LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Saint Joseph, MI
Courtney Bennett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAATC, LPC, ATR-P
1 Endorsed
Saint Joseph, MI 49085
I am also passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ folks.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space so that when they are ready, individuals can feel comfortable opening up about their emotions and experiences. In addition to talk therapy, I also offer art therapy as a way to engage the mind and body on a deeper level. I take a nonjudgmental stance and view therapy as a collaborative process. I believe you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will honor your differences, tap into your strengths, and work towards change that is meaningful and important to you.
I am also passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ folks.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space so that when they are ready, individuals can feel comfortable opening up about their emotions and experiences. In addition to talk therapy, I also offer art therapy as a way to engage the mind and body on a deeper level. I take a nonjudgmental stance and view therapy as a collaborative process. I believe you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will honor your differences, tap into your strengths, and work towards change that is meaningful and important to you.
Navigating life’s transitions, relationship dynamics, or the impacts of past experiences in an authentic way is a difficult yet potentially transformative journey. I believe authenticity involves fostering the courage to explore personal values, beliefs, and emotions in relation to who your most real, authentic self is. In the therapeutic journey together, my passion is to learn with you what the right and most practical tools are for you in order to help bring about new insights that promote a positive change and a greater sense of well-being.
Navigating life’s transitions, relationship dynamics, or the impacts of past experiences in an authentic way is a difficult yet potentially transformative journey. I believe authenticity involves fostering the courage to explore personal values, beliefs, and emotions in relation to who your most real, authentic self is. In the therapeutic journey together, my passion is to learn with you what the right and most practical tools are for you in order to help bring about new insights that promote a positive change and a greater sense of well-being.
Many people who come here are holding it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected inside. You might be dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or life transitions. You’ve tried to push through, but something still doesn’t feel right—and you’re ready for change.
My ideal clients are individuals who want deeper understanding and meaningful growth, even if they’re unsure where to start. You may be emotionally exhausted, struggling with boundaries, or wanting to feel more like yourself again.
Many people who come here are holding it all together on the outside while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected inside. You might be dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or life transitions. You’ve tried to push through, but something still doesn’t feel right—and you’re ready for change.
My ideal clients are individuals who want deeper understanding and meaningful growth, even if they’re unsure where to start. You may be emotionally exhausted, struggling with boundaries, or wanting to feel more like yourself again.
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.
I work with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety as they navigate the challenges and transitions that occur throughout early adulthood. Many have also experienced trauma stemming from abuse or from years of complex relationships with parents/caretakers. My goal is to partner with patients to build a safe space where we can process your past experiences and the emotions that come up along the way. We'll also draw from your strengths to find new ways of approaching problems and to boost your confidence in tackling challenges, so that life feels a little easier to navigate.
I work with individuals experiencing depression and anxiety as they navigate the challenges and transitions that occur throughout early adulthood. Many have also experienced trauma stemming from abuse or from years of complex relationships with parents/caretakers. My goal is to partner with patients to build a safe space where we can process your past experiences and the emotions that come up along the way. We'll also draw from your strengths to find new ways of approaching problems and to boost your confidence in tackling challenges, so that life feels a little easier to navigate.
Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore and verbalize your thoughts, feelings, and experiences within a non judgmental, affirming, and empathetic environment. I use a client centered approach in therapy. I enjoy working with clients of all life stages who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, aging issues, parenting issues, and trauma.
Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore and verbalize your thoughts, feelings, and experiences within a non judgmental, affirming, and empathetic environment. I use a client centered approach in therapy. I enjoy working with clients of all life stages who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, aging issues, parenting issues, and trauma.
With the many transitions that life brings can come many challenges. It can be difficult to navigate these challenges alone and reaching out for support is a significant step in working towards healing. My goal is to help you navigate your healing journey using compassion, empathy, and creativity. I have experience working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges related to life transitions.
With the many transitions that life brings can come many challenges. It can be difficult to navigate these challenges alone and reaching out for support is a significant step in working towards healing. My goal is to help you navigate your healing journey using compassion, empathy, and creativity. I have experience working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges related to life transitions.
The decision to begin a therapeutic journey can be daunting yet richly rewarding. I specialize in helping clients gently reconnect with their body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. I support clients in focusing on physical sensations and emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable to help release and restore the nervous system while honoring the bodies wisdom. I integrate relational and somatic based therapies with equine facilitated and eco-therapy (ie.. horses and nature). I am committed to a therapeutic process that fosters self-compassion, creativity, and resiliency, while valuing diversity and authenticity.
