LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Whispering Pines, NC
Kayla Staples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT, RST, TF-CBT
4 Endorsed
Whispering Pines, NC 28327
I have extensive experience with military families, the LGBTQIA+ community, and supporting children through trauma, including challenges related to parental separation and divorce.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating—letting someone in, especially a stranger, takes courage. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and Registered Sand Therapist, I specialize in working with children, families, and individuals navigating trauma, loss, and life transitions. With a creative, relational, and trauma-informed approach, I integrate expressive therapies to help clients build insight, process emotions, and develop meaningful, lasting change.
I have extensive experience with military families, the LGBTQIA+ community, and supporting children through trauma, including challenges related to parental separation and divorce.
Beginning therapy can feel intimidating—letting someone in, especially a stranger, takes courage. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and Registered Sand Therapist, I specialize in working with children, families, and individuals navigating trauma, loss, and life transitions. With a creative, relational, and trauma-informed approach, I integrate expressive therapies to help clients build insight, process emotions, and develop meaningful, lasting change.
Play Therapy of the Pines, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC, RPT-S™
Whispering Pines, NC 28327
We like to consider ourselves play connoisseurs! Our group practice has Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, a Registered Play Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. All of our clinicians have advanced training in different play therapy modalities and truly specialize in working with children. They believe in empowering children to make their own choices, take responsibility, and assert their autonomy by engaging in an accepting, safe, and trusting therapeutic relationship. Our office is designed for kids with adults in mind! :)
We like to consider ourselves play connoisseurs! Our group practice has Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, a Registered Play Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. All of our clinicians have advanced training in different play therapy modalities and truly specialize in working with children. They believe in empowering children to make their own choices, take responsibility, and assert their autonomy by engaging in an accepting, safe, and trusting therapeutic relationship. Our office is designed for kids with adults in mind! :)
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I believe that each person's story is unique, and I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we will work towards understanding your concerns, identifying your strengths, and developing effective coping strategies. I understand that seeking therapy can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you are dealing with specific challenges, facing a life transition, or simply seeking personal growth, I am committed to supporting you throughout this process. I value the therapeutic relat
My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and collaboration. I believe that each person's story is unique, and I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Together, we will work towards understanding your concerns, identifying your strengths, and developing effective coping strategies. I understand that seeking therapy can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you are dealing with specific challenges, facing a life transition, or simply seeking personal growth, I am committed to supporting you throughout this process. I value the therapeutic relat
I enjoy working with teens and adults on issues related to anger, ADHD, adjustments, depression, anxiety, PTSD and self-esteem. Teaching teens how to cope in this often times chaotic world is a passion of mine, but I also enjoy working with adults and teaching them how to decrease distorted thinking and create a life they love living. Self-awareness, self-regulation, self-soothing, and self-determination are fundamentally important for healing and I ask the questions that will help you understand your own barriers and teach you the skills that will empower you to change.
I enjoy working with teens and adults on issues related to anger, ADHD, adjustments, depression, anxiety, PTSD and self-esteem. Teaching teens how to cope in this often times chaotic world is a passion of mine, but I also enjoy working with adults and teaching them how to decrease distorted thinking and create a life they love living. Self-awareness, self-regulation, self-soothing, and self-determination are fundamentally important for healing and I ask the questions that will help you understand your own barriers and teach you the skills that will empower you to change.
Life can be challenging, therapy can help. Our independently contracted therapists work with couples, adults, teens and children to get to where they want to be. We contract with friendly, experienced, licensed clinicians with different specialties who are able to help. Our Southern Pines and Pinehurst offices are warm and welcoming, allowing you to feel at home when meeting with your therapist. Please visit our website for detailed information on how we may assist you.
Life can be challenging, therapy can help. Our independently contracted therapists work with couples, adults, teens and children to get to where they want to be. We contract with friendly, experienced, licensed clinicians with different specialties who are able to help. Our Southern Pines and Pinehurst offices are warm and welcoming, allowing you to feel at home when meeting with your therapist. Please visit our website for detailed information on how we may assist you.
