical therapist, and I approach therapy from a relational and collaborative place where I aim to help you feel safe and supported.
I offer a judgement free, accessible place to work on your individual goals. I specialize in anxiety disorders and OCD.
At DBT Maryland, we believe that in order to build a life worth living, people need validation, support and practical skills. We strive to provide empathic, accepting and productive therapeutic relationships so you can feel safe while moving toward your goals. Each person's situation is unique and our therapy approach will be designed to meet your individual needs. Many of our clients suffer from problems of emotional dysregulation (borderline personality, PTSD, depression, anxiety & bipolar) most effectively addressed by a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.
At DBT Maryland, we believe that in order to build a life worth living, people need validation, support and practical skills. We strive to provide empathic, accepting and productive therapeutic relationships so you can feel safe while moving toward your goals. Each person's situation is unique and our therapy approach will be designed to meet your individual needs. Many of our clients suffer from problems of emotional dysregulation (borderline personality, PTSD, depression, anxiety & bipolar) most effectively addressed by a comprehensive Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program.
I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, focusing on anxiety, depression, identity exploration, sexuality, life transitions, challenges in relationships, understanding & coping with trauma, body acceptance, increasing self-confidence & worth, reducing internalized stigma & other mental health experiences.
I hope to create a space to reflect on our experiences & how to shift patterns to serve us more fully, being curious with the ways cultural, environmental & systemic factors have impacted us. I practice from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, & collaborative approach, & strive to be authentic & empathetic, utilizing a direct, humorous & inviting approach.
I primarily work with LGBTQIA+ individuals, focusing on anxiety, depression, identity exploration, sexuality, life transitions, challenges in relationships, understanding & coping with trauma, body acceptance, increasing self-confidence & worth, reducing internalized stigma & other mental health experiences.
I hope to create a space to reflect on our experiences & how to shift patterns to serve us more fully, being curious with the ways cultural, environmental & systemic factors have impacted us. I practice from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based, & collaborative approach, & strive to be authentic & empathetic, utilizing a direct, humorous & inviting approach.
My clients are often thoughtful professionals who are driven, reflective, and emotionally attuned. Many of them find themselves stuck - such as being overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, even after years of personal growth. I work with both individuals and couples to navigate anxiety, burnout, and relationship stress through a blend of existential therapy, ACT, and mind-body approaches such as hypnosis. I've completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2, and I integrate its principles combined with attachment theory to help partners communicate with greater clarity, emotional honesty, and compassion.
My clients are often thoughtful professionals who are driven, reflective, and emotionally attuned. Many of them find themselves stuck - such as being overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, even after years of personal growth. I work with both individuals and couples to navigate anxiety, burnout, and relationship stress through a blend of existential therapy, ACT, and mind-body approaches such as hypnosis. I've completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2, and I integrate its principles combined with attachment theory to help partners communicate with greater clarity, emotional honesty, and compassion.
I have immediate openings please see my website for times! I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and trauma, helping clients create practical, sustainable systems to manage executive functioning challenges and move forward with greater ease and confidence. As someone who lives with ADHD myself, I understand how exhausting it can feel to constantly push against your own brain to get things done.
I am also trained in EMDR therapy, which aids clients in reprocessing traumatic experiences and negative beliefs. Trauma looks different for everyone, and no matter what the experience was, your response to it is valid.
I have immediate openings please see my website for times! I specialize in working with adults with ADHD and trauma, helping clients create practical, sustainable systems to manage executive functioning challenges and move forward with greater ease and confidence. As someone who lives with ADHD myself, I understand how exhausting it can feel to constantly push against your own brain to get things done.
I am also trained in EMDR therapy, which aids clients in reprocessing traumatic experiences and negative beliefs. Trauma looks different for everyone, and no matter what the experience was, your response to it is valid.
Kaylan Landing
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that true healing happens when a challenge is addressed holistically, and when the client is seen as a whole person. Therapy with me is a safe space to explore your connection with any uncomfortable emotions, disruptive thoughts and behavioral patterns, as well as, complicated relationships with the individuals in your life. I am especially passionate about working with those who suffer with pain and trauma from the past and who are interested in exploring how it affects their everyday life.
I believe that true healing happens when a challenge is addressed holistically, and when the client is seen as a whole person. Therapy with me is a safe space to explore your connection with any uncomfortable emotions, disruptive thoughts and behavioral patterns, as well as, complicated relationships with the individuals in your life. I am especially passionate about working with those who suffer with pain and trauma from the past and who are interested in exploring how it affects their everyday life.
Additionally, I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the ENM, Poly, and Kink communities.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). However, I believe that incorporating various modalities and techniques that I find beneficial to a client is essential. After all, one size doesn’t always fit all.
