LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Winston Salem, NC
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults in claiming joy and authenticity, parents hoping to better understand their gender diverse child and their own gender expectations, and women navigating life transitions.
Do you question the beliefs and systems that have shaped how you see yourself? Embracing authenticity and challenging internalized narratives requires safety, curiosity, and support. I offer adolescents (12+) and adults a soft place to land as they explore their authentic selves and embrace life beyond limiting expectations. Whether you are navigating life transitions or making sense of past experiences, I support my clients in recognizing their resilience and identifying opportunities for growth and healing.
I enjoy working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults in claiming joy and authenticity, parents hoping to better understand their gender diverse child and their own gender expectations, and women navigating life transitions.
Do you question the beliefs and systems that have shaped how you see yourself? Embracing authenticity and challenging internalized narratives requires safety, curiosity, and support. I offer adolescents (12+) and adults a soft place to land as they explore their authentic selves and embrace life beyond limiting expectations. Whether you are navigating life transitions or making sense of past experiences, I support my clients in recognizing their resilience and identifying opportunities for growth and healing.
It's a gift to get to support folks through big life changes & challenging times, whether it's deconstructing from a high-control religion, coming out (even to oneself) as queer or trans, exploring new relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy / polyamory, and/or starting to understand oneself through the lens of neurodiversity.
My practice is rooted in DBT because dialectical thinking - the notion that multiple seemingly opposing things can coexist - changed my life. Lately I've grown more interested in bottom-up modalities that use the body as a resource for healing (like somatic therapy). I also love using IFS to help folks understand the multitudes we all contain.
It's a gift to get to support folks through big life changes & challenging times, whether it's deconstructing from a high-control religion, coming out (even to oneself) as queer or trans, exploring new relationship structures like ethical non-monogamy / polyamory, and/or starting to understand oneself through the lens of neurodiversity.
My practice is rooted in DBT because dialectical thinking - the notion that multiple seemingly opposing things can coexist - changed my life. Lately I've grown more interested in bottom-up modalities that use the body as a resource for healing (like somatic therapy). I also love using IFS to help folks understand the multitudes we all contain.
Winston Salem Couples
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LCMHC-S
1 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27103
Relationships are hard work, but you're in the right place. Whether you've been married for years or just dating and considering making a commitment, we can help. Couples who come to see us often have a strong desire to be closer to their partner but have found themselves locked in a pattern of stressful interaction, which leads to the problems they are hoping to address in counseling. Together we navigate the process of understanding the cycles couples get stuck in and identify what needs to change in order to build a safe, intimate, and loving connection.
Relationships are hard work, but you're in the right place. Whether you've been married for years or just dating and considering making a commitment, we can help. Couples who come to see us often have a strong desire to be closer to their partner but have found themselves locked in a pattern of stressful interaction, which leads to the problems they are hoping to address in counseling. Together we navigate the process of understanding the cycles couples get stuck in and identify what needs to change in order to build a safe, intimate, and loving connection.
I also enjoy working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults (ages 16+) who are navigating a variety of issues including; chronic self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I believe every person has the ability to foster resilience and growth through exploration and nurturing of their unique strengths and abilities. I work primarily from a psychodynamic perspective with an emphasis on attachment and often include additional skills and techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
I also enjoy working with LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults (ages 16+) who are navigating a variety of issues including; chronic self-harm, suicidal ideation, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.
I believe every person has the ability to foster resilience and growth through exploration and nurturing of their unique strengths and abilities. I work primarily from a psychodynamic perspective with an emphasis on attachment and often include additional skills and techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).
Feeling frustrated? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Not sure how to engage effectively with your children? Whether it is school/peer anxiety, relationship issues, parent/child/sibling conflict, or something completely different, I welcome the opportunity to help children, teens, and adults work through life's challenges. I will help to highlight focus areas and to identify smaller steps to make the process feel manageable as you work toward your goal.
Feeling frustrated? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Not sure how to engage effectively with your children? Whether it is school/peer anxiety, relationship issues, parent/child/sibling conflict, or something completely different, I welcome the opportunity to help children, teens, and adults work through life's challenges. I will help to highlight focus areas and to identify smaller steps to make the process feel manageable as you work toward your goal.
I work especially well with women, as well as queer, trans, and nonbinary folks, who struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, people-pleasing, and feeling responsible for others’ emotions.
