LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Cary, NC
If you're feeling stuck with questions about your identity, relationships, or family conflict—especially as a part of LGBTQ+ or polyamorous/ENM communities—I offer a space where you are fully seen and supported, without judgment.
Whether working with individuals or couples, I believe in the power of the professional therapeutic relationship to support patients with authenticity and unconditional positive regard. Using evidence-based strategies informed by attachment science, we will collaborate to explore cycles that are not working, seek clarity, and develop goals for change.
If you're feeling stuck with questions about your identity, relationships, or family conflict—especially as a part of LGBTQ+ or polyamorous/ENM communities—I offer a space where you are fully seen and supported, without judgment.
Whether working with individuals or couples, I believe in the power of the professional therapeutic relationship to support patients with authenticity and unconditional positive regard. Using evidence-based strategies informed by attachment science, we will collaborate to explore cycles that are not working, seek clarity, and develop goals for change.
I am passionate about emerging adulthood, queer individuals, and queer couples.
It can be hard to know who you are when you have been repressed for so long. When you have been told who you can and cannot be and how to show up in the world, it can be overwhelming to navigate adulthood and make your own decisions. When your beliefs shift or evolve, it can feel like the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. It is scary to be honest when you have hidden and performed in order to survive. But you deserve to know yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are today and hold onto hope for who you will become tomorrow. You can learn to trust your inner voice and make room for every version of yourself.
I am passionate about emerging adulthood, queer individuals, and queer couples.
It can be hard to know who you are when you have been repressed for so long. When you have been told who you can and cannot be and how to show up in the world, it can be overwhelming to navigate adulthood and make your own decisions. When your beliefs shift or evolve, it can feel like the ground is crumbling beneath your feet. It is scary to be honest when you have hidden and performed in order to survive. But you deserve to know yourself and accept yourself exactly as you are today and hold onto hope for who you will become tomorrow. You can learn to trust your inner voice and make room for every version of yourself.
I specialize in creating a safe and affirming space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ communities- where I have lived experience, any individuals navigating chronic illness and caregiving, and those impacted by hoarding behaviors.
My approach to therapy is from an intersectional perspective. My style is eclectic and is tailored to each person’s unique needs because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The therapeutic alliance, built on trust and rapport, is key to positive outcomes in therapy with me. I strive to foster a warm, inclusive, and person-centered environment.
I specialize in creating a safe and affirming space for individuals within the LGBTQ+ communities- where I have lived experience, any individuals navigating chronic illness and caregiving, and those impacted by hoarding behaviors.
My approach to therapy is from an intersectional perspective. My style is eclectic and is tailored to each person’s unique needs because I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The therapeutic alliance, built on trust and rapport, is key to positive outcomes in therapy with me. I strive to foster a warm, inclusive, and person-centered environment.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients and the LGBTQ+ community on a variety of challenges.
I take a strengths based approach and collaborate with clients to develop a tailored approach that combines evidence based methods and personalized care. I draw from a variety of modalities, including ACT, DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy. I frequently incorporate art, walking outside, and a client's unique interests into sessions.
I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients and the LGBTQ+ community on a variety of challenges.
I take a strengths based approach and collaborate with clients to develop a tailored approach that combines evidence based methods and personalized care. I draw from a variety of modalities, including ACT, DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic therapy. I frequently incorporate art, walking outside, and a client's unique interests into sessions.
Colleen McKeel
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MEd, LCMHCA, NCC
1 Endorsed
Cary, NC 27511
I work with individuals who have felt misunderstood or marginalized, particularly adult children of emotionally immature parents, neurodivergent folks navigating ableist systems, and members of the 2S- LGBTQIA+ community.
I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach that integrates tools from modalities like DBT, IFS, and ACT to help you build resilience, improve self-regulation, and develop skills for lasting change. My goal is to help you embrace your authentic self and create a fulfilling, meaningful life.
I work with individuals who have felt misunderstood or marginalized, particularly adult children of emotionally immature parents, neurodivergent folks navigating ableist systems, and members of the 2S- LGBTQIA+ community.
I use a strengths-based, collaborative approach that integrates tools from modalities like DBT, IFS, and ACT to help you build resilience, improve self-regulation, and develop skills for lasting change. My goal is to help you embrace your authentic self and create a fulfilling, meaningful life.
Aly is proudly LGBTQIA-affirming, neurodivergence-affirming, and fat-positive.
Aly works with clients to identify approaches that feel right for them. Her work is informed by motivational interviewing; harm reduction; somatic modalities; empowerment theory; coherence therapy; brainspotting; DBT; and CBT. She is certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through Triangle Wellness & Recovery and as a Clinical Trauma Professional.
Aly is proudly LGBTQIA-affirming, neurodivergence-affirming, and fat-positive.
Aly works with clients to identify approaches that feel right for them. Her work is informed by motivational interviewing; harm reduction; somatic modalities; empowerment theory; coherence therapy; brainspotting; DBT; and CBT. She is certified in Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy through Triangle Wellness & Recovery and as a Clinical Trauma Professional.
