LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Hudsonville, MI
Ash Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
1 Endorsed
Hudsonville, MI 49426
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer, trans therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and authenticity.
I support teens, adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, trauma, anxiety, faith, and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I offer a warm, affirming space to explore your story, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self.
As a queer, trans therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and authenticity.
I support teens, adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals navigating identity, trauma, anxiety, faith, and life transitions. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, I offer a warm, affirming space to explore your story, build resilience, and reconnect with your authentic self.
My background is in LGBTQ+ struggles, depression and anxiety, teens, and anger management.
My ideal client is someone who is willing to show up and be honest with themselves about what might need to change. You might need to just vent. You might need to rework your self care schedule and prioritize yourself more. You might need to forgive. You might need to learn coping skills. Whatever it is, let's figure it out together and give you the support that you deserve.
My background is in LGBTQ+ struggles, depression and anxiety, teens, and anger management.
My ideal client is someone who is willing to show up and be honest with themselves about what might need to change. You might need to just vent. You might need to rework your self care schedule and prioritize yourself more. You might need to forgive. You might need to learn coping skills. Whatever it is, let's figure it out together and give you the support that you deserve.
Life brings both uplifting moments and seasons that feel undeniably heavy. Plans shift, relationships change, and dreams evolve, often leaving us navigating grief, disappointment, or uncertainty. These experiences can be painful-and facing them without support can feel even more challenging. My own story has reinforced my commitment to continual healing and has shaped my passion for helping others do the same. I believe growth is possible at every stage of life, and I value the opportunity to understand each client's unique experiences and perspectives.
Life brings both uplifting moments and seasons that feel undeniably heavy. Plans shift, relationships change, and dreams evolve, often leaving us navigating grief, disappointment, or uncertainty. These experiences can be painful-and facing them without support can feel even more challenging. My own story has reinforced my commitment to continual healing and has shaped my passion for helping others do the same. I believe growth is possible at every stage of life, and I value the opportunity to understand each client's unique experiences and perspectives.
Growth and healing are possible at every stage of life. As humans, we are faced with unique challenges, experiences, and relationships that help shape who we are. I am passionate about getting to know you as an individual and walking with you in your journey of discovering how you want to live and who you want to become.
Growth and healing are possible at every stage of life. As humans, we are faced with unique challenges, experiences, and relationships that help shape who we are. I am passionate about getting to know you as an individual and walking with you in your journey of discovering how you want to live and who you want to become.
I am a life long learner, a human, trying to human just like you. Many of us feel broken, not because something is wrong with us, but because we have been made to feel that way. It makes sense that you feel, believe, act, and react as you do, especially given your identities, history, stressors, and the culture(s) that you live within. I love doing this work because all people have the capacity to grow. For me, therapy is a collaborative space where I offer a compassionate, and endlessly curious relationship as you learn to know, and support yourself in new ways.
I am a life long learner, a human, trying to human just like you. Many of us feel broken, not because something is wrong with us, but because we have been made to feel that way. It makes sense that you feel, believe, act, and react as you do, especially given your identities, history, stressors, and the culture(s) that you live within. I love doing this work because all people have the capacity to grow. For me, therapy is a collaborative space where I offer a compassionate, and endlessly curious relationship as you learn to know, and support yourself in new ways.
I have personally walked with individuals through many different relational issues, struggles and trauma. I specialize in the areas of sexual and gender identity, intimacy and pornography addiction, couples, premarital and marriage counseling, as well as counseling services for ministers My other specialities include: therapy for depression and anxiety, career-related issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, stress management, work-life balance issues, trauma and crisis, spiritual issues and concerns, communication issues, assertiveness, men's issues/pornography. I am also a licensed as a Prepare/Enrich premarital and marriage counselor.
I have personally walked with individuals through many different relational issues, struggles and trauma. I specialize in the areas of sexual and gender identity, intimacy and pornography addiction, couples, premarital and marriage counseling, as well as counseling services for ministers My other specialities include: therapy for depression and anxiety, career-related issues, conflict resolution, grief counseling, stress management, work-life balance issues, trauma and crisis, spiritual issues and concerns, communication issues, assertiveness, men's issues/pornography. I am also a licensed as a Prepare/Enrich premarital and marriage counselor.
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. This can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad, or if you're looking for someone to help you grow into your ideal self.... you've come to the right place! We are humans. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. This can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad, or if you're looking for someone to help you grow into your ideal self.... you've come to the right place! We are humans. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
Two things you can count on from me: Honesty & Authenticity. So I'll tell you the truth, I'm really good at two things: Trauma treatment and psychological testing/diagnosis. Everything else? Honestly? I'm just okay.
As your psychologist, I will be a calm and supportive figure that you can count on to offer practical help on your journey. Most people would describe my style of therapy as unbiased, compassionate, and goal-oriented. I have over 10 years of experience treating PTSD and I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I will offer you the opportunity to do the hard things that will truly get results.
