LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Webster Groves, MO
Jen Durham Austin, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
I offer short-term & long-term therapy focusing on depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, LGBT and gender identity exploration, adoption and parenting issues, PTSD, complex stress and trauma, & substance use. As a clinician, I approach my work from a holistic, trauma-informed lens. An individual's mental health and overall happiness are based on a number of different factors that are unique to that individual. Therapy is a collaborative effort that takes compassion, reflection, & creativity. Therapy is a financial commitment, but it's also an investment in your emotional well-being, relationships, and quality of life.
Jason Wolff
Pre-Licensed Professional, PLPC, NCC, MEd
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
My counseling style has been shaped greatly by being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and at various moments I have felt the burden of anxiety, self-doubt, marginalization, and oppression.
Emotions...UGH! What are they good for? Well...you might not want to hear this, but those emotions you are feeling do serve a purpose, and you might not understand how they are serving you...YET. That's where I come in. You may feel aimless in parenthood, career, or your relationships. You want to understand more about who you are and what makes you tick, AND want a safe and warm space to explore those thoughts. You might be a member of the LGBTQIA+, poly, and/or open community and worried about judgement as you navigate the unique experiences of your life. Or, as an adult you are still navigating complicated parental relationships.
My counseling style has been shaped greatly by being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and at various moments I have felt the burden of anxiety, self-doubt, marginalization, and oppression.
Emotions...UGH! What are they good for? Well...you might not want to hear this, but those emotions you are feeling do serve a purpose, and you might not understand how they are serving you...YET. That's where I come in. You may feel aimless in parenthood, career, or your relationships. You want to understand more about who you are and what makes you tick, AND want a safe and warm space to explore those thoughts. You might be a member of the LGBTQIA+, poly, and/or open community and worried about judgement as you navigate the unique experiences of your life. Or, as an adult you are still navigating complicated parental relationships.
Rynn Wyrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
Genevieve Friedmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
My practice is LGBTQ+ celebratory and welcoming of all identities and expressions.
You face unique challenges and feel alone in sorting through all life throws at you. Constant demands pull you in every direction, leaving you feeling inadequate; as if you’ve lost you own voice and vision for what you want out of your relationships, life, and future. Maybe it feels like a struggle to make a meaningful connection, a decision, or time to focus on your own well-being. You’re left feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward. You want your relationships to be a place for support and understanding. You want to have balance, peace and stability.
My practice is LGBTQ+ celebratory and welcoming of all identities and expressions.
You face unique challenges and feel alone in sorting through all life throws at you. Constant demands pull you in every direction, leaving you feeling inadequate; as if you’ve lost you own voice and vision for what you want out of your relationships, life, and future. Maybe it feels like a struggle to make a meaningful connection, a decision, or time to focus on your own well-being. You’re left feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward. You want your relationships to be a place for support and understanding. You want to have balance, peace and stability.
Liz Davis Goldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am glad to provide care to clients with a variety of presenting issues. I particularly value providing affirmative care to members of diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. My hope as a therapist is to help clients connect with their love and respect for themselves, as well as find new strategies for coping.
I am glad to provide care to clients with a variety of presenting issues. I particularly value providing affirmative care to members of diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color. My hope as a therapist is to help clients connect with their love and respect for themselves, as well as find new strategies for coping.
He believes in diversity, inclusion, and the inherent dignity of all persons including those in the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Fred Hudson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Missouri and National Certified Counselor who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling.
He believes in diversity, inclusion, and the inherent dignity of all persons including those in the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities.
Fred Hudson is a Licensed Professional Counselor Missouri and National Certified Counselor who has been practicing since 2007. He graduated from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri with a Master of Arts degree in Counseling.
Are you looking to make a change but keep getting stuck in old, unsatisfying patterns? Is there a life transition (for example, opening up a relationship or a later-in-life coming out) you're having trouble with? I'm a queer therapist passionate about working with people who want support in navigating life's complexities. Together, in a non-judgmental space, we will find approaches that work to repair attachment wounds, address past traumas, and get curious about limiting beliefs so you can live a more expansive and authentic life.