My clients are often in seasons of exploration: navigating identity, coming out later in life, or building authentic relationships within polyamorous, ENM, queer, and other diverse partnerships.
“Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love helping people find their way back to themselves, especially during times of change. I believe we already have the answers inside us... it’s just about learning to trust them. The only constant in life is change, and sometimes those changes can shake us to our core. I am dedicated to providing a safe space where your experience and identity are celebrated.
My clients are often in seasons of exploration: navigating identity, coming out later in life, or building authentic relationships within polyamorous, ENM, queer, and other diverse partnerships.
“Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” –Mary Oliver I am licensed in NC, SC and VA. I want my clients to not only survive the things that challenge them the most, but to thrive and fall in love with their life. I love helping people find their way back to themselves, especially during times of change. I believe we already have the answers inside us... it’s just about learning to trust them. The only constant in life is change, and sometimes those changes can shake us to our core. I am dedicated to providing a safe space where your experience and identity are celebrated.
I am a queer, trans, poly, kinky, witchy, neurospicy human.
Relationships can be a place of healing and growth. And sometimes we get stuck and need support. Maybe you’re looking for a couples therapist to help you and your partner learn how to communicate, regulate your emotions, and be vulnerable with each other. Maybe you're considering opening your relationship and you want to talk about boundaries and expectations. Or you need help repairing after you or one of your partners damaged the trust of your relationship. You don’t have to do this alone.
I am a queer, trans, poly, kinky, witchy, neurospicy human.
Relationships can be a place of healing and growth. And sometimes we get stuck and need support. Maybe you’re looking for a couples therapist to help you and your partner learn how to communicate, regulate your emotions, and be vulnerable with each other. Maybe you're considering opening your relationship and you want to talk about boundaries and expectations. Or you need help repairing after you or one of your partners damaged the trust of your relationship. You don’t have to do this alone.
On the outside things look great, but on the inside you are struggling. Work stress is becoming overwhelming, you feel anxious and depressed, and your relationships are suffering. What used to work is no longer working for you. I am here to help you learn new, more effective ways for life to become more manageable. Together we can create and work on goals, which can include improved work performance, more meaningful relationships, better communication, and stress management. We can address addictions which may be hindering performance. Whatever life stress or transition you may be experiencing, I am here to help.
On the outside things look great, but on the inside you are struggling. Work stress is becoming overwhelming, you feel anxious and depressed, and your relationships are suffering. What used to work is no longer working for you. I am here to help you learn new, more effective ways for life to become more manageable. Together we can create and work on goals, which can include improved work performance, more meaningful relationships, better communication, and stress management. We can address addictions which may be hindering performance. Whatever life stress or transition you may be experiencing, I am here to help.
You might feel pressure to hide things about yourself because people around you don’t want them to be true. You're looking for a space where you don’t have to explain, justify, or shrink yourself. You want to feel unapologetically secure in your identity, navigate relationships with confidence, and move from surviving to thriving. You deserve support that celebrates all of who you are.
You might feel pressure to hide things about yourself because people around you don’t want them to be true. You're looking for a space where you don’t have to explain, justify, or shrink yourself. You want to feel unapologetically secure in your identity, navigate relationships with confidence, and move from surviving to thriving. You deserve support that celebrates all of who you are.
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships.
I use the Nurture/Play/Structure Model of therapy as a primary base for our work together. By focusing on Nurture, Play, and Structure, we have found that individuals and families are better able to recognize their strengths and challenges. They also report a better sense of who they are, what they need, and how to name these needs in relationships.
My areas of specialty include LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and relationships.
I use the Nurture/Play/Structure Model of therapy as a primary base for our work together. By focusing on Nurture, Play, and Structure, we have found that individuals and families are better able to recognize their strengths and challenges. They also report a better sense of who they are, what they need, and how to name these needs in relationships.
Hi! I'm a dually Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) working in the Raleigh NC area. I received my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the North Carolina State University and have been practicing for 7 years. I am a dully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) practicing in Raleigh, NC. I went back to school in my 40's to become a social worker and graduated from North Carolina State University, and began practicing as a LCSW and LCAS in 2018.
Hi! I'm a dually Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) working in the Raleigh NC area. I received my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the North Carolina State University and have been practicing for 7 years. I am a dully Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as well as a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) practicing in Raleigh, NC. I went back to school in my 40's to become a social worker and graduated from North Carolina State University, and began practicing as a LCSW and LCAS in 2018.
Ellie Mental Health Raleigh Blue Ridge Rd
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
We are trans/ queer inclusive, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed.
Ellie Mental Health in Raleigh, North Carolina isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services.
We are trans/ queer inclusive, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed.
Ellie Mental Health in Raleigh, North Carolina isn’t your average therapy clinic. We’ve created a comfy, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services.
