LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Oak Ridge, NC
Are you tired of anxiety taking over your life? Has social anxiety or people pleasing affected your self confidence? Maybe you're looking for ways to end unhealthy patterns in your personal life and establish healthy, long-lasting relationships. You might have read an article on anxious attachment and went "yep, that's me." Building social skills when so much of our interactions are online, making friends as an adult, or creating work-life balance can be confusing, challenging experiences. I want to help you strengthen your self-esteem, reduce stress, build assertiveness, and create the social life you want on your terms.
Are you tired of anxiety taking over your life? Has social anxiety or people pleasing affected your self confidence? Maybe you're looking for ways to end unhealthy patterns in your personal life and establish healthy, long-lasting relationships. You might have read an article on anxious attachment and went "yep, that's me." Building social skills when so much of our interactions are online, making friends as an adult, or creating work-life balance can be confusing, challenging experiences. I want to help you strengthen your self-esteem, reduce stress, build assertiveness, and create the social life you want on your terms.
Throughout the course of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, we can experience a wide range of issues – such as relationships, family, work, or school – that can potentially interfere with our level of functioning, productivity, or ability to feel generally happy. Some people are able to master these issues through their development as a person, but there are times or situations in which these issues become major hurdles. Our professional practice provides a confidential and safe atmosphere where we are able to guide each client toward possible solutions to problems and cultivate good coping skills for life’s future challenges.
Throughout the course of our lives, from childhood to adulthood, we can experience a wide range of issues – such as relationships, family, work, or school – that can potentially interfere with our level of functioning, productivity, or ability to feel generally happy. Some people are able to master these issues through their development as a person, but there are times or situations in which these issues become major hurdles. Our professional practice provides a confidential and safe atmosphere where we are able to guide each client toward possible solutions to problems and cultivate good coping skills for life’s future challenges.
I believe therapy works best when it is a collaborative, down-to-earth partnership where you feel fully heard and respected. I enjoy working with high-achieving and over-functioning women who are navigating burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to manage everything perfectly. Our sessions will focus on understanding the root of these patterns and developing practical, sustainable tools to help you set healthier boundaries and reduce stress. My goal is to provide a steady, encouraging space where you can safely step back from performance and focus on your own well-being.
I believe therapy works best when it is a collaborative, down-to-earth partnership where you feel fully heard and respected. I enjoy working with high-achieving and over-functioning women who are navigating burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to manage everything perfectly. Our sessions will focus on understanding the root of these patterns and developing practical, sustainable tools to help you set healthier boundaries and reduce stress. My goal is to provide a steady, encouraging space where you can safely step back from performance and focus on your own well-being.
The world can feel heavy these days. Anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions often make it hard to see a clear path forward. I believe in helping you discover your unique strengths to build healthier coping skills and self-care strategies. In a supportive, comfortable space, we’ll explore both current challenges and past experiences that impact your well-being. Together, we’ll work to ease anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, empowering you to navigate difficult moments and life changes with greater confidence and resilience.
The world can feel heavy these days. Anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions often make it hard to see a clear path forward. I believe in helping you discover your unique strengths to build healthier coping skills and self-care strategies. In a supportive, comfortable space, we’ll explore both current challenges and past experiences that impact your well-being. Together, we’ll work to ease anxiety, depression, or other symptoms, empowering you to navigate difficult moments and life changes with greater confidence and resilience.
Amy O'Hearn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience with veterans & am LGBTQIA affirming.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, social settings, self-talk, guilt, shame, chronic pain, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you experienced a recent illness or health diagnosis that you are having difficulty processing? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop an individualized plan for you and help you to work through your challenges.
I have experience with veterans & am LGBTQIA affirming.
Are you struggling with trauma, anxiety, social settings, self-talk, guilt, shame, chronic pain, or substance use? Would you like help developing healthy coping skills, learning how to change your self-talk and behaviors? Do you have difficulty feeling confident making choices in your life? Have you experienced a recent illness or health diagnosis that you are having difficulty processing? If so, I would love to help explore these areas with you and assist you in developing a plan that allows you to accomplish your goals. We will work together to develop an individualized plan for you and help you to work through your challenges.
More Therapists Nearby
I love working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks, creatives, activists, health care professionals, and couples (poly/ENM-affirming & knowledgeable).
