LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in East Grand Rapids, MI
I work with women and couples. My clients are often starting to question long-held expectations about who they should be and how they should live, and are ready to make more intentional choices in their daily lives and relationships. They may be experiencing anxiety, grief or loss, self-doubt, overthinking, depression, or relationship concerns such as boundaries and communication. I also have a unique professional interest in working with individuals and couples who have been impacted by "purity culture" and have experienced religious and/or spiritual hurt.
I work with women and couples. My clients are often starting to question long-held expectations about who they should be and how they should live, and are ready to make more intentional choices in their daily lives and relationships. They may be experiencing anxiety, grief or loss, self-doubt, overthinking, depression, or relationship concerns such as boundaries and communication. I also have a unique professional interest in working with individuals and couples who have been impacted by "purity culture" and have experienced religious and/or spiritual hurt.
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Have you found that the same types of hardships keep happening over and over in your work and relationships keeping you in cycles of chronic coping? Maybe you've seen talk therapists or doctors for your symptoms before but were handed one size fits all advice that didn't help for long. Or maybe you hold pain that's difficult to talk about. Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and not just survive, but actually live?
Have you ever found yourself unable to feel better, despite past attempts to think your way out and move forward? Have you found that the same types of hardships keep happening over and over in your work and relationships keeping you in cycles of chronic coping? Maybe you've seen talk therapists or doctors for your symptoms before but were handed one size fits all advice that didn't help for long. Or maybe you hold pain that's difficult to talk about. Are you tired of feeling stuck? Are you looking to get to the root of these challenges and not just survive, but actually live?
I am also experienced in helping clients struggling with identity/self-esteem concerns, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues, and LGBTQIA+ specific concerns.
I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to participate in healing conversations. That space starts with trust and acceptance, no matter who you are and what you are going through. Whether you'd like to better understand your brain, work through past trauma, unpack shame, or strengthen your coping strategies, therapy can be a brave step toward overall wellness.
I am also experienced in helping clients struggling with identity/self-esteem concerns, chronic illness/pain, relationship issues, and LGBTQIA+ specific concerns.
I aim to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to participate in healing conversations. That space starts with trust and acceptance, no matter who you are and what you are going through. Whether you'd like to better understand your brain, work through past trauma, unpack shame, or strengthen your coping strategies, therapy can be a brave step toward overall wellness.
I specialize in working with women and LGBTQ+ individuals for support in navigating the world and individuals of all walks of life who want to improve their ability to navigate anxious thinking, enhance their self-esteem, and heal from trauma.
I orient from a person-centered framework. This means that I enjoy working with clients as equals in the therapeutic relationship, allowing my clients' experiences and beliefs to guide our work together. You're the expert in your own story, and I am here to support you in your journey toward your personal goals.
I specialize in working with women and LGBTQ+ individuals for support in navigating the world and individuals of all walks of life who want to improve their ability to navigate anxious thinking, enhance their self-esteem, and heal from trauma.
I orient from a person-centered framework. This means that I enjoy working with clients as equals in the therapeutic relationship, allowing my clients' experiences and beliefs to guide our work together. You're the expert in your own story, and I am here to support you in your journey toward your personal goals.
You have mastered the art of distraction.
Another weekend lost to scrolling, binge-watching, or numbing out—knowing deep down that this isn't how you want to live. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and tried all the "right" things. Still, you feel stuck—trapped in your head, weighed down by patterns you can't quite name or shake.
You’ve had moments of clarity, glimpses of the life you know is possible. But they always seem just out of reach.
It doesn’t have to stay this way.
I help clients uncover and heal the deeper roots of what’s keeping them stuck—beyond the surface symptoms.
You have mastered the art of distraction.
Another weekend lost to scrolling, binge-watching, or numbing out—knowing deep down that this isn't how you want to live. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and tried all the "right" things. Still, you feel stuck—trapped in your head, weighed down by patterns you can't quite name or shake.
You’ve had moments of clarity, glimpses of the life you know is possible. But they always seem just out of reach.
It doesn’t have to stay this way.
I help clients uncover and heal the deeper roots of what’s keeping them stuck—beyond the surface symptoms.
I work with teens and adults who are thoughtful, sensitive, and often high-functioning, but are carrying more than others can see. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling caught in patterns that are hard to change. My work is neurodivergent-affirming. This means I don’t see ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence as problems to fix, but as important parts of how you experience the world. Whether you have a diagnosis or are simply exploring, I offer a space to better understand your brain, reduce shame, and build a life that honors your needs and strengths.
I work with teens and adults who are thoughtful, sensitive, and often high-functioning, but are carrying more than others can see. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or feeling caught in patterns that are hard to change. My work is neurodivergent-affirming. This means I don’t see ADHD, autism, or other forms of neurodivergence as problems to fix, but as important parts of how you experience the world. Whether you have a diagnosis or are simply exploring, I offer a space to better understand your brain, reduce shame, and build a life that honors your needs and strengths.
