LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Paw Paw, MI
At KES, we believe healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Life can be overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, stress, grief, anger, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our compassionate therapists provide a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where individuals, couples, families, and groups can explore life’s challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. We meet you where you are and work alongside you to help you develop the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed.
At KES, we believe healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood.
Life can be overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, stress, grief, anger, or simply feeling stuck, you don’t have to face it alone.
Our compassionate therapists provide a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where individuals, couples, families, and groups can explore life’s challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. We meet you where you are and work alongside you to help you develop the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed.
Enlightened Counseling & Wellness,
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
3 Endorsed
Paw Paw, MI 49079
Welcome! With over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and stress. I’m passionate about helping you find balance, clarity and confidence as you navigate change, loss or feeling stuck. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process.
I offer virtual therapy or in person Walk & Talk therapy. Walk & Talk sessions take place outdoors in a natural setting and can be especially helpful if you feel more at ease moving, being in nature, or processing thoughts in a less traditional space.
Welcome! With over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and stress. I’m passionate about helping you find balance, clarity and confidence as you navigate change, loss or feeling stuck. Therapy offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process.
I offer virtual therapy or in person Walk & Talk therapy. Walk & Talk sessions take place outdoors in a natural setting and can be especially helpful if you feel more at ease moving, being in nature, or processing thoughts in a less traditional space.
I have experience from the mental health field working with adults, families, children, and adolescents in several different environments (CMH both school-based and home-based, private practice, and psychiatric residential facility - girls ages 13-17) in areas such as trauma, mental health issues, LGBTQ, grief/loss, divorce, and removal from homes (i.e. CPS, foster care, adoption, etc.).
I'm EMDR trained (also IFS informed EMDR), and have had training in DBT. I use evidenced-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), along with a strengths-based approach.
I have experience from the mental health field working with adults, families, children, and adolescents in several different environments (CMH both school-based and home-based, private practice, and psychiatric residential facility - girls ages 13-17) in areas such as trauma, mental health issues, LGBTQ, grief/loss, divorce, and removal from homes (i.e. CPS, foster care, adoption, etc.).
I'm EMDR trained (also IFS informed EMDR), and have had training in DBT. I use evidenced-based practices such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), along with a strengths-based approach.
Meaningful Life Therapy Services was founded with a vision of providing a welcoming space for self-reflection and growth. Our clients are creative, passionate, humorous, engaging, determined, wise, and unique. Some of our clients come to us because they want to learn coping skills for managing symptoms or unlearn behaviors that are no longer serving them. Some come to learn more about who they are and what they want in life. Some are simply searching for a soft place to land.
Meaningful Life Therapy Services was founded with a vision of providing a welcoming space for self-reflection and growth. Our clients are creative, passionate, humorous, engaging, determined, wise, and unique. Some of our clients come to us because they want to learn coping skills for managing symptoms or unlearn behaviors that are no longer serving them. Some come to learn more about who they are and what they want in life. Some are simply searching for a soft place to land.
With 24 years of clinical experience, I provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy to adolescents and adults through individual and couples counseling. My work focuses on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, identity conflict, anger management, eating disorders, chronic pain, work-related stress, school stress/relationship struggles, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, and marital conflict—including the challenges of infidelity .
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in developing practical skills, healthier thought patterns, and emotional resilie
With 24 years of clinical experience, I provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy to adolescents and adults through individual and couples counseling. My work focuses on helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief, identity conflict, anger management, eating disorders, chronic pain, work-related stress, school stress/relationship struggles, low self esteem, abuse, trauma, and marital conflict—including the challenges of infidelity .
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support clients in developing practical skills, healthier thought patterns, and emotional resilie
I enjoy working with clients who are LGBTQ, seniors, women, artists, people in the midst of divorce, those in grief & people who have experienced complex relational trauma.
You are not broken, you are deeply hurt. It is easy to find yourself in unhelpful patterns & ways of being. This might be due to your nervous system being flooded with anger, fear & despair. In a creative way to survive, you have found self-protection strategies. Unfortunately, these strategies are likely no longer helpful. Part of our work together will be unraveling this muscle memory to reveal how you can live a life that is true to you. YOU become the place of self-awareness, peaceful acceptance & intentional action. As a certified trauma professional & art therapist, I integrate these tools into our therapeutic work.
I enjoy working with clients who are LGBTQ, seniors, women, artists, people in the midst of divorce, those in grief & people who have experienced complex relational trauma.
You are not broken, you are deeply hurt. It is easy to find yourself in unhelpful patterns & ways of being. This might be due to your nervous system being flooded with anger, fear & despair. In a creative way to survive, you have found self-protection strategies. Unfortunately, these strategies are likely no longer helpful. Part of our work together will be unraveling this muscle memory to reveal how you can live a life that is true to you. YOU become the place of self-awareness, peaceful acceptance & intentional action. As a certified trauma professional & art therapist, I integrate these tools into our therapeutic work.