Now scheduling autism/ADHD assessments! Wait list for ongoing therapy. I’m a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed EMDR therapist. I recognize that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, so my approach is personalized, collaborative, and centered on YOU: your strengths, your goals, and your needs. I don’t do "neutral" because we don’t live in a vacuum. I recognize the importance of naming external forces that impact mental health, and I strive to create a space where your identities are celebrated and affirmed. I am passionate about advocacy and accessibility and provide strengths-based support for all neurotypes.
I love working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent folks, creatives, activists, health care professionals, and couples (poly/ENM-affirming & knowledgeable).
Now scheduling autism/ADHD assessments! Wait list for ongoing therapy. I’m a neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed EMDR therapist. I recognize that therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, so my approach is personalized, collaborative, and centered on YOU: your strengths, your goals, and your needs. I don’t do "neutral" because we don’t live in a vacuum. I recognize the importance of naming external forces that impact mental health, and I strive to create a space where your identities are celebrated and affirmed. I am passionate about advocacy and accessibility and provide strengths-based support for all neurotypes.
Have you found yourself experiencing big, overwhelming emotions one minute, then numb and shut down the next? Do you find yourself feeling so ashamed of what's going on in your head that it's hard to get out of bed and face the day? Are you questioning, "Why can't I just get it together?" You want to understand why you feel the way you do and why you keep ending up in the same unsatisfying relationships so you can start to build the life you want. We can help. Lotus Wisdom Counseling Services specializes in working with complex, relationship/attachment-based trauma and PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Have you found yourself experiencing big, overwhelming emotions one minute, then numb and shut down the next? Do you find yourself feeling so ashamed of what's going on in your head that it's hard to get out of bed and face the day? Are you questioning, "Why can't I just get it together?" You want to understand why you feel the way you do and why you keep ending up in the same unsatisfying relationships so you can start to build the life you want. We can help. Lotus Wisdom Counseling Services specializes in working with complex, relationship/attachment-based trauma and PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
You might be in a non-traditional relationship ( queer, poly, kinky) and wanting to find a therapist who fully accepts your identity - that's me!
I'm here to help you to transform the relationships in your life: with others, with yourself, and with your body. Sometimes this means strengthening a relationship in your life or it could mean learning how to set boundaries or even deciding to go no-contact with someone who hurt you. I'm also here to help you manage anxiety or OCD thoughts.
You might be in a non-traditional relationship ( queer, poly, kinky) and wanting to find a therapist who fully accepts your identity - that's me!
I'm here to help you to transform the relationships in your life: with others, with yourself, and with your body. Sometimes this means strengthening a relationship in your life or it could mean learning how to set boundaries or even deciding to go no-contact with someone who hurt you. I'm also here to help you manage anxiety or OCD thoughts.
I believe one of the bravest things we can do is to understand ourselves and our story. While our experiences shape us, they do not have to define us, but it is ok to be human and have human responses to life. I strive to build genuine relationships where you feel safe, supported and accepted. I will be there to encourage, but also to challenge you, uncover patterns, and help you take accountability when needed. Together we will work to better understanc you, build on your strengths, and create change.
I believe one of the bravest things we can do is to understand ourselves and our story. While our experiences shape us, they do not have to define us, but it is ok to be human and have human responses to life. I strive to build genuine relationships where you feel safe, supported and accepted. I will be there to encourage, but also to challenge you, uncover patterns, and help you take accountability when needed. Together we will work to better understanc you, build on your strengths, and create change.
Accepting New Clients! I have immediate late evening availability!
-Hello! My name is Zoee Byrd and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am based out of North Carolina and completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health through Wake Forest University. I have experience and enjoy working with teenagers and adults of all ages through life transitions, general stressors, mood regulation, and overall gaining better insight into who they are. I have been striving to help others create their life worth living for the past 4 years.
Accepting New Clients! I have immediate late evening availability!
-Hello! My name is Zoee Byrd and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am based out of North Carolina and completed my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health through Wake Forest University. I have experience and enjoy working with teenagers and adults of all ages through life transitions, general stressors, mood regulation, and overall gaining better insight into who they are. I have been striving to help others create their life worth living for the past 4 years.
Individual, family, couples counseling; I especially enjoy working with college students, adults, couples and the LGBTQ+ community.
Life can be hard. Counseling can help. My goal for therapy is to create a space where you may rediscover hope and engage in the hard work of reshaping and reclaiming your life. I most often take a Psychodynamic approach however, I utilize techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Solution-Focused, Narrative and Rogerian theories. I believe that counseling is a unique relationship, constructed within a supportive, warm, and safe environment. You are the author of your own life story and the expert of YOU ... so we'll work together to determine what you want that life story to be.