I offer talk therapy that helps you slow down, understand your emotional patterns, soften your inner critic, and build more self-trust. Together we explore how you think, feel, and relate to others so life feels clearer, less overwhelming, and more grounded in who you are.
I work especially well with women, as well as queer, trans, and nonbinary folks, who struggle with perfectionism, overthinking, people-pleasing, and feeling responsible for others’ emotions.
I offer talk therapy that helps you slow down, understand your emotional patterns, soften your inner critic, and build more self-trust. Together we explore how you think, feel, and relate to others so life feels clearer, less overwhelming, and more grounded in who you are.
Our work is dedicated to helping ALL people develop healthy, satisfying, productive, and meaningful lives. Though it can be difficult to make the decision to begin therapy, we have found that those who have sought help and take responsibility for their emotional health and relationships have achieved remarkable results. People come to us for a variety of reasons: they may be in transition, experiencing work stress, grieving a loss, struggling with religious or family ideals which no longer suit them, a new parent experiencing anxiety. Some have begun to feel daily life is stagnant, seeking more direction and purpose in their lives.
Our work is dedicated to helping ALL people develop healthy, satisfying, productive, and meaningful lives. Though it can be difficult to make the decision to begin therapy, we have found that those who have sought help and take responsibility for their emotional health and relationships have achieved remarkable results. People come to us for a variety of reasons: they may be in transition, experiencing work stress, grieving a loss, struggling with religious or family ideals which no longer suit them, a new parent experiencing anxiety. Some have begun to feel daily life is stagnant, seeking more direction and purpose in their lives.
Our inclusive staff can support you with the impact of trauma, anxiety and depression symptoms, gender identity, executive functioning, developmental transitions, ADHD, LGBTQ+, BIPOC specific needs, and more.
We provide psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, DBT skills classes, and clinical supervision in NC. We serve children ages 5 and up, families, teens, couples and adults. We also provide a variety of consulting services from 504/IEP planning support to organizational "check ups from the neck up." Our counselors use a variety of tools including EMDR, DBT, IFS, family therapy, and CBT to help you heal. Whether you are coming to our office in Winston-Salem or seeing one of our providers virtually, we cannot wait to connect and help you grow toward your goals.
Our inclusive staff can support you with the impact of trauma, anxiety and depression symptoms, gender identity, executive functioning, developmental transitions, ADHD, LGBTQ+, BIPOC specific needs, and more.
We provide psychotherapy, psychological evaluations, DBT skills classes, and clinical supervision in NC. We serve children ages 5 and up, families, teens, couples and adults. We also provide a variety of consulting services from 504/IEP planning support to organizational "check ups from the neck up." Our counselors use a variety of tools including EMDR, DBT, IFS, family therapy, and CBT to help you heal. Whether you are coming to our office in Winston-Salem or seeing one of our providers virtually, we cannot wait to connect and help you grow toward your goals.
I offer unwavering support and knowledge about LGBTQIA+ relationships and unconventional relationship dynamics.
It's important to acknowledge that you are the authority in your own life, and I'm dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are to nurture trust in your capabilities and strengths.
I offer unwavering support and knowledge about LGBTQIA+ relationships and unconventional relationship dynamics.
It's important to acknowledge that you are the authority in your own life, and I'm dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are to nurture trust in your capabilities and strengths.
Life doesn’t slow down just because you need a minute. Jobs change, family needs pile up, health stuff shows up, and you’re somehow supposed to keep functioning. If you’ve been running on fumes, feeling low, wired, irritable, or noticing you’re coping with spending, substances, or shutting down, you’re not the only one. Therapy can help you reset and figure out what actually helps now.
Life doesn’t slow down just because you need a minute. Jobs change, family needs pile up, health stuff shows up, and you’re somehow supposed to keep functioning. If you’ve been running on fumes, feeling low, wired, irritable, or noticing you’re coping with spending, substances, or shutting down, you’re not the only one. Therapy can help you reset and figure out what actually helps now.
As a queer non-binary person, I especially enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I specialize in treating trauma, with extensive training in trauma-focused treatment models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) to treat youth and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for adults. My trauma-informed framework provides me with a unique perspective on how life experiences impact the body, brain, relationships, and mood.