Are you looking to make a change but keep getting stuck in old, unsatisfying patterns? Is there a life transition (for example, opening up a relationship or a later-in-life coming out) you're having trouble with? I'm a queer therapist passionate about working with people who want support in navigating life's complexities. Together, in a non-judgmental space, we will find approaches that work to repair attachment wounds, address past traumas, and get curious about limiting beliefs so you can live a more expansive and authentic life.
Dr. Rachel Hasper
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119 (Online Only)
I hope you'll find that I'm compassionate, understanding, inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming and ready to meet you where you are.
We all struggle sometimes, but ongoing issues can leave us exhausted, isolated, confused, discouraged... If your days or nights are hard to get through, if you can't seem to settle down or stop overthinking, if life feels scary or you don't know what to do, if you never feel good enough or can't seem to 'get over' or 'stop doing' x, I'd love to talk with you. My experience is broad, but my practice is largely focused on anxiety & stress disorders, relational trauma, chronic & terminal illnesses, and healthy coping/decision making during life transitions.
I hope you'll find that I'm compassionate, understanding, inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirming and ready to meet you where you are.
We all struggle sometimes, but ongoing issues can leave us exhausted, isolated, confused, discouraged... If your days or nights are hard to get through, if you can't seem to settle down or stop overthinking, if life feels scary or you don't know what to do, if you never feel good enough or can't seem to 'get over' or 'stop doing' x, I'd love to talk with you. My experience is broad, but my practice is largely focused on anxiety & stress disorders, relational trauma, chronic & terminal illnesses, and healthy coping/decision making during life transitions.
Kathryn Stinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Waitlist for new clients
I work with all kinds of people who might feel less than welcome in our culture, including people who are gender non-conforming or otherwise LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, gifted, multipassionate, entrepreneurial, artistic, etc.
You're living a different story. Maybe you always knew you would, because something about you has always been unusual. Maybe you planned to travel a well known path, but something happened, and you can't just go back to the way things were. Maybe you're burned out because something that was working for a long time just doesn't work anymore. Maybe you feel anxiety or depression or trauma is holding you back. You want to talk to someone comfortable with unconventional terrain, someone who doesn't insist that returning to the paved road is the answer but joins with you in the difficult work of mapping out new territory together.
I work with all kinds of people who might feel less than welcome in our culture, including people who are gender non-conforming or otherwise LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, gifted, multipassionate, entrepreneurial, artistic, etc.
You're living a different story. Maybe you always knew you would, because something about you has always been unusual. Maybe you planned to travel a well known path, but something happened, and you can't just go back to the way things were. Maybe you're burned out because something that was working for a long time just doesn't work anymore. Maybe you feel anxiety or depression or trauma is holding you back. You want to talk to someone comfortable with unconventional terrain, someone who doesn't insist that returning to the paved road is the answer but joins with you in the difficult work of mapping out new territory together.
Joan Brackmann
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SEP
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I believe that through being respected, listened to, feeling validated and cared about, the healing process is well under way. Whether experiencing depression, anxiety, fear or shame, unresolved pain from the past, or difficulties currently, we will explore your problems together and they will all make sense. I have helped clients with: eating disorders; alcohol and drug addictions; unresolved childhood trauma; depression; anxiety; grief; post-traumatic stress; LGBTQIA related issues; and relationship problems. My approach is eclectic and collaborative. I will help you find a way to heal and change that works for you.
I believe that through being respected, listened to, feeling validated and cared about, the healing process is well under way. Whether experiencing depression, anxiety, fear or shame, unresolved pain from the past, or difficulties currently, we will explore your problems together and they will all make sense. I have helped clients with: eating disorders; alcohol and drug addictions; unresolved childhood trauma; depression; anxiety; grief; post-traumatic stress; LGBTQIA related issues; and relationship problems. My approach is eclectic and collaborative. I will help you find a way to heal and change that works for you.
Cortney Dollens
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I have particular enjoyment and experience in working with people who wrestle with depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and identity (including LGBTQ+).
