LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Pittsboro, NC
I work with teens, college students, and adults, especially LGBTQ+ identifying folks exploring identity, navigating transitions, and experiencing self-doubt.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap—and sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to figure it all out on your own. You don’t have to. In therapy, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and collaborative. A space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll slow things down, sort through the hard stuff, and work toward clarity, healing, and growth.
I work with teens, college students, and adults, especially LGBTQ+ identifying folks exploring identity, navigating transitions, and experiencing self-doubt.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap—and sometimes it feels overwhelming to try to figure it all out on your own. You don’t have to. In therapy, I offer a space that is safe, affirming, and collaborative. A space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment. Together, we’ll slow things down, sort through the hard stuff, and work toward clarity, healing, and growth.
He is honored to work with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, autistic individuals, and individuals with ADHD.
Cody is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate at Lifescapes Counseling Associates, PLLC. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNC Greensboro, his Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University, and his Master of Social Work degree from UNC Charlotte. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Cody worked for 10 years as a pediatric occupational therapist, with experience in early intervention, school-based, and clinic-based practice. This background provides a unique understanding of the nervous system, child development, and how one's environment impacts mental health.
He is honored to work with individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community, autistic individuals, and individuals with ADHD.
Cody is a North Carolina Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate at Lifescapes Counseling Associates, PLLC. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UNC Greensboro, his Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Winston-Salem State University, and his Master of Social Work degree from UNC Charlotte. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Cody worked for 10 years as a pediatric occupational therapist, with experience in early intervention, school-based, and clinic-based practice. This background provides a unique understanding of the nervous system, child development, and how one's environment impacts mental health.
Adults seeking support with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions often come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying too much responsibility. I work collaboratively to clarify goals and identify what will help most—whether that is coping skills, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, or space to process life experiences. My approach is compassionate, strengths-based, and nonjudgmental, with a focus on practical change and emotional relief. Together we build resilience, increase stability, and support movement toward a more grounded and manageable daily life.
Adults seeking support with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, and life transitions often come to me feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying too much responsibility. I work collaboratively to clarify goals and identify what will help most—whether that is coping skills, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, or space to process life experiences. My approach is compassionate, strengths-based, and nonjudgmental, with a focus on practical change and emotional relief. Together we build resilience, increase stability, and support movement toward a more grounded and manageable daily life.
I work with children, teens, and college students facing challenges in their everyday life. I help them identify and apply practical strategies that use their strengths to counter these challenges.
I work with children, teens, and college students facing challenges in their everyday life. I help them identify and apply practical strategies that use their strengths to counter these challenges.
You are capable, intelligent, and often the one others rely on. From the outside, you are doing well. Internally, you may struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, or constant pressure to perform. As a former IT professional, I understand analytical work environments and the mental overdrive that comes with them. Perfectionism, self-criticism, and fear of failure quietly shape your decisions. You want confidence, balance, and relief without losing your edge.
You are capable, intelligent, and often the one others rely on. From the outside, you are doing well. Internally, you may struggle with anxiety, ADHD, depression, or constant pressure to perform. As a former IT professional, I understand analytical work environments and the mental overdrive that comes with them. Perfectionism, self-criticism, and fear of failure quietly shape your decisions. You want confidence, balance, and relief without losing your edge.
I am honored you are here and I am hopeful that together, we can collaboratively begin a journey in which we help you to find a sense of balance, validation and relief. I am an LCSW with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and families struggling with a vast range of concerns. In my experience, presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, social concerns, difficult family dynamics and significant life transitions can impact individuals in all spheres of one’s life.
I am honored you are here and I am hopeful that together, we can collaboratively begin a journey in which we help you to find a sense of balance, validation and relief. I am an LCSW with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and families struggling with a vast range of concerns. In my experience, presenting issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, social concerns, difficult family dynamics and significant life transitions can impact individuals in all spheres of one’s life.
Tired of coping? Feeling unseen in the relationships that matter most? Carrying old hurts or self-doubt? Longing for more balance, connection, meaning? When life feels smaller than it should, many turn to therapy for support. In my view, therapy is less about fixing what’s broken and more about getting honest, paying attention to what’s not working, and understanding the patterns, stories, and emotional truths that shape how you live and relate. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, depth-oriented approach, helping you live a life in deeper alignment with what matters most to you.