Individual, family, couples counseling; I especially enjoy working with college students, adults, couples and the LGBTQ+ community.
Life can be hard. Counseling can help. My goal for therapy is to create a space where you may rediscover hope and engage in the hard work of reshaping and reclaiming your life. I most often take a Psychodynamic approach however, I utilize techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral, Gestalt, Solution-Focused, Narrative and Rogerian theories. I believe that counseling is a unique relationship, constructed within a supportive, warm, and safe environment. You are the author of your own life story and the expert of YOU ... so we'll work together to determine what you want that life story to be.
Kabrya Colson
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Greensboro, NC 27406
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, sad, angry, or simply feeling like no one is listening? How about hurting on the inside, feeling as if nothing matters, or, more importantly, feeling that you do not matter? Congratulations, you've taken your first step on your journey toward self-awareness and healing!
Are you feeling stuck, anxious, sad, angry, or simply feeling like no one is listening? How about hurting on the inside, feeling as if nothing matters, or, more importantly, feeling that you do not matter? Congratulations, you've taken your first step on your journey toward self-awareness and healing!
My lived experience as a neurodivergent parent, LGBTQIA+ community member, and second-generation American of Hispanic heritage deeply informs my work.
Do you feel like you’re just white-knuckling it through the day? I work with adults navigating life's multiple challenges, whether you are a college student, a new parent, in recovery, or living with neurodivergence and chronic illness. Maybe you're struggling to connect to your true self and others, or your trauma history is getting in the way of feeling safe in your body. You and I will start from square one by building safety together first, before we work on the heavy stuff. We can take a body-based direction, a solution-focused direction, or a little of both. You are the expert on your own experience; we go at your pace.
My lived experience as a neurodivergent parent, LGBTQIA+ community member, and second-generation American of Hispanic heritage deeply informs my work.
Do you feel like you’re just white-knuckling it through the day? I work with adults navigating life's multiple challenges, whether you are a college student, a new parent, in recovery, or living with neurodivergence and chronic illness. Maybe you're struggling to connect to your true self and others, or your trauma history is getting in the way of feeling safe in your body. You and I will start from square one by building safety together first, before we work on the heavy stuff. We can take a body-based direction, a solution-focused direction, or a little of both. You are the expert on your own experience; we go at your pace.
Kay Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, LCAS
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am queer, sex-positive, kink-affirming, and knowledgeable about non-monogamy.
I collaborate with my clients in our work together, drawing from a variety of methods. I believe every individual is an expert in their life and I have a collaborative approach to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, DBT, somatic awareness, ACT, mindfulness, and resourcing techniques to help clients overcome PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
I am queer, sex-positive, kink-affirming, and knowledgeable about non-monogamy.
I collaborate with my clients in our work together, drawing from a variety of methods. I believe every individual is an expert in their life and I have a collaborative approach to the therapeutic process. I utilize EMDR, DBT, somatic awareness, ACT, mindfulness, and resourcing techniques to help clients overcome PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety.
I have specific training in perinatal and maternal mental health, autism, ADHD, religious trauma, complex trauma, infertility, adoption, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, child and infant loss, LGBTQIA+, and holistic health integration.
I offer a person-centered approach with all of my clients. Every person is unique and so will your therapy experience be with me. I take a holistic health mindset approach, integrating multiple aspects of life to improve your mental health.
I have specific training in perinatal and maternal mental health, autism, ADHD, religious trauma, complex trauma, infertility, adoption, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, child and infant loss, LGBTQIA+, and holistic health integration.
I offer a person-centered approach with all of my clients. Every person is unique and so will your therapy experience be with me. I take a holistic health mindset approach, integrating multiple aspects of life to improve your mental health.
Emily Ortiz Badalamente
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist, I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking change in their life, whether that comes through change of circumstance or change of mindset. I understand that change and growth can often be uncomfortable, but necessary. By working with me, you can expect a safe and compassionate place to explore current and past difficulties, process emotions, and work towards wellbeing. I enjoy working with adults who are seeking support in navigating life transitions, processing trauma, managing anxiety, and those working through self-esteem or sex and intimacy concerns.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with individuals who are seeking change in their life, whether that comes through change of circumstance or change of mindset. I understand that change and growth can often be uncomfortable, but necessary. By working with me, you can expect a safe and compassionate place to explore current and past difficulties, process emotions, and work towards wellbeing. I enjoy working with adults who are seeking support in navigating life transitions, processing trauma, managing anxiety, and those working through self-esteem or sex and intimacy concerns.