Asking for help can be difficult. At Acacia, we understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected, seen and heard. Our experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives. We work to help them feel empowered to make changes in their relationships, careers, or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
Asking for help can be difficult. At Acacia, we understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected, seen and heard. Our experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives. We work to help them feel empowered to make changes in their relationships, careers, or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
I believe meaningful change happens through collaboration, curiosity, and skill-building. Together, we will identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, strengthen practical coping strategies, and build the tools needed to create the life you want. Through increased awareness and evidence-based interventions, we will work toward greater balance, fulfillment, and confidence in the areas most important to you.
I believe meaningful change happens through collaboration, curiosity, and skill-building. Together, we will identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, strengthen practical coping strategies, and build the tools needed to create the life you want. Through increased awareness and evidence-based interventions, we will work toward greater balance, fulfillment, and confidence in the areas most important to you.
My number one priority as a therapist is to create a space for you to feel safe and understood while we embark on the journey towards change and healing together. I strive to offer real connection and a listening ear, as well as tools and skills to help clients reach their goals. I have experience helping youth and adults with many different concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, stress, spirituality, parenting, and adjusting to difficult life circumstances.
My number one priority as a therapist is to create a space for you to feel safe and understood while we embark on the journey towards change and healing together. I strive to offer real connection and a listening ear, as well as tools and skills to help clients reach their goals. I have experience helping youth and adults with many different concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, stress, spirituality, parenting, and adjusting to difficult life circumstances.
More Therapists Nearby
As an openly trans man, I know how hard life can be for any member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Therapy with me is built upon genuine connection and collaboration. My goal is to listen with deep empathy and to build trust. We'll explore together to find a path that works well for you so you can achieve lasting healing. I'm committed to providing trauma-informed affirmative care that respects your identity and experiences.
As an openly trans man, I know how hard life can be for any member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Therapy with me is built upon genuine connection and collaboration. My goal is to listen with deep empathy and to build trust. We'll explore together to find a path that works well for you so you can achieve lasting healing. I'm committed to providing trauma-informed affirmative care that respects your identity and experiences.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, people with chronic health concerns, and new parents. I’m accepting new clients for telehealth and in‑person appointments.
Feeling overwhelmed after a big life change? I help people ages 10+ tackle anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, and postpartum transitions with clear, practical strategies. We’ll focus on what’s getting in the way of your day‑to‑day functioning and build tools you can use to feel more capable and connected.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, people with chronic health concerns, and new parents. I’m accepting new clients for telehealth and in‑person appointments.
Feeling overwhelmed after a big life change? I help people ages 10+ tackle anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, and postpartum transitions with clear, practical strategies. We’ll focus on what’s getting in the way of your day‑to‑day functioning and build tools you can use to feel more capable and connected.
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.
My approach to therapy is rooted in the humanistic-existential idea that growth and self-discovery are lifelong pursuits. More specifically, I often use narrative therapy alongside queer, feminist, and disability theories to honor the experiences that make each person who they are. I am curious about how each person makes sense of their world. Whether working with children, adolescents, or adults through individual, group, or family therapy or psychological assessment, I aim to join each person in honoring where they have been and understanding the direction they want to go.
My approach to therapy is rooted in the humanistic-existential idea that growth and self-discovery are lifelong pursuits. More specifically, I often use narrative therapy alongside queer, feminist, and disability theories to honor the experiences that make each person who they are. I am curious about how each person makes sense of their world. Whether working with children, adolescents, or adults through individual, group, or family therapy or psychological assessment, I aim to join each person in honoring where they have been and understanding the direction they want to go.
Healing can be a complicated journey, but you don't have to do it alone. As a therapist I am here to partner with you on your healing journey, and guide you through the tough times. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD or if you are struggling to navigate life transitions, relationship obstacles, or family challenges please don't hesitate to reach out for support! Together we can create the space that you need in order to safely heal and navigate your personal journey.
Healing can be a complicated journey, but you don't have to do it alone. As a therapist I am here to partner with you on your healing journey, and guide you through the tough times. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD or if you are struggling to navigate life transitions, relationship obstacles, or family challenges please don't hesitate to reach out for support! Together we can create the space that you need in order to safely heal and navigate your personal journey.
As a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary counselor, Sam knows how important it is to receive affirming healthcare.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 18 and older, couples, and families.
As a queer, neurodivergent, non-binary counselor, Sam knows how important it is to receive affirming healthcare.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 18 and older, couples, and families.
I specialize in substance abuse, behavior challenges in adolescents and young adults, and work within the LGBTQIA community.