Two things you can count on from me: Honesty & Authenticity. So I'll tell you the truth, I'm really good at two things: Trauma treatment and psychological testing/diagnosis. Everything else? Honestly? I'm just okay.
As your psychologist, I will be a calm and supportive figure that you can count on to offer practical help on your journey. Most people would describe my style of therapy as unbiased, compassionate, and goal-oriented. I have over 10 years of experience treating PTSD and I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I will offer you the opportunity to do the hard things that will truly get results.
In addition, I am an ally to the lgbtq+ community and infuse a multicultural approach to my therapeutic work.
I believe in a person-centered approach that helps each individual clarify the impact their experiences and relationships have on their daily lives. Through our work together, we will tailor a specific treatment plan that will challenge you to move forward with your life, while identifying supportive steps we need to take to get you there. You can do this!
In addition, I am an ally to the lgbtq+ community and infuse a multicultural approach to my therapeutic work.
I believe in a person-centered approach that helps each individual clarify the impact their experiences and relationships have on their daily lives. Through our work together, we will tailor a specific treatment plan that will challenge you to move forward with your life, while identifying supportive steps we need to take to get you there. You can do this!
My ideal client is someone who’s been carrying the weight of expectations, identity, and survival for far too long. They may come to counseling feeling unseen or disconnected, yet holding a deep desire to heal, to rest, and to live more authentically.
Together, we create a space where every part of their story is honored, where pain and resilience can coexist, and where healing feels rooted in culture, community, and self-love.
My ideal client is someone who’s been carrying the weight of expectations, identity, and survival for far too long. They may come to counseling feeling unseen or disconnected, yet holding a deep desire to heal, to rest, and to live more authentically.
Together, we create a space where every part of their story is honored, where pain and resilience can coexist, and where healing feels rooted in culture, community, and self-love.
Maybe you feel yourself start to close off when someone asks how you're doing, because you don't really know the answer. Maybe you're a parent, who doesn't recognize who your teen has become. Maybe your partner doesn't feel like your partner, this relationship doesn't look like how you envisioned it would anymore. Maybe depression, guilt, or shame have become so familiar, that you wonder what therapy would even do. Maybe you just want to be known by someone.
Maybe you feel yourself start to close off when someone asks how you're doing, because you don't really know the answer. Maybe you're a parent, who doesn't recognize who your teen has become. Maybe your partner doesn't feel like your partner, this relationship doesn't look like how you envisioned it would anymore. Maybe depression, guilt, or shame have become so familiar, that you wonder what therapy would even do. Maybe you just want to be known by someone.
I help people who look like they’re functioning well on the outside—but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck underneath.
Many of my clients are also working through religious trauma or leaving high-control belief systems.
Many of the people I work with are high-functioning professionals, parents, or helpers who look fine on the outside but feel overwhelmed or disconnected internally. For some of the folks I work with things show up as anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing.
I help people who look like they’re functioning well on the outside—but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck underneath.
Many of my clients are also working through religious trauma or leaving high-control belief systems.
Many of the people I work with are high-functioning professionals, parents, or helpers who look fine on the outside but feel overwhelmed or disconnected internally. For some of the folks I work with things show up as anxiety, perfectionism, or people-pleasing.
Danie Duron - Trauma & Attachment Center of W. MI
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR-C, IATP-C, NCC
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
At the Trauma and Attachment Center, we focus on helping people process their traumas and strengthen their attachments. We are a small group of clinicians with a passion for helping and making people feel welcome. The center was founded by Danie Duron and the following is her personal statement: My ideal client would be a person hoping to heal their trauma that they have encountered in life and would like to use EMDR, IATP-C, ATT-A and IFS in order to do so.
At the Trauma and Attachment Center, we focus on helping people process their traumas and strengthen their attachments. We are a small group of clinicians with a passion for helping and making people feel welcome. The center was founded by Danie Duron and the following is her personal statement: My ideal client would be a person hoping to heal their trauma that they have encountered in life and would like to use EMDR, IATP-C, ATT-A and IFS in order to do so.
If you are someone looking for a open-minded therapist with a great deal of life experience across multiple states and decades, then you are in the right place. As a therapist who has had two different careers in the past, I work to speak your language and not clinical-speak. For adults, I work with both men and women going through a variety of issues. I have a particular expertise working with men dealing with life transitions, relationship troubles, identity & masculinity, addictions, anger, and sexual troubles. I have great deal of empathy for women as well and enjoy helping women through difficulties in life.
If you are someone looking for a open-minded therapist with a great deal of life experience across multiple states and decades, then you are in the right place. As a therapist who has had two different careers in the past, I work to speak your language and not clinical-speak. For adults, I work with both men and women going through a variety of issues. I have a particular expertise working with men dealing with life transitions, relationship troubles, identity & masculinity, addictions, anger, and sexual troubles. I have great deal of empathy for women as well and enjoy helping women through difficulties in life.