The decision to begin a therapeutic journey can be daunting yet richly rewarding. I specialize in helping clients gently reconnect with their body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance. I support clients in focusing on physical sensations and emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable to help release and restore the nervous system while honoring the bodies wisdom. I integrate relational and somatic based therapies with equine facilitated and eco-therapy (ie.. horses and nature). I am committed to a therapeutic process that fosters self-compassion, creativity, and resiliency, while valuing diversity and authenticity.
My goal is to provide you with a straightforward, enriching therapy experience that results in meaningful change. I've helped people improve their marriage or family relationships, thrive in their schooling or career, and cope with anxiety, depression or past trauma. I believe that clients who get the most out of therapy are reflective, curious, honest, patient, and kind to themselves as they navigate the path to self-improvement. My approach is informed by psychological theory as well as two decades of working as a creative professional and university instructor. My style works best with adults and late adolescents (16+).
My goal is to provide you with a straightforward, enriching therapy experience that results in meaningful change. I've helped people improve their marriage or family relationships, thrive in their schooling or career, and cope with anxiety, depression or past trauma. I believe that clients who get the most out of therapy are reflective, curious, honest, patient, and kind to themselves as they navigate the path to self-improvement. My approach is informed by psychological theory as well as two decades of working as a creative professional and university instructor. My style works best with adults and late adolescents (16+).
So often we walk through our days feeling disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones and our purpose. Your pain is real and present keeping you in a place that you would rather not be. This internal space can interfere in your personal, social and work life leaving you feeling even more alone. I know that struggle. Maybe this uneasy feeling began early in life, after a traumatic event or because of past relationships. Whatever the case, you can find your way. Things can be very challenging and there is no need to go at it alone. Ask about yearly women's retreats!
So often we walk through our days feeling disconnected from ourselves, our loved ones and our purpose. Your pain is real and present keeping you in a place that you would rather not be. This internal space can interfere in your personal, social and work life leaving you feeling even more alone. I know that struggle. Maybe this uneasy feeling began early in life, after a traumatic event or because of past relationships. Whatever the case, you can find your way. Things can be very challenging and there is no need to go at it alone. Ask about yearly women's retreats!
I am trained in play therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and am trained in writing letters of Support for trans folks and working primarily with the 2S- LGBTQ community.
My ideal client and those I serve best are people who struggle with anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, ADHD, Autism, and OCD. I love helping people find their authentic self and invite in the peace and calm we all need right now. I provide individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. I have worked with individuals of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, and more, and I provide a space of safety and empathy. My number one priority in therapy is the human I'm working with and how they feel in our sessions.
I am trained in play therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and am trained in writing letters of Support for trans folks and working primarily with the 2S- LGBTQ community.
My ideal client and those I serve best are people who struggle with anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, ADHD, Autism, and OCD. I love helping people find their authentic self and invite in the peace and calm we all need right now. I provide individual therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy. I have worked with individuals of all ages, races, sexual orientations, genders, and more, and I provide a space of safety and empathy. My number one priority in therapy is the human I'm working with and how they feel in our sessions.
Growing up can feel confusing, heavy, or overwhelming at times. I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate emotional challenges, life transitions, and the impact of trauma.
Growing up can feel confusing, heavy, or overwhelming at times. I am passionate about supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate emotional challenges, life transitions, and the impact of trauma.
Lake House Counseling,
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I provide individual EMDR therapy and IFS Informed EMDR for ages 18 and up. I specialize in trauma/PTSD. mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, adjustment transitions, including vocational/academic stressors, relationship distress including attachment wounds and healing from narcissistic abuse.
I also provide supervision and consultation, including Clinical and Macro supervision for Michigan BSW and MSW working towards licensure and for EMDR trained providers seeking required consultation hours towards their training requirements or for certification.
I provide individual EMDR therapy and IFS Informed EMDR for ages 18 and up. I specialize in trauma/PTSD. mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, adjustment transitions, including vocational/academic stressors, relationship distress including attachment wounds and healing from narcissistic abuse.
I also provide supervision and consultation, including Clinical and Macro supervision for Michigan BSW and MSW working towards licensure and for EMDR trained providers seeking required consultation hours towards their training requirements or for certification.
I help adolescent and adult women nurture their inner wisdom to forge their own paths, using creativity as the map of the journey home. My clients have found, despite being smart, kind, and deeply hardworking, life can be overwhelming. Whether it's parenting, academic or athletic performances, or even making career decisions, you may notice you never feel good enough and are constantly striving, leaving you feeling less and less yourself every day. Through simple creative exercises, I can help you reconnect with your true self, regain your confidence, and reclaim your joy. I would be honored to support you in your journey.