Tired of coping? Feeling unseen in the relationships that matter most? Carrying old hurts or self-doubt? Longing for more balance, connection, meaning? When life feels smaller than it should, many turn to therapy for support. In my view, therapy is less about fixing what’s broken and more about getting honest, paying attention to what’s not working, and understanding the patterns, stories, and emotional truths that shape how you live and relate. I work with individuals and couples in a collaborative, depth-oriented approach, helping you live a life in deeper alignment with what matters most to you.
I am a Child and Family Therapist/ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families in health care, group practice and educational settings. I work with individuals and families with the goal of alleviating challenges with communication, relationship difficulties, neurodivergent conditions, sensory processing issues, Misophonia, family stressors, grief, depression, anxiety, parenting, co-parenting. My therapeutic approach integrates an empathic and supportive style with active treatment that is informed by scientific findings.
I am a Child and Family Therapist/ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, teens, adults and families in health care, group practice and educational settings. I work with individuals and families with the goal of alleviating challenges with communication, relationship difficulties, neurodivergent conditions, sensory processing issues, Misophonia, family stressors, grief, depression, anxiety, parenting, co-parenting. My therapeutic approach integrates an empathic and supportive style with active treatment that is informed by scientific findings.
Have you found that talk therapy isn’t for you, or are you ready to try something different? Does your low self-image get in the way of your enjoyment? Perhaps you have a history of trauma or abuse, but are at a safe place and ready to become more authentic, engaged, easeful and present. You aren’t afraid to look at the stuck places where your patterns keep repeating. You know you want more energy, more loving kindness towards yourself or others and most of all more peace. This journey takes courage, and it is my great honor to be able to be a witness and support as you engage in your creative becoming.
Have you found that talk therapy isn’t for you, or are you ready to try something different? Does your low self-image get in the way of your enjoyment? Perhaps you have a history of trauma or abuse, but are at a safe place and ready to become more authentic, engaged, easeful and present. You aren’t afraid to look at the stuck places where your patterns keep repeating. You know you want more energy, more loving kindness towards yourself or others and most of all more peace. This journey takes courage, and it is my great honor to be able to be a witness and support as you engage in your creative becoming.
As a therapist I am dedicated to LGBTQIA+, gender-affirming, and neurodivergent adults, I focus on providing neuroaffirmative and LGBTQIA+ affirmative care tailored to your unique experiences.
I specialize in supporting individuals facing a variety of challenges, including addiction, trauma, gender, autism, ADHD, and anxiety/depression. I am passionate about helping clients explore their sexuality and identity, as well as navigating relationship dynamics within family systems. I focus on reducing stigma and shame about topics society teaches us.
As a therapist I am dedicated to LGBTQIA+, gender-affirming, and neurodivergent adults, I focus on providing neuroaffirmative and LGBTQIA+ affirmative care tailored to your unique experiences.
I specialize in supporting individuals facing a variety of challenges, including addiction, trauma, gender, autism, ADHD, and anxiety/depression. I am passionate about helping clients explore their sexuality and identity, as well as navigating relationship dynamics within family systems. I focus on reducing stigma and shame about topics society teaches us.
Choosing a therapist is sometimes an overwhelming first step, and I want you to feel confident in your decision. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a systemic perspective that considers the many factors influencing your life. I aim to support you by offering encouragement while also challenging problematic patterns to help you grow. My goal is to empower you to identify patterns, gain insight, and make the meaningful changes you seek in your life. I specialize in couples, adults, and teens but see clients of all ages. I believe in inclusive care - you will find a sympathetic ally in me.
Choosing a therapist is sometimes an overwhelming first step, and I want you to feel confident in your decision. My approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a systemic perspective that considers the many factors influencing your life. I aim to support you by offering encouragement while also challenging problematic patterns to help you grow. My goal is to empower you to identify patterns, gain insight, and make the meaningful changes you seek in your life. I specialize in couples, adults, and teens but see clients of all ages. I believe in inclusive care - you will find a sympathetic ally in me.