Are you feeling stuck, struggling to find solutions to your problems? Does it seem you fall back into the same routines: staring at your phone aimlessly or numbing-out in other ways instead of feeling your emotions? Do your symptoms of anxiety and unresolved trauma prevent you from being able to connect with those dearest to you? If you are finding it difficult to know who "you" are, I am confident I can support you in this part of your journey. Uncovering your true sense of self and determining how to best nurture it can improve your relationship with yourself and others. I would be honored to empower you to do just that.
Are you feeling stuck, struggling to find solutions to your problems? Does it seem you fall back into the same routines: staring at your phone aimlessly or numbing-out in other ways instead of feeling your emotions? Do your symptoms of anxiety and unresolved trauma prevent you from being able to connect with those dearest to you? If you are finding it difficult to know who "you" are, I am confident I can support you in this part of your journey. Uncovering your true sense of self and determining how to best nurture it can improve your relationship with yourself and others. I would be honored to empower you to do just that.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services.
As neurodivergent therapists, we can offer you lived experience and a safe space where you can enter therapy as yourself unmasked and unashamed. We have years of experience offering children, teens, adults, and families nonjudgemental support. We specialize in Neurodivergence - Autism, ADHD, DID, OCD, LGBTQIA support, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, etc.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services.
As neurodivergent therapists, we can offer you lived experience and a safe space where you can enter therapy as yourself unmasked and unashamed. We have years of experience offering children, teens, adults, and families nonjudgemental support. We specialize in Neurodivergence - Autism, ADHD, DID, OCD, LGBTQIA support, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, etc.
I possess extensive expertise in working with and educating fellow practitioners on LGBTQIA+ community-specific care.
I have been providing therapy since 2016, gaining valuable experience in various settings, including transitional housing, correctional facilities, and home-based environments. My focus has been on supporting individuals facing a wide range of mental health and substance use challenges, with a specialization in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use-related issues.
I possess extensive expertise in working with and educating fellow practitioners on LGBTQIA+ community-specific care.
I have been providing therapy since 2016, gaining valuable experience in various settings, including transitional housing, correctional facilities, and home-based environments. My focus has been on supporting individuals facing a wide range of mental health and substance use challenges, with a specialization in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and substance use-related issues.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
Do you feel stuck in survival mode? Have trauma, anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, or chronic stress left you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself? At The Holistic Counseling Center, we help children, teens, adults, and families heal from the root causes of emotional distress, not just manage symptoms. Using trauma-informed approaches including EMDR, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and integrative wellness, we help clients build self-understanding, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and lasting change. Healing is possible.
Do you feel stuck in survival mode? Have trauma, anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, or chronic stress left you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself? At The Holistic Counseling Center, we help children, teens, adults, and families heal from the root causes of emotional distress, not just manage symptoms. Using trauma-informed approaches including EMDR, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and integrative wellness, we help clients build self-understanding, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and lasting change. Healing is possible.
Hi, I’m Lilly. I’m a therapist specializing in relationships, anxiety, interpersonal trauma, attachment work, and adjustment to life changes in Michigan and virtually in Massachusetts. We all feel anxious or out of touch with ourselves or our life at times, but if you find yourself feeling that way more often than not, I want you to know that you deserve more. I’m here to support you in healing from past hurt, finding freedom from overthinking, to learn to be compassionate and kind to yourself and the people you care about, and to find feelings of safety, stability, and happiness in your daily life.
Hi, I’m Lilly. I’m a therapist specializing in relationships, anxiety, interpersonal trauma, attachment work, and adjustment to life changes in Michigan and virtually in Massachusetts. We all feel anxious or out of touch with ourselves or our life at times, but if you find yourself feeling that way more often than not, I want you to know that you deserve more. I’m here to support you in healing from past hurt, finding freedom from overthinking, to learn to be compassionate and kind to yourself and the people you care about, and to find feelings of safety, stability, and happiness in your daily life.
It’s not always easy to explain what you’re feeling, especially when everything looks fine on the outside. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, shutting down, or stuck in your own head. Maybe you’re carrying a heaviness from something that happened and you don’t know how to let it go or make sense of it. Anxiety, trauma, shame, and grief can shape how you see yourself and your relationships. You might feel alone in it, as if no one quite gets what you’re holding inside. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
It’s not always easy to explain what you’re feeling, especially when everything looks fine on the outside. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, shutting down, or stuck in your own head. Maybe you’re carrying a heaviness from something that happened and you don’t know how to let it go or make sense of it. Anxiety, trauma, shame, and grief can shape how you see yourself and your relationships. You might feel alone in it, as if no one quite gets what you’re holding inside. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
Hello and welcome, I’m Hilary, a certified yoga therapist through the International Associations of Yoga Therapists with YogaLife Institute. In addition, a 500 hr certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, earning my first 200 hr yoga teacher training through The Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2018. Yoga has been an integral aspect of my life as the teenage years approached and big changes began physically, mentally, and socially. It has been one of my brightest guiding lights, continuously leading back to myself from then until today.
Hello and welcome, I’m Hilary, a certified yoga therapist through the International Associations of Yoga Therapists with YogaLife Institute. In addition, a 500 hr certified yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance, earning my first 200 hr yoga teacher training through The Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2018. Yoga has been an integral aspect of my life as the teenage years approached and big changes began physically, mentally, and socially. It has been one of my brightest guiding lights, continuously leading back to myself from then until today.
