LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Saratoga Springs, NY

Hello! I work with teens and adults who are experiencing life transitions, relationship issues, problems of anxiety/stress, unresolved trauma or PTSD, or who feel lost or without purpose. I am particularly passionate about working with those who are questioning their sexual, gender, or relational identities; who identify as queer , trans , & poly; or who are otherwise transforming mainstream ideology through self-exploration. Through self-observation we focus on dismantling old, ineffective patterns and belief systems, healing self-trust, & restoring self-worth to grow a resilient & powerful sense of self in connection with community.

Are you a non-traditional person looking for a non-traditional therapist? Look no further than this therapist by day, tattoo artist by night. I am a member of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities and am familiar with non-traditional lifestyles. I am kink, non-monogamy, LGBTQ + friendly and friendly to both traditional and non-traditional faiths and spiritualities. I specialize in working with relationships and families in particular relationship issues, life transitions, family conflict, and opening up previously monogamous relationships.

Therapy and reaching out for support is hard, especially being a part of the LGBTQ + community because of the marginalization and oppression experienced when seeking this support. I am actively working to change that narrative and provide a space where you can be 100% authentically yourself without fear or judgment. YOU are the leader in your mental health journey and you deserve to feel that way. Unpacking trauma, learning to communicate, and setting boundaries are things that I enjoy working with people on, though there are many other things.

If you find yourself saying things like, “everyone says they’re anxious but they’re still so productive, why do I feel paralyzed?” Or “laundry shouldn’t be this hard” or “I can’t believe I’ve been doom scrolling for 4 hours,” you’re definitely not alone. Maybe your house is a mess but you’re so stressed about it you can’t start cleaning. Is tolerating your partner's violations of trust becoming more confusing but establishing boundaries with them feels impossible? When you’re feeling hopeless, helpless, or just out of control, therapy can provide understanding and meaningful change for your life.

My practice is specialized in assisting LGBTQA individuals and families in moving through fear, acceptance, tolerance, to affirmation and celebration. My focus is strengths based and affirming. I provide a safe, confidential and non judgmental space to work through internalized homophobia and freedom from its damaging effects. I have both personal and many years of professional experience. My goal is to empower the individuals I serve to find their strength and resilience and beauty.

Prior to entering private practice, I worked for over 20 years in outpatient and inpatient mental health settings providing therapy to a diverse population. I specialize in working with the LGBTQIA + community, and often work with clients on exploring their identity. In particular, working with clients who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, and how this intersects with the way they see themselves, and their overall sense of self-worth. I also have over 15 years experience working with those suffering from depression, anxiety and severe mental illness.

Do you, your boyfriends, girlfriends, spouses, or family members disagree about too many things, communication styles, control issues, do you argue too often? Do you struggle with low self-esteem, self-doubt, depression, and anxiety? Perhaps you, a friend or family member drink too much or have a drug problem, financial inequities, impatience, short temper, or anger management issues. Do you feel manipulated or coerced or that your wishes or your feelings are discounted and rejected by others? Are there too many upsets in your own day or do others make your days more complicated?

I work with individuals to help them increase self-awareness and lead happier lives. My unique background makes me different than most therapists. In addition to being a licensed therapist, I have a PhD in Philosophy. As a therapist and life coach, I help individuals struggling with relationships, codependency, sexual compulsivity, and substance/alcohol abuse. I also work with adult children of alcoholics, those who grew up in families where emotional chaos and parent addiction may be affecting their adult relationships. In addition, I work with gay individuals and couples.

If you're seeking therapy you've likely identified patterns which hinder your growth. My practice is a compassionate, nonjudgmental space. I best support women, including LGBTQ + and BIPOC folks, struggling with anxiety and the emotional effects of people-pleasing or perfectionism. Together we'll explore how your past informs your present, and welcome disenfranchised parts of the self into the whole. Whether you've been impacted by trauma or grew up feeling excess responsibility for others, I'm committed to long-term work with an emphasis on self-esteem, identity, and integration.

I believe that therapy is a process meant to help people achieve greater peace and happiness, living the life they envision. With guidance you are in charge of your treatment. Therapy will help you tap into your innate strengths and talents. I have 25 years of experience counseling individuals, families and couples. I will bring compassion and knowledge to our work using a patient-centered approach.

Graduated from Brown University in 1987, BA, Women's Studies. I have been a master's level social worker for 26 years. For over 16 of those, I have been doing psychotherapy. I have worked with a broad range of clients. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed I can help. If you just want someone to talk to, I can listen. I also specialize in chronic pain/illness, Bipolar, and issues effecting the LGBTQ + community. I am starting a virtual support group for partners/spouses of people with disabilities. I know a lot about this, as my spouse has disabilities. For more info., please visit my website.

Living well starts within. As a therapist I am committed to focusing on the whole picture of health. I work from a strengths-based psychotherapeutic approach. I hope to help people live their best lives, feel more joyful and in charge of creating the life of their dreams.

**The practice is not accepting children or teens.** Oakwise Counseling can help you find a path into a more empowered and grounded self. You’ll learn how to approach your beliefs and thinking in ways that allow you to better work with the challenges in your life. This work will increase your coping skills, expand your resilience, and offer you hope in new possibilities for your life.

I am here to hold space for you, support you, challenge you, and empower you while taking a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and solution focused approach whether you are struggling with your mental health, relationships, life transitions, decision making, confidence, limiting beliefs, grief, goals or simply the human experience itself.

Each of us holds within ourselves tremendous potential and an innate knowing of just what we need. I look at many symptoms as a creative, adaptive response to our environment that should be respected as such. Through positive connection with others, we can learn new ways of relating to our bodies, our spirits, and our world. I use a collaborative approach to treatment, with the belief that without your perspective and input, therapy will not be nearly as beneficial.

I work exclusively with couples who are seeking a secure relationship. Relationships are complex for so many reasons, but often not the reasons you think. Together we figure out what gets in the way of you having a relationship that is based on security and true collaboration. "Peace between countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals." said Mahatma Gandhi. Many couples I meet in my office lack the solid foundation to build a peaceful, vital relationship. Without a secure base and solid structure, partners can't relax and be themselves. A secure relationship both grounds and develops each partner.

You are capable of healing with adequate resources and expert care. I started a private practice so that I can help you grow into the person you want to be. In our work together, your well-being is my top priority. I utilize emotion regulation strategies and psychodynamic processing to address the root causes of emotion dysregulation, including treatment of past trauma and addressing attachment anxiety.

I am a New York State licensed psychologist with 30+ years of experience. I have expanded my practice for clients in NY state to include video/phone sessions that are secure, confidential and HIPAA compliant. My counseling style is warm, positive, and interactive. I believe that you have everything within yourself to make the changes you'd like to make. An essential part of the process is understanding thought patterns and beliefs, as they are foundational for emotional and behavioral change. I also provide Telehealth for certain insurances at https://headway.co/providers/theresa-peca, where you can see my calendar of openings.

"Healing doesn't mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives." -anonymous

I emphasize counseling that is collaborative with the client. We work as a team to identify strengths, areas needing improvement, goals, and treatment. Sessions are conducted with compassion and a strong preference to understand you and your experiences. I specialize in relationship issues and family-of-origin concerns, as well as trauma, mood disorders, and anxiety. I am here to assist you in learning new ways of thinking and behaving that will increase your quality of life. Life doesn't have to be so hard. Let me assist you in shining some light on a healthier future.