LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Swarthmore, PA
People often come to me feeling stuck. Many have been in therapy before, are trying hard, and still feel like something important hasn’t quite been named. Some come in with a general wish to better understand themselves and how to get “unstuck.” Others arrive with a specific question, along with a deeper sense that their struggles are shaped by long‑standing patterns rather than a single diagnosis.
My goal is to look at the whole person through comprehensive personality assessment—to help make sense of emotional, relational, and coping patterns that keep repeating, and to identify what is most likely to help you move forward.
People often come to me feeling stuck. Many have been in therapy before, are trying hard, and still feel like something important hasn’t quite been named. Some come in with a general wish to better understand themselves and how to get “unstuck.” Others arrive with a specific question, along with a deeper sense that their struggles are shaped by long‑standing patterns rather than a single diagnosis.
My goal is to look at the whole person through comprehensive personality assessment—to help make sense of emotional, relational, and coping patterns that keep repeating, and to identify what is most likely to help you move forward.
Life is a journey and on our journey we will experience love, joy, and happiness. We will also encounter pain, loss, suffering and hardship. As a licensed clinical social worker I offer a safe space where you can safely talk about your experiences and feelings. I want to help you trust your own intuition as you talk about your life and make decisions about the direction of it. I am accepting, caring, and supportive. I believe in cultural humility which allows the individual to teach me about their self identity to include their ethnicity, spirituality, sexual identity, and other aspects of their cultural.
Life is a journey and on our journey we will experience love, joy, and happiness. We will also encounter pain, loss, suffering and hardship. As a licensed clinical social worker I offer a safe space where you can safely talk about your experiences and feelings. I want to help you trust your own intuition as you talk about your life and make decisions about the direction of it. I am accepting, caring, and supportive. I believe in cultural humility which allows the individual to teach me about their self identity to include their ethnicity, spirituality, sexual identity, and other aspects of their cultural.
I support children and teens as they navigate life's challenges through a person-centered and Adlerian approach, creating a safe, supportive space where they feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe that every child has unique strengths, and my role is to help them build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to overcome life's obstacles.
I tailor therapy to each client's individual needs by integrating evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.
I support children and teens as they navigate life's challenges through a person-centered and Adlerian approach, creating a safe, supportive space where they feel heard, understood, and empowered. I believe that every child has unique strengths, and my role is to help them build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to overcome life's obstacles.
I tailor therapy to each client's individual needs by integrating evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Narrative Therapy.
My goal in working with you is to hear your story, patiently help you make sense of your lived experience, help you create unique coping skills, and build your preferred life. Years ago I worked with cancer patients and their families at a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in South Carolina. Their situations were varied and complex, their physical and emotional pain was deep. As they talked about their pain, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss, anxiety, and uncertainty, together we made sense of their confusion. Likewise, as we work together, I will help you and your challenges in the same caring and skillful way.
My goal in working with you is to hear your story, patiently help you make sense of your lived experience, help you create unique coping skills, and build your preferred life. Years ago I worked with cancer patients and their families at a Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in South Carolina. Their situations were varied and complex, their physical and emotional pain was deep. As they talked about their pain, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss, anxiety, and uncertainty, together we made sense of their confusion. Likewise, as we work together, I will help you and your challenges in the same caring and skillful way.
I work from a culturally sensitive, sex/kink positive, HAES, LGBTQ+ and polyamory competent lens.
I have sought and found so much personal growth through my own therapy and I recognize the strength in having someone there, to bear witness to both the joys and sorrows that are part of living. I want to help you navigate life’s challenges with an open mind and heart and nurture your own resilience. I strive to help individuals better understand their own complex and nuanced stories, with care and compassion. Therapy is a place where the bigger harder feelings have room to breath and define themselves for us; where we can process the past and get excited for the present and future.
I work from a culturally sensitive, sex/kink positive, HAES, LGBTQ+ and polyamory competent lens.
I have sought and found so much personal growth through my own therapy and I recognize the strength in having someone there, to bear witness to both the joys and sorrows that are part of living. I want to help you navigate life’s challenges with an open mind and heart and nurture your own resilience. I strive to help individuals better understand their own complex and nuanced stories, with care and compassion. Therapy is a place where the bigger harder feelings have room to breath and define themselves for us; where we can process the past and get excited for the present and future.