As a queer non-binary person, I especially enjoy working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I specialize in treating trauma, with extensive training in trauma-focused treatment models, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) to treat youth and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for adults. My trauma-informed framework provides me with a unique perspective on how life experiences impact the body, brain, relationships, and mood.
Melissa
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MSEdS, LCMHC, NCC, CHT
4 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27101
As we learn, we share: Through great pain comes better awareness and understanding about ourselves and the world around us. My journey as a counselor began during my experience with war deployments, which inspired my search to find ways to help others who are hurting. After completing my Master's degrees in Couples and Family Counseling, I have worked extensively with our military members and their families. Trauma informed and focused care has been a focal point of my career. I offer therapy sessions to adults, families, and couples. I am a certified hypnotherapist. - From a Lifelong Learner
As we learn, we share: Through great pain comes better awareness and understanding about ourselves and the world around us. My journey as a counselor began during my experience with war deployments, which inspired my search to find ways to help others who are hurting. After completing my Master's degrees in Couples and Family Counseling, I have worked extensively with our military members and their families. Trauma informed and focused care has been a focal point of my career. I offer therapy sessions to adults, families, and couples. I am a certified hypnotherapist. - From a Lifelong Learner
As a black, gay male, former foster youth, & current foster parent, I truly possess first hand experience of trauma, family conflict, adjustment issues, loss/grief, anxiety, & ADHD.
You know... healing takes time. If you're reading this, that means you're seeking help for yourself or your child(ren), which is courageous & demonstrates determination! For that, I admire and applaud you! Congrats on taking the first step to self improvement. I'm the empathetic & compassionate guide/coach/personal hype man for those wanting to break free from what has them in bondage or is hindering them. I'm accepting clients aged 10+ for virtual sessions struggling with various issues. I take the time to get to know each client in efforts to promote utilization of their strengths to help achieve the goals they want!
As a black, gay male, former foster youth, & current foster parent, I truly possess first hand experience of trauma, family conflict, adjustment issues, loss/grief, anxiety, & ADHD.
You know... healing takes time. If you're reading this, that means you're seeking help for yourself or your child(ren), which is courageous & demonstrates determination! For that, I admire and applaud you! Congrats on taking the first step to self improvement. I'm the empathetic & compassionate guide/coach/personal hype man for those wanting to break free from what has them in bondage or is hindering them. I'm accepting clients aged 10+ for virtual sessions struggling with various issues. I take the time to get to know each client in efforts to promote utilization of their strengths to help achieve the goals they want!
Welcome and thank you for your interest. I honor the diversity of human experience, respecting differences in gender expression, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, spirituality, and non-traditional relationship structures. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness and utilize Brainspotting, Mindfulness, meditation and insight practices (including IFS and DBT) to help clients develop their internal and external resources for resiliency and expand their capacity for joy. As a Certified Brainspotting Therapist I strive to create a space that facilitates your deepest healing and activates resources for your highest good.
Welcome and thank you for your interest. I honor the diversity of human experience, respecting differences in gender expression, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, spirituality, and non-traditional relationship structures. I believe in a holistic approach to wellness and utilize Brainspotting, Mindfulness, meditation and insight practices (including IFS and DBT) to help clients develop their internal and external resources for resiliency and expand their capacity for joy. As a Certified Brainspotting Therapist I strive to create a space that facilitates your deepest healing and activates resources for your highest good.
My special interests include chronic pain, recovering from domestic violence, nature-based spirituality, and LGBTQ issues.
Healing that takes place with another person present is sacred. From just starting your journey to feeling confident in your abilities, we will create a safe, supportive environment for you to explore yourself. I have worked with clients who weren't sure about starting their therapy journey yet and others who bring questions, requests for homework, and new ideas. Much of counseling is a "choose your own ending" adventure novel, and when you are up for those twists, I'll be right beside you so you do not have to walk through the dark alone.
My special interests include chronic pain, recovering from domestic violence, nature-based spirituality, and LGBTQ issues.
Healing that takes place with another person present is sacred. From just starting your journey to feeling confident in your abilities, we will create a safe, supportive environment for you to explore yourself. I have worked with clients who weren't sure about starting their therapy journey yet and others who bring questions, requests for homework, and new ideas. Much of counseling is a "choose your own ending" adventure novel, and when you are up for those twists, I'll be right beside you so you do not have to walk through the dark alone.
Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware adults who want to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships. They may feel stuck in patterns that once helped them survive but no longer serve the life they want to build.
Are you ready to look inward and gain insight into your behavioral patterns?
Are you curious about the parts of yourself that developed to protect you and whether they still need to lead?
Are you hoping to relax more, experience pleasure more freely, and feel more at home in your body?
Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware adults who want to deepen their understanding of themselves and their relationships. They may feel stuck in patterns that once helped them survive but no longer serve the life they want to build.
Are you ready to look inward and gain insight into your behavioral patterns?
Are you curious about the parts of yourself that developed to protect you and whether they still need to lead?
Are you hoping to relax more, experience pleasure more freely, and feel more at home in your body?
Mitchell Wright
Lic Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MS, LCMHCA, LMHC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As a queer man, I am a major advocate for inclusivity and my door is open to anyone who feels marginalized in society.
Creating a comfortable, supportive, and safe environment is essential for your therapeutic experience. I take a person-centered approach, fully embracing each client to foster healing through connection. Together, we'll explore the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and actions to enhance your self-awareness and create a plan that works for you. I use an eclectic blend of EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, and Narrative therapy to uncover unmet needs and find ways to fulfill them in line with your values. Healing is a journey filled with challenges, and my goal is to support you through it while appreciating every step along the way.
As a queer man, I am a major advocate for inclusivity and my door is open to anyone who feels marginalized in society.
Creating a comfortable, supportive, and safe environment is essential for your therapeutic experience. I take a person-centered approach, fully embracing each client to foster healing through connection. Together, we'll explore the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and actions to enhance your self-awareness and create a plan that works for you. I use an eclectic blend of EMDR, IFS, DBT, CBT, and Narrative therapy to uncover unmet needs and find ways to fulfill them in line with your values. Healing is a journey filled with challenges, and my goal is to support you through it while appreciating every step along the way.
Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming, especially when addiction, childhood trauma, or attachment wounds are part of your story. As a physician providing integrated psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care, I help adults understand and heal the deeper patterns driving emotional distress and substance use. My work focuses on addiction and relational trauma that often underlie anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. Using an attachment-focused approach with EMDR therapy, I support meaningful, lasting change in a collaborative, unhurried, and respectful space that honors your pace.
Taking the first step toward healing can feel overwhelming, especially when addiction, childhood trauma, or attachment wounds are part of your story. As a physician providing integrated psychiatric and psychotherapeutic care, I help adults understand and heal the deeper patterns driving emotional distress and substance use. My work focuses on addiction and relational trauma that often underlie anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles. Using an attachment-focused approach with EMDR therapy, I support meaningful, lasting change in a collaborative, unhurried, and respectful space that honors your pace.
He also provides LGBTQ+ affirming couples and family therapy.
Together, he can help you develop the tools, confidence, and strategies to navigate challenges, advocate for yourself, and thrive in a world that isn't always accessible.
He also provides LGBTQ+ affirming couples and family therapy.
Together, he can help you develop the tools, confidence, and strategies to navigate challenges, advocate for yourself, and thrive in a world that isn't always accessible.
Daniel
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate, MA, LCMHCA, NCC
3 Endorsed
Winston Salem, NC 27104
life comes at you fast. we all need space to explore challenges—no matter your background or walk of life. "trauma" can seem like a buzzword. my approach is to listen without judgment, get to know the real you, and understand how your experiences brought you to this point. i won't pretend to be an expert on your life. analogies, humor, and cultural references can help us find a foundation of understanding. from there, we can go deeper to discover new approaches, paradigms, and skills to help you navigate life
life comes at you fast. we all need space to explore challenges—no matter your background or walk of life. "trauma" can seem like a buzzword. my approach is to listen without judgment, get to know the real you, and understand how your experiences brought you to this point. i won't pretend to be an expert on your life. analogies, humor, and cultural references can help us find a foundation of understanding. from there, we can go deeper to discover new approaches, paradigms, and skills to help you navigate life
See more therapy options for Winston Salem
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Winston Salem
- Advance
- Clemmons
- High Point
- Jamestown
- Kernersville
- King
- Lewisville
- Lexington
- Mocksville
- Oak Ridge
- Thomasville
- Walkertown
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.