LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Rockville, MD

I help individual adults with a wide range of emotional problems and decisions, with a special focus on the LGBT community. My goal is to enable people to resolve their issues with lasting results and to live more satisfying, healthier lives. Over the past 25 years, people have turned to me for help with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, low self-esteem, work stress, parenting, and relationship problems. I have also worked with people experiencing trauma and substance abuse.

Has the pandemic changed your world? Feeling stuck? Experiencing a lack of motivation? Are you struggling with pain from a chronic health issue or pain from daily life frustration? Are you always anxious, angry or depressed? Feel distant from your true self? Therapy can help you to break through the pain to be where you want to be. Warm, supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic exploration can help you to reconnect with or discover the person outside the pain, who is not just a medical diagnosis, an adult child of an alcoholic, your profession, an angry/depressed/anxious person but the real you and your full potential.

I believe that we already hold the knowledge and power to heal within ourselves. But what happens if we don’t have the support or courage to do so on our own? That’s where I come in! As your therapist, my goal is to support you on your pathway to healing- whatever that may look like to you. Shame, body image, grief, anxiety, 2SLGBTQ+ concerns, relationship struggles, and children and youth navigating gender identity are all areas of focus in my work. I have a particular interest in supporting those considering conceiving/gestating. Taking that step can feel scary and polarizing in our binary filled world.

My passion and strengths are working with the LGBTQIA + community, self-discovery, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders and relational and social difficulties. My background is also working with individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence and substance abuse/dependency histories. I enjoy working with late teens and adult individuals who identify in struggling with life adjustments and social connection.

Are you struggling to find acceptance and understanding in your relationships with others? Do you wish you had more peace and compassion towards yourself? Whether you are looking to foster more connection and communication with your loved ones, or you are embarking on a journey of self-love and growth, it is my aim to help empower you to reach your goals.

Kyle Collins is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker with a passion for creating an affirming space in which to work with a diverse array of clientele. Kyle has his Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work with a focus in Behavioral Health and the integration of behavioral health in overall wellness. He currently works at Harmony Holistic, Integrative Wellness and Relationship Center. *** NOTE: Currently Kyle is not accepting new clients - if you wish to reach out, you can be connected with another member of our team at Harmony Holistic. ***

Accepting new clients (contact through email) - You may have arrived on my profile during a time of transition and change in your life accompanied by heightened anxiety, depression, and a need for relief. Over the years, I have supported adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, gender and identity exploration, body confidence/neutrality (HAES focused), and trauma. While I have worked with clients from various backgrounds and provide care for a variety of issues, I have extensive experience working with college students and the LGBTQIA + community.

Teens and adults navigating multicultural identity and relationships, stress/pressure related to higher education/career, frequent sadness, debilitating worry, codependency and trauma work with me to gain coping strategies. We'll replace negative thoughts, reframe negative interpretations, learn positive behavioral skills to create and maintain positive mood, healthy relationships. We can also improve ability to identify triggers, understand how the past affects and informs the present, improve ability to regulate, self-esteem, assertiveness and uncover family patterns/trauma that impact you and implement new behavior patterns.

Are you or a loved one feeling stressed? Overwhelmed by unwanted intrusive thoughts or negative thoughts? Do you want to learn skills that can help you navigate difficult situations or how to manage your intense emotions? My goal is to help you overcome challenges, promote personal growth, and build a more fulfilling life. My approach to treatment combines empathy and a strong relationship with science-backed techniques and practical skill-building. We work together to set goals and a personalized treatment plan. Throughout therapy, I aim to increase your confidence in handling challenges and instill hope that change is possible.

Ellen Singer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has specialized in helping couples and families for 35+ years. She trained with Dr. Richard Schwartz in the evidence-based Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapeutic model. She’s also studied and incorporates tools from highly reputable Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Therapy, and Imago Therapy. She sees all couples and specializes in high conflict, infidelity/affairs, intimacy/sexual relationships, ADHD impact, and coping with parent-related concerns. She also specializes in couples coping with infertiity, connected to adoption, blended families, and LGBTQ families.

Dr. Shira Benhorin is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with preschoolers/children, adolescents, and families with a wide range of behavioral, emotional, and social concerns, including behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, ADHD, school challenges, social difficulties, and parent-child challenges. I offer individual and family therapy, and work closely with parents to enhance parenting and behavior management skills. I also specialize in working with children with Feeding Disorders (extreme food selectivity, limited oral intake), and LGBTQ youth and families.

It's normal to be going through a hard time. But if you haven’t yet discovered what helps you manage your unique stressors, relationships, and boundaries, then life likely feels so much harder than it needs to. If you're feeling stuck, having an outside perspective can help you see different paths through a difficult terrain. Whether your troubles stem from internal or external issues, I know that by creating a warm and reflective space where we explore your worries, challenges, and motivations, you can find places of relief and even joy.

Genevieve Diamond, LCSW-C, (she/her) has spent the majority of her life and professional career living in the DMV. Genevieve earned her Master of Social Work degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2005. As a social worker, she has worked with persons of all ages around a variety of issues. While mental health care is Genevieve's strongest professional area, she has also worked in the fields of child welfare, clinical trials, medical social work, and supporting adolescents of the LGBTQIA + community.

Work related stress including procrastination; patterns f seeking validation; frequent worry; trauma and intrusive thoughts; low mood including crying are some of the reasons clients come to me. We'll work to reduce the cognitive, emotional and behavioral impact of grief/loss; abandonment and rejections; life transitions; trauma; anxiety, depression and more. Assertiveness and personal autonomy; resolution of early life and family of origin issues; increased effective communication; reduction in guilt, sadness, worrying, rumination, shame, codependency and improved self esteem are my clients therapeutic goals.

I hold a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Duke University and have over thirty years of clinical experience working with adults, children, and families. My postgraduate training is in psychoanalytic, family, and cognitive-behavior therapy. My practice is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) informed. I have a broad range of experience and treat clients coping with both common life stresses and with major mental illnesses. I enjoy working with complex family situations and with individuals who have not met with success in prior treatment.

TELETHERAPY AVAILABLE My ideal client is someone who is coping with anxiety, depression, chronic illness, ADHD, grief, troubled relationship and family dynamics, developmental delays, LGBTQ and trauma issues. Any of these listed conditions or situations can negatively impact my clients’ ability to navigate daily living. So a successful client would be open to change and willing to try new approaches to collaborate with me in order to identify and verbalize their needs and goals and develop a plan to obtain these goals.

Have you found yourself feeling sad, worn-down, angry, lonely, or anxious lately? Is your relationship with your significant other, child, or parent not what you would like and you're having trouble relating to them in manner you want? The bad news is that these issues can make life difficult or even unbearable and can lead to further feelings of loneliness and isolation; the good news is that change is possible and you are not alone. As your counselor, we will collaborate to create a plan to meet your goals quickly and effectively.

As a licensed counselor, I strive to provide my clients with the insight, perspective, and support needed for my clients to grow and thrive within their own lives. I offer my services to those who may be looking for support and guidance during difficult times or those who are looking for a safe space to discuss their thoughts and feelings with a trusted and knowledgeable professional. While I have worked with a wide range of individuals, I feel that I offer my best services to adults, teenagers and couples. A population that is important to me are those that identify as LGBTQ +.

I know it's not easy to find a therapist you vibe with but I take pride in helping 1st time therapy clients open up and feel comfortable! I opened The Haven Center in 2019 to provide a safe and judgment-free zone where people can be fully transparent and get to the root of their issues. During my 13 year tenure as a therapist, I have helped more than 1,000 individuals and couples in various clinical settings.