Amanda Larson
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, MLP, DBTC, CMHIMP, EMDR
5 Endorsed
East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Do you feel stuck in survival mode? Have trauma, anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, or chronic stress left you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself? I can help children, teens, adults, and families heal from the root causes of emotional distress, not just manage symptoms. Using trauma-informed approaches including EMDR, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and integrative wellness, I can help clients build self-understanding, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and lasting change. Healing is possible.
Do you feel stuck in survival mode? Have trauma, anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, or chronic stress left you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or not like yourself? I can help children, teens, adults, and families heal from the root causes of emotional distress, not just manage symptoms. Using trauma-informed approaches including EMDR, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and integrative wellness, I can help clients build self-understanding, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and lasting change. Healing is possible.
Your life is a beautiful story. It includes trials and tribulations, but also many joys, and much to be grateful for. In my practice, I aim to support you as you navigate the emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and social ups and downs that your life story involves. I bring a client-centered, anti-oppressive, and holistic approach to sessions. I aim to build a trusting relationship, to foster self-love, healing, and transformation, and to provide a multidimensional framework in treating your presenting problem. We will consider the ways that you can develop a variety of tools in your emotional coping skills toolbox.
Your life is a beautiful story. It includes trials and tribulations, but also many joys, and much to be grateful for. In my practice, I aim to support you as you navigate the emotional, mental, spiritual, physical, and social ups and downs that your life story involves. I bring a client-centered, anti-oppressive, and holistic approach to sessions. I aim to build a trusting relationship, to foster self-love, healing, and transformation, and to provide a multidimensional framework in treating your presenting problem. We will consider the ways that you can develop a variety of tools in your emotional coping skills toolbox.
I work with adult men and adult women on any sort of issue they bring to therapy, and about one third of my caseload at any given time is couples.
I have come to see that my role is to help people look at things differently. We can focus on changing behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, but those changes tend to last only a few weeks. If we focus on a shift in perspective then once that shift is achieved, everything else – feelings, thoughts, behaviors - falls into place.
I work with adult men and adult women on any sort of issue they bring to therapy, and about one third of my caseload at any given time is couples.
I have come to see that my role is to help people look at things differently. We can focus on changing behaviors, thoughts, or feelings, but those changes tend to last only a few weeks. If we focus on a shift in perspective then once that shift is achieved, everything else – feelings, thoughts, behaviors - falls into place.
Being at war with yourself and your body is exhausting. Maybe it started with your first diet in your teens or maybe it didn't start until later in life dealing with chronic pain or illness, or something else. You are sick of suffering and feeling like your body is an endless problem to be solved. It is hard to feel hopeful. Psychotherapy with me can help you deepen self-trust, self-care and self-acceptance. I have specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR and Body Trust® which inform my holistic approach. I can support you to work through your past, honor your present and envision your future.
Being at war with yourself and your body is exhausting. Maybe it started with your first diet in your teens or maybe it didn't start until later in life dealing with chronic pain or illness, or something else. You are sick of suffering and feeling like your body is an endless problem to be solved. It is hard to feel hopeful. Psychotherapy with me can help you deepen self-trust, self-care and self-acceptance. I have specialized training in trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR and Body Trust® which inform my holistic approach. I can support you to work through your past, honor your present and envision your future.
If trauma feels heavy or OCD is taking over your daily life or you're navigating the complexities of your child's emotions and behaviors—or simply just worrying about them— therapy can provide clarity. Together we'll use a mix of approaches and personalized strategies meant to best support your needs at the time. Therapy is more than a clinical process—it’s a vulnerable, honest space where you can explore, reflect, and grow without pressure or pretense. I want to make sure that we are using an approach that best fits your goals for healthy living.
If trauma feels heavy or OCD is taking over your daily life or you're navigating the complexities of your child's emotions and behaviors—or simply just worrying about them— therapy can provide clarity. Together we'll use a mix of approaches and personalized strategies meant to best support your needs at the time. Therapy is more than a clinical process—it’s a vulnerable, honest space where you can explore, reflect, and grow without pressure or pretense. I want to make sure that we are using an approach that best fits your goals for healthy living.
Find Your Path Forward.
Do you feel a gap between your current life and the life you envision? Anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction can create this disconnect, leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you're battling critical thoughts or haunting memories, struggling to find clarity. It's tough to make changes, even positive ones, and feeling anxious on your journey is normal. You deserve to feel seen, understood, and supported. Let's work together to help you build the fulfilling life you envision.
Find Your Path Forward.
Do you feel a gap between your current life and the life you envision? Anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction can create this disconnect, leaving you feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Perhaps you're battling critical thoughts or haunting memories, struggling to find clarity. It's tough to make changes, even positive ones, and feeling anxious on your journey is normal. You deserve to feel seen, understood, and supported. Let's work together to help you build the fulfilling life you envision.
See more therapy options for East Grand Rapids
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for East Grand Rapids
- Ada
- Belmont
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cascade
- Comstock Park
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Wyoming
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.