After working with patients for over 30 years, I have come to believe that setting clear therapeutic goals and establishing a working partnership of trust and commitment are keys to success. My aim is to balance acceptance, compassion, and validation with the need to make sustainable changes. Learning self-regulation and life skills are priorities. Developing effective action plans in a safe and non-judgmental environment also facilitate positive outcomes. I look for every opportunity to collaborate with other providers if my patients request this and are seeking a team approach.
After working with patients for over 30 years, I have come to believe that setting clear therapeutic goals and establishing a working partnership of trust and commitment are keys to success. My aim is to balance acceptance, compassion, and validation with the need to make sustainable changes. Learning self-regulation and life skills are priorities. Developing effective action plans in a safe and non-judgmental environment also facilitate positive outcomes. I look for every opportunity to collaborate with other providers if my patients request this and are seeking a team approach.
As a therapist and human being, I believe understanding our emotions is important in all aspects of our lives. I truly enjoy getting to know how others experience emotions and can help in the identification and regulation of hurtful and difficult emotions. I feel grateful to be able to offer you a therapeutic environment wherein you can discuss painful experiences, thoughts and emotions and learn to cope and resolve those experiences in safe space. I will help you learn and cope with difficult, intense emotions, grief, mood symptoms, and ineffective behaviors through warmth, acceptance, and gentle nudging towards change.
As a therapist and human being, I believe understanding our emotions is important in all aspects of our lives. I truly enjoy getting to know how others experience emotions and can help in the identification and regulation of hurtful and difficult emotions. I feel grateful to be able to offer you a therapeutic environment wherein you can discuss painful experiences, thoughts and emotions and learn to cope and resolve those experiences in safe space. I will help you learn and cope with difficult, intense emotions, grief, mood symptoms, and ineffective behaviors through warmth, acceptance, and gentle nudging towards change.
Rachel Richards
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Waitlist for new clients
My office is a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA community.
Do you feel stuck in past traumas, disconnected, discouraged or overwhelmed? Does your child find growing up complicated and confusing? While life offers many beautiful moments, navigating today’s world can overwhelms us. We may struggle understanding our feelings or our behaviors and feel unable to move beyond our worst moments. But growth, healing, and relief are possible! Are you ready to move past limiting experiences and change internal hurtful messages? My passion is to help others return to -or discover for the first time- that place of curiosity, safety, and joy that lives inside us all.
My office is a welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA community.
Do you feel stuck in past traumas, disconnected, discouraged or overwhelmed? Does your child find growing up complicated and confusing? While life offers many beautiful moments, navigating today’s world can overwhelms us. We may struggle understanding our feelings or our behaviors and feel unable to move beyond our worst moments. But growth, healing, and relief are possible! Are you ready to move past limiting experiences and change internal hurtful messages? My passion is to help others return to -or discover for the first time- that place of curiosity, safety, and joy that lives inside us all.
Full Circle Family Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC-S, BC-DMT, IDME
Pittsboro, NC 27312
I want you to become comfortable in your own skin and integrate your body and spirit. Many times we experience feeling out of sorts and not quite in sync with ourselves. Sometimes this is because of trauma, illness an accident or a life transition of any kind. It could also be simply realizing we have aged and can no longer move the way we thought we could. I will help you remember the joy of being free within yourself without the inner voice of self judgement because we are all athletes and beautiful. As human beings, we are meant to move to access our passions.
I want you to become comfortable in your own skin and integrate your body and spirit. Many times we experience feeling out of sorts and not quite in sync with ourselves. Sometimes this is because of trauma, illness an accident or a life transition of any kind. It could also be simply realizing we have aged and can no longer move the way we thought we could. I will help you remember the joy of being free within yourself without the inner voice of self judgement because we are all athletes and beautiful. As human beings, we are meant to move to access our passions.
Alexa Adamo Valverde
Counselor, MS, MA, LPC, LCMHC
2 Endorsed
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck and needing to process childhood trauma? Is your adolescent/teen sad, anxious or angry, and you know they need help? Do you feel like no one understands the challenges of creating a family (infertility, perinatal loss, miscarriage, IVF, adoption) or navigating (peri)menopause? I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities. I am a healing-centered, trauma-focused therapist now because I believe you - and your family - deserve guidance and support to reimagine and re-author your life narrative.