It is my personal and professional belief that everyone is capable of discovering their most authentic and successful self, but may occasionally need assistance in their journey to personal enrichment. I have been lucky enough to find those people in my own life, and I consider it an honor to serve that purpose for my clients in a warm, welcoming, yet professional fashion. I respect the individual needs of varying cultural backgrounds, and enjoy finding common ground with varying clientele.
I specialize in substance abuse, behavior challenges in adolescents and young adults, and work within the LGBTQIA community.
It is my personal and professional belief that everyone is capable of discovering their most authentic and successful self, but may occasionally need assistance in their journey to personal enrichment. I have been lucky enough to find those people in my own life, and I consider it an honor to serve that purpose for my clients in a warm, welcoming, yet professional fashion. I respect the individual needs of varying cultural backgrounds, and enjoy finding common ground with varying clientele.
I am also neurodivergent and a member of LGTBQ+ community and work with fellow ND/ Queer folks.
Starting therapy is often the hardest part of therapy itself. In order to begin the healing process or making changes in our lives. I want to help folks see how the past and present environment and systems shape how one views themselves and the world. Therapy helps us learn more about ourselves, our strengths and how resilient humans are. My approach is to help you identify your strengths, areas of growth and goals you want to meet to begin making changes while accepting that healing and progress are not linear, but rather part of what makes us human.
I am also neurodivergent and a member of LGTBQ+ community and work with fellow ND/ Queer folks.
Starting therapy is often the hardest part of therapy itself. In order to begin the healing process or making changes in our lives. I want to help folks see how the past and present environment and systems shape how one views themselves and the world. Therapy helps us learn more about ourselves, our strengths and how resilient humans are. My approach is to help you identify your strengths, areas of growth and goals you want to meet to begin making changes while accepting that healing and progress are not linear, but rather part of what makes us human.
I am sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and poly- and kink-knowledgeable, offering care that respects diverse identities and personal values.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself or the life you want to be living. Many people seek therapy for anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or the emotional impact of difficult relationships or life transitions. You might feel like you’re functioning on the outside while feeling exhausted, numb, or uncertain on the inside. You’re looking for a supportive space to slow down, talk openly, and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and needs without fear of judgment or need to filter yourself.
I am sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and poly- and kink-knowledgeable, offering care that respects diverse identities and personal values.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from yourself or the life you want to be living. Many people seek therapy for anxiety, depression, low self-worth, or the emotional impact of difficult relationships or life transitions. You might feel like you’re functioning on the outside while feeling exhausted, numb, or uncertain on the inside. You’re looking for a supportive space to slow down, talk openly, and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and needs without fear of judgment or need to filter yourself.
I am a queer-identifying therapist trained to work with the LGBTQ+ population including ENM/Poly and kinky folks.
I am a Master’s Limited Psychologist (MLP) in the state of Michigan, which allows me to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. As an MLP, I receive ongoing supervision from a fully licensed psychologist, Julie Meredith Davis, Ph.D., LP.
I am a queer-identifying therapist trained to work with the LGBTQ+ population including ENM/Poly and kinky folks.
I am a Master’s Limited Psychologist (MLP) in the state of Michigan, which allows me to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. As an MLP, I receive ongoing supervision from a fully licensed psychologist, Julie Meredith Davis, Ph.D., LP.
I have over 10 years of experience working with adults and children with issues such as depression, adjustment, personality disorders, anxiety/stress, trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, emotional disturbance, ADHD, bullying, school issues, social issues, LGBTQ+, mood disorders, ODD, grief and anger.
Life can sometimes become difficult to navigate. I’m here to help you through this and I will use a different variety of evidenced based practices to help you develop healthy coping skills, learn to manage overwhelming feelings, work through anxiety and challenge unhelpful thoughts while changing behaviors that keep you stuck. I will provide support through all stages from crisis to maintenance. There is strength in realizing we can do hard things and encouragement in seeing ourselves tackle them with support in a safe space.
I have over 10 years of experience working with adults and children with issues such as depression, adjustment, personality disorders, anxiety/stress, trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, emotional disturbance, ADHD, bullying, school issues, social issues, LGBTQ+, mood disorders, ODD, grief and anger.
Life can sometimes become difficult to navigate. I’m here to help you through this and I will use a different variety of evidenced based practices to help you develop healthy coping skills, learn to manage overwhelming feelings, work through anxiety and challenge unhelpful thoughts while changing behaviors that keep you stuck. I will provide support through all stages from crisis to maintenance. There is strength in realizing we can do hard things and encouragement in seeing ourselves tackle them with support in a safe space.
See more therapy options for Paw Paw
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Paw Paw
- Allegan
- Galesburg
- Kalamazoo
- Mattawan
- Otsego
- Plainwell
- Portage
- Richland
- Schoolcraft
- South Haven
- Three Rivers
- Vicksburg
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.