Additionally, I am an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the ENM, Poly, and Kink communities.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). However, I believe that incorporating various modalities and techniques that I find beneficial to a client is essential. After all, one size doesn’t always fit all.
My clients are often young womxn, LGBTQIA community, moms, and other therapists!
Painful experiences impact us throughout our lives, harming our sense of self and changing our life paths. You may be dealing with gut-wrenching emotions, disturbing thoughts, intrusive memories, and perhaps panic, guilt or shame. The loss, trauma, and abuse that can occur in our relationships, families and experiences impacts our bodies and our minds. You deserve to heal, and step into a future where you feel resilient, empowered, peaceful and accepted as you are. You can live a life guided by your values rather than controlled by pain and fear.
My clients are often young womxn, LGBTQIA community, moms, and other therapists!
Painful experiences impact us throughout our lives, harming our sense of self and changing our life paths. You may be dealing with gut-wrenching emotions, disturbing thoughts, intrusive memories, and perhaps panic, guilt or shame. The loss, trauma, and abuse that can occur in our relationships, families and experiences impacts our bodies and our minds. You deserve to heal, and step into a future where you feel resilient, empowered, peaceful and accepted as you are. You can live a life guided by your values rather than controlled by pain and fear.
Life of Ease, LLC - Laura Helbling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I'm a trauma-trained, queer-identifying, and holistic therapist who values mindfulness, authenticity, and relational safety in my practice.
Whether you’re adjusting to the challenges of life, feeling exhausted by them, or simply need a space to be seen and heard, I’m here to support you or your teen in navigating the unique challenges that come with being you. I believe in the healing power of a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship, so in the therapy space you can expect to be listened to, respected, accepted, and challenged when needed. Issues I work with include but are not limited to: depression, substance use/dependance, self-harm, PTSD, generalized anxiety, men’s issues, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
I'm a trauma-trained, queer-identifying, and holistic therapist who values mindfulness, authenticity, and relational safety in my practice.
Whether you’re adjusting to the challenges of life, feeling exhausted by them, or simply need a space to be seen and heard, I’m here to support you or your teen in navigating the unique challenges that come with being you. I believe in the healing power of a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship, so in the therapy space you can expect to be listened to, respected, accepted, and challenged when needed. Issues I work with include but are not limited to: depression, substance use/dependance, self-harm, PTSD, generalized anxiety, men’s issues, life transitions, grief, relationship issues, and self-esteem.
My practice helps TGNB and queer people with complex trauma histories handle anxiety with personalized care that blends beliefs exploration & somatic strategies.
You are a unique constellation of values, needs, identities and experiences; to thrive you need all parts of yourself to be nurtured and affirmed. In the current climate it can be hard to take care of yourself and follow through on your goals. Maybe worry is keeping you up at night and doom scrolling all day. When you work with me you will have the opportunity to process all the feelings and thoughts that are moving through you, explore the beliefs that help and hinder you, set real intentions based on your values and practice concrete strategies for coping with threats while still finding connection and joy.
My practice helps TGNB and queer people with complex trauma histories handle anxiety with personalized care that blends beliefs exploration & somatic strategies.
You are a unique constellation of values, needs, identities and experiences; to thrive you need all parts of yourself to be nurtured and affirmed. In the current climate it can be hard to take care of yourself and follow through on your goals. Maybe worry is keeping you up at night and doom scrolling all day. When you work with me you will have the opportunity to process all the feelings and thoughts that are moving through you, explore the beliefs that help and hinder you, set real intentions based on your values and practice concrete strategies for coping with threats while still finding connection and joy.
PTSD/cPTSD and autism specialist trained in EMDR, IFS, ACT and DBT. I work with many clients that have complex symptom presentations that have made finding understanding and relief difficult. I help to understand how different biological and environmental factors can overlap to better work with our nervous system instead of against it. I believe we adapt as best we can to trauma and the lives we're given and those adaptations, though sometimes inconvenient, should be shown compassion for what they've allowed us to survive. From that foundation we can work together to get where you're trying to go.
PTSD/cPTSD and autism specialist trained in EMDR, IFS, ACT and DBT. I work with many clients that have complex symptom presentations that have made finding understanding and relief difficult. I help to understand how different biological and environmental factors can overlap to better work with our nervous system instead of against it. I believe we adapt as best we can to trauma and the lives we're given and those adaptations, though sometimes inconvenient, should be shown compassion for what they've allowed us to survive. From that foundation we can work together to get where you're trying to go.
See more therapy options for Gaithersburg
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Gaithersburg
- Aspen Hill
- Clarksburg
- Damascus
- Darnestown
- Derwood
- Germantown
- Laytonsville
- Montgomery Village
- North Potomac
- Olney
- Rockville
- Sandy Spring
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.