Are you stuck and needing to process childhood trauma? Is your adolescent/teen sad, anxious or angry, and you know they need help? Do you feel like no one understands the challenges of creating a family (infertility, perinatal loss, miscarriage, IVF, adoption) or navigating (peri)menopause? I shifted careers into mental health counseling in 2016 after 20 years of community advocacy to address injustice and empower women, children, and communities. I am a healing-centered, trauma-focused therapist now because I believe you - and your family - deserve guidance and support to reimagine and re-author your life narrative.
Kirsten Figaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Waitlist for new clients
My mission in therapy is to hold space where positive change can happen, hope can flourish, and relationships can thrive. I encourage clients to explore their roots and worldview and identify areas for growth and healing. Clients can expect that each of their sessions with me will be an experience where they can safely share and edit their story so that they can find the freedom to live the life they truly want. I am passionate about assisting clients with: anxiety, attachment wounds, trauma, sex & intimacy, depression, relationship issues, infidelity & affairs, pre-marital counseling, and family functioning & dynamics.
My mission in therapy is to hold space where positive change can happen, hope can flourish, and relationships can thrive. I encourage clients to explore their roots and worldview and identify areas for growth and healing. Clients can expect that each of their sessions with me will be an experience where they can safely share and edit their story so that they can find the freedom to live the life they truly want. I am passionate about assisting clients with: anxiety, attachment wounds, trauma, sex & intimacy, depression, relationship issues, infidelity & affairs, pre-marital counseling, and family functioning & dynamics.
Do you constantly feel stuck in a cycle where nothing you do feels good enough? The constant comparisons, the negative self-talk, the guilt around food and negative body image thoughts, struggling in relationships, not feeling like the "real" you, and questioning who you really are —it's exhausting, and you shouldn't have to carry it alone. In our work together, we'll focus on developing genuine flexibility and resilience, not some rigid version of who you "should" be. We'll challenge those harsh inner voices, question the rules that no longer serve you, and figure out who you are when you're not trying to meet impossible standards.
Do you constantly feel stuck in a cycle where nothing you do feels good enough? The constant comparisons, the negative self-talk, the guilt around food and negative body image thoughts, struggling in relationships, not feeling like the "real" you, and questioning who you really are —it's exhausting, and you shouldn't have to carry it alone. In our work together, we'll focus on developing genuine flexibility and resilience, not some rigid version of who you "should" be. We'll challenge those harsh inner voices, question the rules that no longer serve you, and figure out who you are when you're not trying to meet impossible standards.
Sometimes in life we need someone to come along side us and walk with us for a while on our journey. I would describe myself as a sojourner. I provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment to see individuals as they work on addressing challenges they are facing. I work with teens and adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss along with parenting related stressors. Some of my speciality areas include: Postpartum issues, maternal mental health and EMDR. I also provide help to other professionals to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and "burn out".
Sometimes in life we need someone to come along side us and walk with us for a while on our journey. I would describe myself as a sojourner. I provide a positive, nonjudgmental environment to see individuals as they work on addressing challenges they are facing. I work with teens and adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, infertility, life transitions, grief and loss along with parenting related stressors. Some of my speciality areas include: Postpartum issues, maternal mental health and EMDR. I also provide help to other professionals to address secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and "burn out".
I believe that therapy can be useful to anyone and everyone, whether you are seeking therapy for the first time or are coming back. There is always something to learn, unpack, or explore more in every phase of life that you enter. I am committed in creating a non-judgmental, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe and heard. I often use humor in session and believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of this work. I have 7+ years of experience in all levels of care and pull from a variety of different modalities to support you individually.
I believe that therapy can be useful to anyone and everyone, whether you are seeking therapy for the first time or are coming back. There is always something to learn, unpack, or explore more in every phase of life that you enter. I am committed in creating a non-judgmental, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe and heard. I often use humor in session and believe that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of this work. I have 7+ years of experience in all levels of care and pull from a variety of different modalities to support you individually.
See more therapy options for Pittsboro
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Pittsboro
- Apex
- Carrboro
- Cary
- Chapel Hill
- Durham
- Graham
- Hillsborough
- Holly Springs
- Morrisville
- Research Triangle
- Research Triangle Park
- Sanford
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.