I wear many hats as a talk-therapist, creative arts therapist, mom, partner, friend, and engaged community member. While balancing a career as a teaching artist and mom, I was drawn to counseling because of the help I received and my desire to help others navigate life's challenges. I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist who helps people take the next steps toward feeling better and living fuller.
I wear many hats as a talk-therapist, creative arts therapist, mom, partner, friend, and engaged community member. While balancing a career as a teaching artist and mom, I was drawn to counseling because of the help I received and my desire to help others navigate life's challenges. I am now a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist who helps people take the next steps toward feeling better and living fuller.
In 2016, I found myself on a 13-hour flight, traveling over 5,000 miles across the world, leaving behind my family, friends, and the only life I had known. I came to Philadelphia with a dream: to become a marriage and family therapist and, one day, build a practice of my own.
Today, I’m honored to show up with that same curiosity, passion, and courage in my work; creating a space where healing, growth, and meaningful change can begin. Being trusted with someone’s story is something I hold with great care and respect. I specialize in helping adult individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges. I’m so glad you’re here!
In 2016, I found myself on a 13-hour flight, traveling over 5,000 miles across the world, leaving behind my family, friends, and the only life I had known. I came to Philadelphia with a dream: to become a marriage and family therapist and, one day, build a practice of my own.
Today, I’m honored to show up with that same curiosity, passion, and courage in my work; creating a space where healing, growth, and meaningful change can begin. Being trusted with someone’s story is something I hold with great care and respect. I specialize in helping adult individuals and couples navigate relationship challenges. I’m so glad you’re here!
In my practice, I try to help people improve their lives by looking at their relationships. I believe that the ways of relating to others that we learn early in our lives can sometimes prevent us from reaching our potential in current relationships and in creative or occupational endeavors. I help my patients to examine and ultimately change their ways of relating so that they are less depressed and anxious and so that they are more satisfied in their lives.
In my practice, I try to help people improve their lives by looking at their relationships. I believe that the ways of relating to others that we learn early in our lives can sometimes prevent us from reaching our potential in current relationships and in creative or occupational endeavors. I help my patients to examine and ultimately change their ways of relating so that they are less depressed and anxious and so that they are more satisfied in their lives.
I work with couples, straight/ lesbian/ gay, who are working on their relationship, whether as a result of an affair, or realizing differences that keep them from being close.
My work with men has focused on concerns about sexuality, intimacy, commitment, and issues about fathers and fathering, childhood trauma as well as masculinity. Work with couples has focused on issues concerning relationship disenchantment, affairs, divorce, struggles over life decisions regarding careers, children, and change in general in a couple's life.
I work with couples, straight/ lesbian/ gay, who are working on their relationship, whether as a result of an affair, or realizing differences that keep them from being close.
My work with men has focused on concerns about sexuality, intimacy, commitment, and issues about fathers and fathering, childhood trauma as well as masculinity. Work with couples has focused on issues concerning relationship disenchantment, affairs, divorce, struggles over life decisions regarding careers, children, and change in general in a couple's life.
You were fine...and then life happened. Death, divorce, children, retirement, the relationship - whatever it was for you, it turned your world upside down. While you used to pride yourself in "having it together," now you feel lost, depressed, overwhelmed and helpless. You are angry at yourself and others because you can't "move on." All you want to do is feel like "YOU" again, but you secretly wonder if that's even possible. It is possible. I can help you cope with the painful parts of life and feel in control again.
You were fine...and then life happened. Death, divorce, children, retirement, the relationship - whatever it was for you, it turned your world upside down. While you used to pride yourself in "having it together," now you feel lost, depressed, overwhelmed and helpless. You are angry at yourself and others because you can't "move on." All you want to do is feel like "YOU" again, but you secretly wonder if that's even possible. It is possible. I can help you cope with the painful parts of life and feel in control again.