More Therapists Nearby
My practice is LGBTQ+ and ENM affirming, offering a space where you can show up fully and create more clarity, confidence, and connection in your life and relationships.
I help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface so you can stop repeating patterns and start respond in new ways. Using IFS, CBT and somatic work, we build insight, emotional regulation, and communication skills so you can feel more in control, connected, and confident.
My practice is LGBTQ+ and ENM affirming, offering a space where you can show up fully and create more clarity, confidence, and connection in your life and relationships.
I help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface so you can stop repeating patterns and start respond in new ways. Using IFS, CBT and somatic work, we build insight, emotional regulation, and communication skills so you can feel more in control, connected, and confident.
Being a person can be so hard sometimes, can't it? No matter what kind of person you are, or what kind of person you want to be, the daily processes of being alive come with a lot of challenges and confusion. Whether you’re an adult trying to understand yourself and break old patterns, a teenager struggling to navigate life’s rapid changes, a parent wanting to feel less self-doubt, or a couple who wants to reconnect and rebuild; sometimes when you’re feeling lost, the support and listening ear of a teammate can be the difference that tips the balance in your favor. That’s where I come in. I would be honored to hear you.
Being a person can be so hard sometimes, can't it? No matter what kind of person you are, or what kind of person you want to be, the daily processes of being alive come with a lot of challenges and confusion. Whether you’re an adult trying to understand yourself and break old patterns, a teenager struggling to navigate life’s rapid changes, a parent wanting to feel less self-doubt, or a couple who wants to reconnect and rebuild; sometimes when you’re feeling lost, the support and listening ear of a teammate can be the difference that tips the balance in your favor. That’s where I come in. I would be honored to hear you.
I have experience working with families and children/teens with trauma and behavioral disorders in a community and outpatient setting, and I'm familiar with issues facing members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes the path forward is too uncertain or scary to navigate alone. I want to help you find a pathway out of the darkness of anxiety, anger, or depression. I want to give you the support and empathetic guidance you need to make it through the difficulties you’re facing and embrace your bad-ass, confident self. I strive to help my clients gain a better understanding of themselves, and a more positive outlook on challenges that they may face. I believe that every person’s path is their own, and I want to provide a judgement-free space where you can find your way to the light.
I have experience working with families and children/teens with trauma and behavioral disorders in a community and outpatient setting, and I'm familiar with issues facing members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes the path forward is too uncertain or scary to navigate alone. I want to help you find a pathway out of the darkness of anxiety, anger, or depression. I want to give you the support and empathetic guidance you need to make it through the difficulties you’re facing and embrace your bad-ass, confident self. I strive to help my clients gain a better understanding of themselves, and a more positive outlook on challenges that they may face. I believe that every person’s path is their own, and I want to provide a judgement-free space where you can find your way to the light.
Are you or your child navigating a difficult transition, encountering struggles with fitting in and thriving, or struggling to move forward after a traumatic experience? I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families struggling with anxiety/OCD, depression, trauma, self esteem and relational conflict. Together we will build skills and tools to help build a better life.
Are you or your child navigating a difficult transition, encountering struggles with fitting in and thriving, or struggling to move forward after a traumatic experience? I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families struggling with anxiety/OCD, depression, trauma, self esteem and relational conflict. Together we will build skills and tools to help build a better life.
As a queer, chronically ill, and neurodivergent therapist, I understand firsthand how healthcare and societal systems require dismantling.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and supportive. I won’t just nod along or ask you to do the impossible. I center your consent when using therapeutic interventions. I will help you challenge old patterns and explore what truly serves you. I encourage your feedback throughout sessions and actively integrate it into my therapeutic approach.
As a queer, chronically ill, and neurodivergent therapist, I understand firsthand how healthcare and societal systems require dismantling.
Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, and supportive. I won’t just nod along or ask you to do the impossible. I center your consent when using therapeutic interventions. I will help you challenge old patterns and explore what truly serves you. I encourage your feedback throughout sessions and actively integrate it into my therapeutic approach.