I help adolescent and adult women nurture their inner wisdom to forge their own paths, using creativity as the map of the journey home. My clients have found, despite being smart, kind, and deeply hardworking, life can be overwhelming. Whether it's parenting, academic or athletic performances, or even making career decisions, you may notice you never feel good enough and are constantly striving, leaving you feeling less and less yourself every day. Through simple creative exercises, I can help you reconnect with your true self, regain your confidence, and reclaim your joy. I would be honored to support you in your journey.
Only the strong seek help. It takes courage to look at struggles, weaknesses and challenges. We all have them. It's what we do with them that determines whether we grow or wither. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, my office setting is soothing and private. I listen first. Carefully. And together you and I clarify challenges, goals, and options. With over forty-five years of clinical experience and as Berrien County's only board certified clinical psychologist, I look forward to assisting you as your coach, therapist, or psychoanalyst as your needs indicate.
Only the strong seek help. It takes courage to look at struggles, weaknesses and challenges. We all have them. It's what we do with them that determines whether we grow or wither. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, my office setting is soothing and private. I listen first. Carefully. And together you and I clarify challenges, goals, and options. With over forty-five years of clinical experience and as Berrien County's only board certified clinical psychologist, I look forward to assisting you as your coach, therapist, or psychoanalyst as your needs indicate.
I have an extensive history with all kind of people and situations—individuals and families. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults, and families.
I have an extensive history with all kind of people and situations—individuals and families. I enjoy working with adolescents and young adults, and families.
Making time for self-care and mindful wellness can be difficult, and we can often struggle to create space for self-understanding, self-nurturing, healing, and flourishing. My passion is to provide holistic therapy that starts with creating a gentle therapeutic space that fosters well-being and that creates a relationship built on trust, safety, and hope. I’m passionate about functional health and wellness, and my focus is on fostering unconditional acceptance and promoting new and meaningful growth to support my clients’ unique healing and restoration journeys. I use a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the clients’ needs.
Making time for self-care and mindful wellness can be difficult, and we can often struggle to create space for self-understanding, self-nurturing, healing, and flourishing. My passion is to provide holistic therapy that starts with creating a gentle therapeutic space that fosters well-being and that creates a relationship built on trust, safety, and hope. I’m passionate about functional health and wellness, and my focus is on fostering unconditional acceptance and promoting new and meaningful growth to support my clients’ unique healing and restoration journeys. I use a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the clients’ needs.
The decision to work with a therapist can seem overwhelming. I strive to create a collaborative environment to deal with past issues, current stressors, and to help you outline your future goals. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, depression, or other concerns, I provide a trusting relationship, in a judgement free atmosphere, to promote health and wellbeing.
The decision to work with a therapist can seem overwhelming. I strive to create a collaborative environment to deal with past issues, current stressors, and to help you outline your future goals. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, self-esteem, depression, or other concerns, I provide a trusting relationship, in a judgement free atmosphere, to promote health and wellbeing.
I'm a Psychotherapist with 25 years experience offering psychotherapy and coaching services at Thrive Psychology in St. Jospeh, MI. I practice client centered psychotherapy with experience in family therapy, groups, women, men, adolescents and diversity. My main focus is in supporting my clients to develop into the healthy functioning individuals in their personal and professional lives. I have certification in IMAGO relationship therapy and EMDR therapy.
I'm a Psychotherapist with 25 years experience offering psychotherapy and coaching services at Thrive Psychology in St. Jospeh, MI. I practice client centered psychotherapy with experience in family therapy, groups, women, men, adolescents and diversity. My main focus is in supporting my clients to develop into the healthy functioning individuals in their personal and professional lives. I have certification in IMAGO relationship therapy and EMDR therapy.
You have taken a huge first step– recognizing that you have something you would like to work through and wanting to do so with the help of a therapist. I aim to cater therapy towards your unique and individual needs.
You have taken a huge first step– recognizing that you have something you would like to work through and wanting to do so with the help of a therapist. I aim to cater therapy towards your unique and individual needs.
See more therapy options for Saint Joseph
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Saint Joseph
- Benton Harbor
- Berrien Springs
- Buchanan
- Douglas
- Mattawan
- New Buffalo
- Niles
- Paw Paw
- Saugatuck
- Schoolcraft
- South Haven
- Stevensville
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.