In a world riddled with sadness and struggle, I strive to provide a safe haven for my clients to find support and hope, recognizing that all too often these vital components for living just can't be found anywhere else. My hope is to be source of grounding as you face your struggle, and ultimately, yourself. Counseling can be a transformative and life-changing experience if we are brave enough to engage it with earnestness and sincerity. I'll be with you along the way.
I have particular enjoyment and experience in working with people who wrestle with depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and identity (including LGBTQ+).
In a world riddled with sadness and struggle, I strive to provide a safe haven for my clients to find support and hope, recognizing that all too often these vital components for living just can't be found anywhere else. My hope is to be source of grounding as you face your struggle, and ultimately, yourself. Counseling can be a transformative and life-changing experience if we are brave enough to engage it with earnestness and sincerity. I'll be with you along the way.
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Betsey Pope
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119 (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Currently accepting new clients! My focus is helping adults who feel anxiety, overwhelm, burn out, or depression; who are struggling through life transitions and relationships, stress, or with negative feelings about themselves. I work with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and self-esteem issues. I also enjoy working with late-recognized Autism in adults. I cannot diagnose Autism.
LGBTQ+ affirming.
Currently accepting new clients! My focus is helping adults who feel anxiety, overwhelm, burn out, or depression; who are struggling through life transitions and relationships, stress, or with negative feelings about themselves. I work with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and self-esteem issues. I also enjoy working with late-recognized Autism in adults. I cannot diagnose Autism.
Paige Lynch
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Waitlist for new clients
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are safe here.
I work with individuals who struggle with trauma, relationship problems, and not taking care of oneself first. Trauma is anything that felt too big to handle at the time and continues to come back to haunt you today. This means trauma can come from many different life experiences. I find that many of my clients have attachment and relationship trauma that continues to affect their present day relationships. We will spend time healing your wounds to help you grow into the person you wish to be, with a stronger sense of safety within yourself, your relationships, and the world you live in.
Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are safe here.
I work with individuals who struggle with trauma, relationship problems, and not taking care of oneself first. Trauma is anything that felt too big to handle at the time and continues to come back to haunt you today. This means trauma can come from many different life experiences. I find that many of my clients have attachment and relationship trauma that continues to affect their present day relationships. We will spend time healing your wounds to help you grow into the person you wish to be, with a stronger sense of safety within yourself, your relationships, and the world you live in.
Marsha Yost Bradford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Marsha has been working with and the LGBT community for over 20 years.
While serving the community since 1995, Marsha has established a non-judgmental and informative view of those in need. She works with individuals, groups and couples to help them attain a better more centered life while helping to educate them on better relaxation skills, self improvement techniques and better overall mental and physical health. Marsha focuses on the whole person and not on diagnoses or disorders. While Marsha enjoys working with clients she also helps to mold future therapists. Marsha has worked in the mental health field for over 23 years.
Marsha has been working with and the LGBT community for over 20 years.
While serving the community since 1995, Marsha has established a non-judgmental and informative view of those in need. She works with individuals, groups and couples to help them attain a better more centered life while helping to educate them on better relaxation skills, self improvement techniques and better overall mental and physical health. Marsha focuses on the whole person and not on diagnoses or disorders. While Marsha enjoys working with clients she also helps to mold future therapists. Marsha has worked in the mental health field for over 23 years.
Gary L Hirshberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
I am a licensed clinical social worker who practices both individual and couples therapy. I have extensive experience working with client's from diverse backgrounds. My training as a social worker has given me the understanding of how both childhood and current life circumstances impact people. I work to assist client's in understanding how they deal with these problems. My goal is never to provide answers for people, but to help people to understand themselves so that they can function and operate independently of their conflicts and problems.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who practices both individual and couples therapy. I have extensive experience working with client's from diverse backgrounds. My training as a social worker has given me the understanding of how both childhood and current life circumstances impact people. I work to assist client's in understanding how they deal with these problems. My goal is never to provide answers for people, but to help people to understand themselves so that they can function and operate independently of their conflicts and problems.