Life presents us with a variety of unique challenges, whether it's navigating the intricacies of neurospicy experiences, exploring the dynamics of relationship constellations, addressing LGBTQIA+ issues, supporting military and military spouses, or anything in between.
Are you a disgruntled teen, anxious young adult, the “caused all the problems” millennial, or grumpy older person? If so, this might be the place for you! I want to help you find, you! Have you been told you’re too much, too loud, too difficult, or any kind of “too” anything? Maybe you're ready and want to live in the moment and you’re tired of feeling exhausted from chasing something. Possibly you want to achieve goals (even if you don’t know what they are)! You want to be comfy, whether that’s with clothing, cussing, or just being “weird”! Let's find an authentic you together through laughing and maybe crying a little bit!
Life presents us with a variety of unique challenges, whether it's navigating the intricacies of neurospicy experiences, exploring the dynamics of relationship constellations, addressing LGBTQIA+ issues, supporting military and military spouses, or anything in between.
Are you a disgruntled teen, anxious young adult, the “caused all the problems” millennial, or grumpy older person? If so, this might be the place for you! I want to help you find, you! Have you been told you’re too much, too loud, too difficult, or any kind of “too” anything? Maybe you're ready and want to live in the moment and you’re tired of feeling exhausted from chasing something. Possibly you want to achieve goals (even if you don’t know what they are)! You want to be comfy, whether that’s with clothing, cussing, or just being “weird”! Let's find an authentic you together through laughing and maybe crying a little bit!
You might feel a little lost right now. Or a lot lost. Things that you used to love don't excite you anymore and you feel disconnected or discontent with your daily life. You're in between a reality that you have known for a long time and new a one that is unfamiliar and hazy. Maybe this is a tangible, observable shift in lives: you're getting a divorce, you've moved to a new place, you've quit or lost your job. Or maybe this is an internal liminal space - your current life doesn't seem to fit any more, but you don't know what's next. Parents - I also specialize in behavioral support for preschoolers!
You might feel a little lost right now. Or a lot lost. Things that you used to love don't excite you anymore and you feel disconnected or discontent with your daily life. You're in between a reality that you have known for a long time and new a one that is unfamiliar and hazy. Maybe this is a tangible, observable shift in lives: you're getting a divorce, you've moved to a new place, you've quit or lost your job. Or maybe this is an internal liminal space - your current life doesn't seem to fit any more, but you don't know what's next. Parents - I also specialize in behavioral support for preschoolers!
Or maybe you are transgender or questioning being LGBTQ as you navigate coming out, lack of support, or facing decisions about transition?
I am dedicated to partnering with you to achieve your goals in a way that works best for YOU, fully supporting your path to joy and authenticity, shifting my approach for your unique needs and preferences. I practice using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and other treatment models.
Or maybe you are transgender or questioning being LGBTQ as you navigate coming out, lack of support, or facing decisions about transition?
I am dedicated to partnering with you to achieve your goals in a way that works best for YOU, fully supporting your path to joy and authenticity, shifting my approach for your unique needs and preferences. I practice using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and other treatment models.
I love clients who have come to counseling because it is time to try something different or strengthen skills. Sometimes it's past trauma you haven't dealt with and want it to stop interfering with your daily life so much. Grounding techniques may be needed in the short term to relieve immediate anxiety. This can make it easier to find new paths towards healing. These paths are skills that can improve your inner monologue and communication about your needs. This can show you that your trauma and past difficulties don't control you anymore. It was not and is not your fault. It is possible to heal and grow. Let's get started!
I love clients who have come to counseling because it is time to try something different or strengthen skills. Sometimes it's past trauma you haven't dealt with and want it to stop interfering with your daily life so much. Grounding techniques may be needed in the short term to relieve immediate anxiety. This can make it easier to find new paths towards healing. These paths are skills that can improve your inner monologue and communication about your needs. This can show you that your trauma and past difficulties don't control you anymore. It was not and is not your fault. It is possible to heal and grow. Let's get started!