Hi, my name is Thanh Nguyen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I specialize in trauma, perinatal mental health and have a passion in supporting women through their journeys. I provide individual therapy for adult women struggling with trauma/PTSD, postpartum depression/anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and general depression and anxiety due to life stressors and transitions.
Hi, my name is Thanh Nguyen. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I specialize in trauma, perinatal mental health and have a passion in supporting women through their journeys. I provide individual therapy for adult women struggling with trauma/PTSD, postpartum depression/anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and general depression and anxiety due to life stressors and transitions.
Hi! I'm Devan, and I tend to work best with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, difficulties with relationships, depression, OCD, and Borderline Personality disorder. Maybe you feel caught between opposing thoughts, feelings, or choices. Maybe you're not sure how to balance work, relationships, self-care, and everything else. Maybe you're coming to therapy to talk about all the people in your life who didn't go to therapy. Maybe it's all of the above (that's okay too!). My role is to create space for all parts of you, and to help you understand them. You're the expert of your experience, I'm there to support you in understanding it.
Hi! I'm Devan, and I tend to work best with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, difficulties with relationships, depression, OCD, and Borderline Personality disorder. Maybe you feel caught between opposing thoughts, feelings, or choices. Maybe you're not sure how to balance work, relationships, self-care, and everything else. Maybe you're coming to therapy to talk about all the people in your life who didn't go to therapy. Maybe it's all of the above (that's okay too!). My role is to create space for all parts of you, and to help you understand them. You're the expert of your experience, I'm there to support you in understanding it.
Drawing on extensive training and background, I offer a widely varied range of treatment specialties in an interactive emotionally present therapy supporting my client's personal growth and well being as they learn techniques to reduce stress, clear the mind of fears and illusions, connecting to their own needs and feelings. My experience confirms that the expertise of the therapist is important, but equally vital is her depth of caring. I approach each client with an eclectic and open mind, drawing on techniques from Structural Family Therapy for Marital and Family problems, Cognitive/Behavioral, Mind/Body, Psychodynamic, Jungian-Oriented Dreamwork, Existential/Humanistic, Hypnotherapy.
Drawing on extensive training and background, I offer a widely varied range of treatment specialties in an interactive emotionally present therapy supporting my client's personal growth and well being as they learn techniques to reduce stress, clear the mind of fears and illusions, connecting to their own needs and feelings. My experience confirms that the expertise of the therapist is important, but equally vital is her depth of caring. I approach each client with an eclectic and open mind, drawing on techniques from Structural Family Therapy for Marital and Family problems, Cognitive/Behavioral, Mind/Body, Psychodynamic, Jungian-Oriented Dreamwork, Existential/Humanistic, Hypnotherapy.
Transform yourself and your relationships. I use evidence-based treatment strategies and mindfulness practices to help my clients strengthen themselves and their families, improve their overall health, find balance and achieve their personal goals.
Transform yourself and your relationships. I use evidence-based treatment strategies and mindfulness practices to help my clients strengthen themselves and their families, improve their overall health, find balance and achieve their personal goals.
I earned a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, complementing my double major in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I offer counseling services and mental health support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specializing in Sports Psychology as a designated provider for the Philadelphia Eagles and use the evidence-based Eco-Systemic Family Therapy Model to help families, couples, and individuals achieve their treatment goals.
I earned a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine, complementing my double major in Psychology and Sociology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. I offer counseling services and mental health support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, specializing in Sports Psychology as a designated provider for the Philadelphia Eagles and use the evidence-based Eco-Systemic Family Therapy Model to help families, couples, and individuals achieve their treatment goals.
I work with individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. You may be contending with uncertainty, grief, anger, or overwhelm. Maybe you're used to feeling competent and equipped to tackle difficulties, but now that self feels far away. You might feel lost and wonder whether you're doing it "right" or if you'll ever feel like yourself again. If you're coming as a couple, you may also find yourselves feeling distant from one another, caught in cycles of resentment or misunderstanding while longing to feel close and supported again.
I work with individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood. You may be contending with uncertainty, grief, anger, or overwhelm. Maybe you're used to feeling competent and equipped to tackle difficulties, but now that self feels far away. You might feel lost and wonder whether you're doing it "right" or if you'll ever feel like yourself again. If you're coming as a couple, you may also find yourselves feeling distant from one another, caught in cycles of resentment or misunderstanding while longing to feel close and supported again.