For over a decade, I’ve helped clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life. As a late bloomer myself, I understand how identity shifts can reshape your sense of self, relationships, & the life you envisioned. I provide a supportive, affirming space to navigate these changes with clarity & confidence. I also work with anxiety, OCD, trauma, & body image concerns. My approach is collaborative - you are the expert on your life, & I’m here to guide you toward deeper understanding, healing, & alignment with your values.
For over a decade, I’ve helped clients build meaningful, fulfilling lives. I specialize in working with adults exploring their gender, sexuality, or relationship structure later in life. As a late bloomer myself, I understand how identity shifts can reshape your sense of self, relationships, & the life you envisioned. I provide a supportive, affirming space to navigate these changes with clarity & confidence. I also work with anxiety, OCD, trauma, & body image concerns. My approach is collaborative - you are the expert on your life, & I’m here to guide you toward deeper understanding, healing, & alignment with your values.
I’m a queer therapist committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where all clients feel safe and supported.
Pulling on my background in LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy, as well as lived experiences, I know the intricacies that come with complex intersecting identities in today's complex political climate. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities based on your needs and wants, and rely on communication and feedback from you to ensure we meet your goals.
I’m a queer therapist committed to creating an inclusive, affirming space where all clients feel safe and supported.
Pulling on my background in LGBTQIA+ and mental health advocacy, as well as lived experiences, I know the intricacies that come with complex intersecting identities in today's complex political climate. I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities based on your needs and wants, and rely on communication and feedback from you to ensure we meet your goals.
Life is hard. You’re tired of unfair social standards and exhausted from your identities not being celebrated, valued, or welcomed. The space you occupy comes with expectations and standards that feel like inescapable constraints. When you pause and look up at the stars you feel a sense of belonging and feel connected to your guiding values yet your day-to-day is missing this feeling. You stay overly busy without time to think about the hard stuff, or you find yourself sad and overwhelmed with less interest in things you may normally care about, and wonder where to go from here. This might be where therapy comes in.
Life is hard. You’re tired of unfair social standards and exhausted from your identities not being celebrated, valued, or welcomed. The space you occupy comes with expectations and standards that feel like inescapable constraints. When you pause and look up at the stars you feel a sense of belonging and feel connected to your guiding values yet your day-to-day is missing this feeling. You stay overly busy without time to think about the hard stuff, or you find yourself sad and overwhelmed with less interest in things you may normally care about, and wonder where to go from here. This might be where therapy comes in.
It is important to me that those who are outcasts, quirky, different, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and the marginalized feel heard.
I have a wide range of interests and specializations including, but not limited to, the following: LGBTQ+, faith and questions/doubts/fears around religion/religious trauma, ENM/polyamory, neurodivergent folks, kink-allied/sex-positive/sexual dysfunction, self-esteem/body positivity/healthy at any size, teenagers, college students, young adults, and more.
It is important to me that those who are outcasts, quirky, different, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and the marginalized feel heard.
I have a wide range of interests and specializations including, but not limited to, the following: LGBTQ+, faith and questions/doubts/fears around religion/religious trauma, ENM/polyamory, neurodivergent folks, kink-allied/sex-positive/sexual dysfunction, self-esteem/body positivity/healthy at any size, teenagers, college students, young adults, and more.
I work with clients navigating identity, trauma recovery, and life transitions, particularly those who identify as neurodivergent, queer, or female-identifying.
I earned my master’s in social work from North Carolina State University. As a feminist therapist, my approach centers on empathy, systemic awareness, and collaboration. Together, we work to integrate trauma recovery into your everyday life through practical coping strategies. My style resonates with deep thinkers and clients described as “too self-aware.”
I work with clients navigating identity, trauma recovery, and life transitions, particularly those who identify as neurodivergent, queer, or female-identifying.
I earned my master’s in social work from North Carolina State University. As a feminist therapist, my approach centers on empathy, systemic awareness, and collaboration. Together, we work to integrate trauma recovery into your everyday life through practical coping strategies. My style resonates with deep thinkers and clients described as “too self-aware.”
I also enjoy working with Latinx, first generation, and queer-identified individuals who are exploring their identity and relationships.
I use a collaborative and holistic lens when working with individuals, couples, and families. I am conscious that all clients are unique and am prepared to meet the specific needs of each client I work with.
I also enjoy working with Latinx, first generation, and queer-identified individuals who are exploring their identity and relationships.
I use a collaborative and holistic lens when working with individuals, couples, and families. I am conscious that all clients are unique and am prepared to meet the specific needs of each client I work with.
I work with adults individually and in relationships, and I have a special interest in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Every client is different. I draw from a variety of trauma-informed therapeutic approaches including ACT, MI, and TF-CBT, and I'll collaborate with you to develop an individualized approach for your needs.
I work with adults individually and in relationships, and I have a special interest in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Every client is different. I draw from a variety of trauma-informed therapeutic approaches including ACT, MI, and TF-CBT, and I'll collaborate with you to develop an individualized approach for your needs.
See more therapy options for Cary
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Cary
- Apex
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Fuquay Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Morrisville
- Raleigh
- Research Triangle
- Research Triangle Park
- Willow Spring
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.