My ideal client is someone seeking real change—whether that means total abstinence or finding safer, healthier ways to manage use. They may feel stuck in old patterns, tired of the cycle, or unsure where to start. Some are balancing recovery with work, family, or military life and want practical tools to regain stability and purpose. They value honesty, progress, and self-awareness, and they’re ready to build a life that feels sustainable—not just sober.
My ideal client is someone seeking real change—whether that means total abstinence or finding safer, healthier ways to manage use. They may feel stuck in old patterns, tired of the cycle, or unsure where to start. Some are balancing recovery with work, family, or military life and want practical tools to regain stability and purpose. They value honesty, progress, and self-awareness, and they’re ready to build a life that feels sustainable—not just sober.
I support children, teens, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and difficult emotions or behaviors. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, we create a safe space to heal, build healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Our goal is to help each client feel understood, empowered, and hopeful about what comes next.
I support children, teens, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and difficult emotions or behaviors. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, we create a safe space to heal, build healthy coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools for lasting change. Our goal is to help each client feel understood, empowered, and hopeful about what comes next.
I am passionately serving people of color, LGBTQIA+, and politically active to provide affirming care.
I frame my DBT practice within liberation psychology to reframe life narratives, understand locus' of control, and build felt autonomy. I utilize behavioral and cognitive modifications, emotional experiencing, exposure, narrative strategies, existentialism, mindfulness, and somatic techniques in my practice. I aim to be collaborative and accommodating.
I am passionately serving people of color, LGBTQIA+, and politically active to provide affirming care.
I frame my DBT practice within liberation psychology to reframe life narratives, understand locus' of control, and build felt autonomy. I utilize behavioral and cognitive modifications, emotional experiencing, exposure, narrative strategies, existentialism, mindfulness, and somatic techniques in my practice. I aim to be collaborative and accommodating.
Also, I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Do you fear you are hopelessly broken? Maybe you are struggling with a painful past, loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, or complicated family dynamics. I can help you to heal and move forward. Together we work toward greater self-compassion, higher effectiveness, and a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and hopeful. Plus, if you want, you can sit with my sweet, quiet dog while we meet!
Also, I'm LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Do you fear you are hopelessly broken? Maybe you are struggling with a painful past, loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, or complicated family dynamics. I can help you to heal and move forward. Together we work toward greater self-compassion, higher effectiveness, and a life that feels more grounded, authentic, and hopeful. Plus, if you want, you can sit with my sweet, quiet dog while we meet!
Forming a connection with my clients is the first thing that others will say is strong about my work. Building a trusting relationship in which there is safety, genuine care, interest, and validation is at the core of good therapy and is my strength. My interventions are soft and leave each of my clients feeling they have authority in their own lives, they can love and respect and care about themselves, showing themselves compassion at every turn. Your goals are my goals always.
Forming a connection with my clients is the first thing that others will say is strong about my work. Building a trusting relationship in which there is safety, genuine care, interest, and validation is at the core of good therapy and is my strength. My interventions are soft and leave each of my clients feeling they have authority in their own lives, they can love and respect and care about themselves, showing themselves compassion at every turn. Your goals are my goals always.
Whether you just want to connect for support in navigating general life or you have a more serious or deep rooted diagnosis, we can help. Having a professional to assist in processing things differently than you have before will feel like a weight has been lifted. At Counseling Connections, we offer individual therapy, couples/family therapy, adolescent therapy. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to individuals, couples, and families across North Carolina.
Whether you just want to connect for support in navigating general life or you have a more serious or deep rooted diagnosis, we can help. Having a professional to assist in processing things differently than you have before will feel like a weight has been lifted. At Counseling Connections, we offer individual therapy, couples/family therapy, adolescent therapy. Our diverse team provides personalized virtual care to individuals, couples, and families across North Carolina.
See more therapy options for Whispering Pines
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Whispering Pines
- Aberdeen
- Cameron
- Fayetteville
- Fort Bragg
- Lillington
- Pinehurst
- Pittsboro
- Raeford
- Rockingham
- Sanford
- Southern Pines
- Spring Lake
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.