Are you feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or overwhelmed? Do you want to make a change but don't know how or where to start? I believe psychotherapy provides the opportunity to get to know yourself better, so that you can make changes in line with your personal needs, wants, and goals. By working together we can explore patterns that may be leading you to feel stuck in your relationships, school or career, and together we will uncover coping strategies to help you manage the full array of life's stressors.
Are you feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or overwhelmed? Do you want to make a change but don't know how or where to start? I believe psychotherapy provides the opportunity to get to know yourself better, so that you can make changes in line with your personal needs, wants, and goals. By working together we can explore patterns that may be leading you to feel stuck in your relationships, school or career, and together we will uncover coping strategies to help you manage the full array of life's stressors.
Rachael Tobinus MS, Anxiety, ADHD, OCD
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
1 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
In addition to my experience, I am also LGBTQIA allied.
If overthinking were an Olympic sport, would you be bringing home the gold medal? Maybe you can't stop replaying that email you sent at work, the awkward thing you said on a first date 3 yrs ago, or the countless ways something could go wrong tomorrow. You spend so much time taking care of everyone else and keeping it together on the outside that few people realize how overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted you feel. Maybe you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you or anxiety has you constantly second-guessing yourself. Maybe depression has taken the enjoyment out of things, or perhaps you're questioning your true happiness.
In addition to my experience, I am also LGBTQIA allied.
If overthinking were an Olympic sport, would you be bringing home the gold medal? Maybe you can't stop replaying that email you sent at work, the awkward thing you said on a first date 3 yrs ago, or the countless ways something could go wrong tomorrow. You spend so much time taking care of everyone else and keeping it together on the outside that few people realize how overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted you feel. Maybe you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you or anxiety has you constantly second-guessing yourself. Maybe depression has taken the enjoyment out of things, or perhaps you're questioning your true happiness.
Arielle Seligson - Relationships & Couples
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Swarthmore, PA 19081
I help couples and individuals who feel stuck in painful relationship patterns, have lost themselves in the process, or want to understand why they keep reacting in ways that don't feel like them.
The couples and individuals I work with are often thoughtful and self-aware. They can name some of what is happening, but still feel stuck inside it. Often, one person reaches for connection while the other becomes overwhelmed, defensive, or shuts down. You try to talk things through, but somehow end up further apart. Or, you find yourself acting in ways that feel out of character and want to figure out why - and change your behavior.
I help couples and individuals who feel stuck in painful relationship patterns, have lost themselves in the process, or want to understand why they keep reacting in ways that don't feel like them.
The couples and individuals I work with are often thoughtful and self-aware. They can name some of what is happening, but still feel stuck inside it. Often, one person reaches for connection while the other becomes overwhelmed, defensive, or shuts down. You try to talk things through, but somehow end up further apart. Or, you find yourself acting in ways that feel out of character and want to figure out why - and change your behavior.
Life can feel very hard sometimes. I believe that therapy should be a safe place to turn to when it feels important to be heard and understood. I specialize in treating adults who struggle with trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional instability, relationship problems, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and grief. I have a special interest in working with emotionally sensitive individuals. I also have a strong knowledge base of Christianity. Clients I work with have goals to decrease symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, mood swings, anxiety) and feel more fulfilled.
Life can feel very hard sometimes. I believe that therapy should be a safe place to turn to when it feels important to be heard and understood. I specialize in treating adults who struggle with trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, emotional instability, relationship problems, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and grief. I have a special interest in working with emotionally sensitive individuals. I also have a strong knowledge base of Christianity. Clients I work with have goals to decrease symptoms (e.g., flashbacks, mood swings, anxiety) and feel more fulfilled.
See more therapy options for Swarthmore
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Swarthmore
- Aston
- Brookhaven
- Broomall
- Chester
- Darby
- Drexel Hill
- Havertown
- Lansdowne
- Media
- Ridley Park
- Springfield
- Wallingford
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.