I provide LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
You’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to—working, keeping up appearances, getting things done—but inside, you feel like you’re barely holding it together. You’re scattered, burnt out, second-guessing yourself constantly. The smallest task feels huge, and even rest doesn’t feel restful. You don’t want a pep talk. You want someone who gets how hard it is to function when your brain won’t cooperate—and who can help you find ways to make life feel like yours again.
I provide LGBTQ+ affirming therapy
You’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to—working, keeping up appearances, getting things done—but inside, you feel like you’re barely holding it together. You’re scattered, burnt out, second-guessing yourself constantly. The smallest task feels huge, and even rest doesn’t feel restful. You don’t want a pep talk. You want someone who gets how hard it is to function when your brain won’t cooperate—and who can help you find ways to make life feel like yours again.
My counseling approach is created from a multicultural lens, which specializes in identity development, mood disorders, emotional regulation, substance abuse/ addiction, self-esteem, trauma related issues such as childhood abuse, neglect and or domestic violence for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you have come across my profile, I would like to congratulate you on taking the courageous step of seeking help. If you have found yourself burnt out, emotionally dysregulated, experiencing irrational thoughts, intrusive memories, anxious, struggling to let go of the past, unable to make sound decisions and or feeling completely lost in your identity then I am here to help. Help looks different to every individual seeking it and my job is to offer services tailored to your individual needs. My goal, as your therapist, is to create a safe environment for you to explore this thing called “Life” and ALL that it brings.
My counseling approach is created from a multicultural lens, which specializes in identity development, mood disorders, emotional regulation, substance abuse/ addiction, self-esteem, trauma related issues such as childhood abuse, neglect and or domestic violence for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you have come across my profile, I would like to congratulate you on taking the courageous step of seeking help. If you have found yourself burnt out, emotionally dysregulated, experiencing irrational thoughts, intrusive memories, anxious, struggling to let go of the past, unable to make sound decisions and or feeling completely lost in your identity then I am here to help. Help looks different to every individual seeking it and my job is to offer services tailored to your individual needs. My goal, as your therapist, is to create a safe environment for you to explore this thing called “Life” and ALL that it brings.
Achaia
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I use both experiential and academic knowledge to assist folks facing struggles with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, identity development, navigating neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), relationship issues, chronic pain and illness, substance abuse recovery, LGBTQIA+ issues, sexuality, gender and romanticism, and BPD recovery.
Finding a therapist can be difficult for someone already struggling to "get their life together". Do you tell yourself things like "this shouldn't be this hard!" or "Why am I procrastinating?! I know it'll be good for me but I just can't DO it". If this fits your experience, you may want to consider reaching out to get connected. I focus on fostering a safe, yet challenging & equitable environment to empower my clients in their personal growth. My aim is to support you in moving toward your desired direction, not just a destination.
I use both experiential and academic knowledge to assist folks facing struggles with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, identity development, navigating neurodivergence (ADHD & Autism), relationship issues, chronic pain and illness, substance abuse recovery, LGBTQIA+ issues, sexuality, gender and romanticism, and BPD recovery.
Finding a therapist can be difficult for someone already struggling to "get their life together". Do you tell yourself things like "this shouldn't be this hard!" or "Why am I procrastinating?! I know it'll be good for me but I just can't DO it". If this fits your experience, you may want to consider reaching out to get connected. I focus on fostering a safe, yet challenging & equitable environment to empower my clients in their personal growth. My aim is to support you in moving toward your desired direction, not just a destination.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by spiraling thoughts, self-doubt, difficult emotions, or patterns that no longer serve you, counseling can help! I work with individuals ages 16+ experiencing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD. With specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, as well as expressive arts informed and body-centered approaches, therapy is tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll create a collaborative plan that honors your unique experiences, identity, values, and goals while helping you reduce distress, develop new ways of responding, and move toward meaningful change.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by spiraling thoughts, self-doubt, difficult emotions, or patterns that no longer serve you, counseling can help! I work with individuals ages 16+ experiencing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD. With specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, as well as expressive arts informed and body-centered approaches, therapy is tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll create a collaborative plan that honors your unique experiences, identity, values, and goals while helping you reduce distress, develop new ways of responding, and move toward meaningful change.
See more therapy options for Oak Ridge
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Oak Ridge
- Browns Summit
- Greensboro
- High Point
- Jamestown
- Kernersville
- King
- McLeansville
- Reidsville
- Summerfield
- Thomasville
- Walkertown
- Winston Salem
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.