I work with adults, families, college students, and teens. I often work with clients who are working through life transitions, anxiety, or depression. My goal in counseling is to offer a safe space for clients to process challenges that they are facing. Counseling is a process and I hope to encourage and give clients different skills for facing life challenges.
I work with adults, families, college students, and teens. I often work with clients who are working through life transitions, anxiety, or depression. My goal in counseling is to offer a safe space for clients to process challenges that they are facing. Counseling is a process and I hope to encourage and give clients different skills for facing life challenges.
Individuals and families in today’s world face so many stressors. Different life roles and responsibilities, pressures of friends/family/society, painful life experiences, and personal expectations weigh on us all. In the midst of this, it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed, alone, and confused - like your story is no longer your own. It can hurt your sense of self and your connection to those you love. I’m prepared to step into this moment of vulnerability with you to help in finding a way to a place where you can feel more connected, strong, and safe, allowing you to redefine your self, your relationships, and your story.
Individuals and families in today’s world face so many stressors. Different life roles and responsibilities, pressures of friends/family/society, painful life experiences, and personal expectations weigh on us all. In the midst of this, it is all too easy to feel overwhelmed, alone, and confused - like your story is no longer your own. It can hurt your sense of self and your connection to those you love. I’m prepared to step into this moment of vulnerability with you to help in finding a way to a place where you can feel more connected, strong, and safe, allowing you to redefine your self, your relationships, and your story.
Hi friends! I’m Cassie. I help kids, teens, and young adults who feel stuck, anxious, or like they’re carrying more than they were ever meant to carry. For the overthinkers, the big feelers, and the trying-their-besters, this space is for you. Maybe your mind won’t slow down. Maybe your kiddo feels everything deeply. Or maybe you’ve gotten really good at saying, “I’m fine,” even when you’re not. You don’t have to perform here. Just come as you are. We’ll untangle things together until you feel a little more like yourself again.
Hi friends! I’m Cassie. I help kids, teens, and young adults who feel stuck, anxious, or like they’re carrying more than they were ever meant to carry. For the overthinkers, the big feelers, and the trying-their-besters, this space is for you. Maybe your mind won’t slow down. Maybe your kiddo feels everything deeply. Or maybe you’ve gotten really good at saying, “I’m fine,” even when you’re not. You don’t have to perform here. Just come as you are. We’ll untangle things together until you feel a little more like yourself again.
Have you ever been told you’re an overthinker? Maybe you are even a high achiever, but feel burdened by the thoughts you can’t seem to turn off. It may be difficult for you to rest or slow down without feeling guilty; and forget about “self-care”. I am here to reassure you that not only can there be relief, but we can work together to get there.
Have you ever been told you’re an overthinker? Maybe you are even a high achiever, but feel burdened by the thoughts you can’t seem to turn off. It may be difficult for you to rest or slow down without feeling guilty; and forget about “self-care”. I am here to reassure you that not only can there be relief, but we can work together to get there.
My practice is focused on individual, relationship and transformative counseling. If you are striving to heal, set goals, create healthy boundaries, have a deeper awareness or overcome self limitations, call me today. We all have many challenges and sometimes all it takes is to talk to someone who will share the tools needed for you to be successful. It is my passion to be where you are, and you decide how fast you want to get there. I am committed to my work and my clients!
My practice is focused on individual, relationship and transformative counseling. If you are striving to heal, set goals, create healthy boundaries, have a deeper awareness or overcome self limitations, call me today. We all have many challenges and sometimes all it takes is to talk to someone who will share the tools needed for you to be successful. It is my passion to be where you are, and you decide how fast you want to get there. I am committed to my work and my clients!
Melissa VanderKooi at Renewed Clarity Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
When I ask new clients to tell me something they like about themselves I often hear silence or the new client struggles to answer the question. When life feels overwhelming and burdensome it can become significantly difficult to identify our positive attributes. I promise you those positive qualities are there. Together we will identify your strengths and abilities to develop the coping skills necessary to overcome the challenges you are experiencing. I am dedicated in providing effective, confidential, and compassionate counseling care that meets the individual needs of my clients.
When I ask new clients to tell me something they like about themselves I often hear silence or the new client struggles to answer the question. When life feels overwhelming and burdensome it can become significantly difficult to identify our positive attributes. I promise you those positive qualities are there. Together we will identify your strengths and abilities to develop the coping skills necessary to overcome the challenges you are experiencing. I am dedicated in providing effective, confidential, and compassionate counseling care that meets the individual needs of my clients.
See more therapy options for Hudsonville
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Hudsonville
- Allendale
- Byron Center
- Coopersville
- East Grand Rapids
- Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Holland
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Wyoming
- Zeeland
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.