Jason Eccker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119
Waitlist for new clients
As a social worker, my goal is to partner with my clients so that they may achieve their goals. I have a diverse background in treating trauma, addiction and mental health from a strengths-based perspective, and I have been successful in helping clients to integrate long-term solutions in their daily lives. I feel that my ability to create a strong therapeutic alliance with clients as one of my biggest strengths. For those suffering from PTSD/other past trauma, I offer EMDR therapy which continues to be researched as highly effective for individuals suffering from these conditions.
As a social worker, my goal is to partner with my clients so that they may achieve their goals. I have a diverse background in treating trauma, addiction and mental health from a strengths-based perspective, and I have been successful in helping clients to integrate long-term solutions in their daily lives. I feel that my ability to create a strong therapeutic alliance with clients as one of my biggest strengths. For those suffering from PTSD/other past trauma, I offer EMDR therapy which continues to be researched as highly effective for individuals suffering from these conditions.
Laura McClure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University in 2017, clinical tract with specializations in Children, Youth, and Family, Trauma-Informed Care, and Individual and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Family Development from Missouri State University in 2007. Laura believes that the client is the expert and works with the client to help define problem areas and develop attainable goals to work towards within the therapeutic environment.
Laura McClure is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Missouri who has been practicing since 2017. She has a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University in 2017, clinical tract with specializations in Children, Youth, and Family, Trauma-Informed Care, and Individual and Family Therapy and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child Family Development from Missouri State University in 2007. Laura believes that the client is the expert and works with the client to help define problem areas and develop attainable goals to work towards within the therapeutic environment.
Nick Platipodis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri who has been practicing since 2021. He has an MA in counseling from Maryville University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from California Southern University. Nick believes in a person-centered approach to therapy believing that each individual comes with the capacity to grow and change in their own unique way. He collaborates with individuals, couples, and families to create a non-judgmental space where they can explore and gain a better understanding of their own capabilities and utilize those capabilities to create a happy and fulfilling life.
Nick Platipodis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Missouri who has been practicing since 2021. He has an MA in counseling from Maryville University and a doctorate in clinical psychology from California Southern University. Nick believes in a person-centered approach to therapy believing that each individual comes with the capacity to grow and change in their own unique way. He collaborates with individuals, couples, and families to create a non-judgmental space where they can explore and gain a better understanding of their own capabilities and utilize those capabilities to create a happy and fulfilling life.
McKayla Robinson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, SMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Webster Groves, MO 63119 (Online Only)
The therapeutic relationship is one of healing and hope. Facilitating that relationship is very important because I understand the value of working with someone not pushing their usually well-intentioned agenda onto your situation. Someone outside our problems who has no investment in how we handle those problems can offer limitless perspective and an abundance of compassion. In addition to being a listening ear, therapists have many resources and tools to help us navigate whatever challenges and changes life throws at us. This is the type of therapist I strive to be.
The therapeutic relationship is one of healing and hope. Facilitating that relationship is very important because I understand the value of working with someone not pushing their usually well-intentioned agenda onto your situation. Someone outside our problems who has no investment in how we handle those problems can offer limitless perspective and an abundance of compassion. In addition to being a listening ear, therapists have many resources and tools to help us navigate whatever challenges and changes life throws at us. This is the type of therapist I strive to be.
Do you feel like you have been treading water for ages, barely able to keep your head above water? Or maybe you couldn’t tread any longer and have just been drowning? Maybe you’ve been searching for a lifeline, a pathway back to you. The you before all the hurt, pain, and confusion. You, who had a strong sense of self and who was not afraid to live authentically and vibrantly. But every time those bad experiences rise to the surface, you push them down. And the truth is that pushing it all down is just as tiring as you imagine addressing them head on would be. I know that you're tired of saying you’re okay when you are far from it.
Do you feel like you have been treading water for ages, barely able to keep your head above water? Or maybe you couldn’t tread any longer and have just been drowning? Maybe you’ve been searching for a lifeline, a pathway back to you. The you before all the hurt, pain, and confusion. You, who had a strong sense of self and who was not afraid to live authentically and vibrantly. But every time those bad experiences rise to the surface, you push them down. And the truth is that pushing it all down is just as tiring as you imagine addressing them head on would be. I know that you're tired of saying you’re okay when you are far from it.
See more therapy options for Webster Groves
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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.