LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Upper Darby, PA
I have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS), best practices for working with the LGBTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and love and sex addiction recovery.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience working with adult individuals and groups who struggle with symptoms of depression, stress, abuse, anxiety, relationship problems, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other diagnoses and issues. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology Clinical Counseling from DeSales University and my Master's degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from LaSalle University.
I have training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS), best practices for working with the LGBTQIA+ community, eating disorders, and love and sex addiction recovery.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience working with adult individuals and groups who struggle with symptoms of depression, stress, abuse, anxiety, relationship problems, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other diagnoses and issues. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Psychology Clinical Counseling from DeSales University and my Master's degree in Professional Clinical Counseling from LaSalle University.
Sometimes we experience life's hardships, and do not know how to face them. Instead, we avoid talking or thinking about them. Traumas may occur in our childhood, in our relationships, or during significant losses. Unfortunately, the effects of past experiences are felt in current relationships, on the job, or in the body. In order to move forward in our lives, I believe that gradually telling the story of painful life events with a professional is healing. Once you have gradually told me about your pain, we can then work together to develop ways of coping and moving forward.
Sometimes we experience life's hardships, and do not know how to face them. Instead, we avoid talking or thinking about them. Traumas may occur in our childhood, in our relationships, or during significant losses. Unfortunately, the effects of past experiences are felt in current relationships, on the job, or in the body. In order to move forward in our lives, I believe that gradually telling the story of painful life events with a professional is healing. Once you have gradually told me about your pain, we can then work together to develop ways of coping and moving forward.
I help college stop-outs return to complete their degrees. Have you struggled with the academic transition from high school, especially since the pandemic? Have you experienced a medical crisis or family emergency that halted your academic momentum, and wonder how to return to complete your degree? Are you a working adult seeking a career pivot that may require a completed credential? Whatever your educational dream, I can help you clarify your goals, create a plan, and achieve them.
I help college stop-outs return to complete their degrees. Have you struggled with the academic transition from high school, especially since the pandemic? Have you experienced a medical crisis or family emergency that halted your academic momentum, and wonder how to return to complete your degree? Are you a working adult seeking a career pivot that may require a completed credential? Whatever your educational dream, I can help you clarify your goals, create a plan, and achieve them.
"Every Conversation Matters." Counselors facilitate healing through a process of genuine dialogue with their clients. In a world of challenges or going through a life transition can feel overwhelming. These challenges may bring about anxiety, hopelessness, and a sense of isolation, but you do not have to face them alone. Having a safe space to process everyday obstacles-whether from past or present challenges, and identifying solutions that works with a person that is nonjudgmental, and will help you to get to the root of the problem so you can begin to rebuild your life or your relationship is what makes all the difference.
"Every Conversation Matters." Counselors facilitate healing through a process of genuine dialogue with their clients. In a world of challenges or going through a life transition can feel overwhelming. These challenges may bring about anxiety, hopelessness, and a sense of isolation, but you do not have to face them alone. Having a safe space to process everyday obstacles-whether from past or present challenges, and identifying solutions that works with a person that is nonjudgmental, and will help you to get to the root of the problem so you can begin to rebuild your life or your relationship is what makes all the difference.
Choosing the right therapist is an important step, and I am honored to be part of your journey. My name is Charles Sims, and I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families seeking support, healing, and personal growth. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, strengthen resilience, and build the lives they envision for themselves.
Choosing the right therapist is an important step, and I am honored to be part of your journey. My name is Charles Sims, and I provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families seeking support, healing, and personal growth. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, strengthen resilience, and build the lives they envision for themselves.
I empower women and individuals to navigate through the crossroads and transitions in life in order to help them live their best lives. Because research has shown that transitions in life trigger physical and emotional stress responses in the body, and having coping skills to effectively manage the stress of life's crossroads can provide the emotional stamina needed to thrive, I offer relationship counseling, individual counseling for anxiety, depression, grief and loss associated with life transitions, and relationship issues.
I empower women and individuals to navigate through the crossroads and transitions in life in order to help them live their best lives. Because research has shown that transitions in life trigger physical and emotional stress responses in the body, and having coping skills to effectively manage the stress of life's crossroads can provide the emotional stamina needed to thrive, I offer relationship counseling, individual counseling for anxiety, depression, grief and loss associated with life transitions, and relationship issues.
I have worked with a variety of clients and client populations, from women, immigrants and refugees, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Sometimes life feels like a lot, but we don't have to go through it alone. I believe we don’t only heal on our own but in relationship with others. The therapeutic relationship can be one of the most healing relationships, providing a space for vulnerability, humor, growth, and radical acceptance. It is an honor to be a witness to the evolution of your journey of self-discovery. I want to be there for the highs and lows and everything in between. My practice is holistic, meaning that I draw upon many therapeutic approaches and theories that address mind, body, and spiritual wellness.
I have worked with a variety of clients and client populations, from women, immigrants and refugees, and LGBTQ+ populations.
Sometimes life feels like a lot, but we don't have to go through it alone. I believe we don’t only heal on our own but in relationship with others. The therapeutic relationship can be one of the most healing relationships, providing a space for vulnerability, humor, growth, and radical acceptance. It is an honor to be a witness to the evolution of your journey of self-discovery. I want to be there for the highs and lows and everything in between. My practice is holistic, meaning that I draw upon many therapeutic approaches and theories that address mind, body, and spiritual wellness.
Hi!, I am Katie (she/they) - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Body Trust Certified practitioner, and someone who believes therapy should feel like a safe, honest, and even occasionally humorous space to get real about what's holding you back.
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with body image, disordered eating, anxiety, and the exhausting cycle of overthinking. My clients are often insightful and self-aware, but find themselves stuck-unable to express their needs, set boundaries, or feel truly present in their lives. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Hi!, I am Katie (she/they) - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Body Trust Certified practitioner, and someone who believes therapy should feel like a safe, honest, and even occasionally humorous space to get real about what's holding you back.
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with body image, disordered eating, anxiety, and the exhausting cycle of overthinking. My clients are often insightful and self-aware, but find themselves stuck-unable to express their needs, set boundaries, or feel truly present in their lives. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
My background includes LGBTQ individuals and families who experience anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, PTSD and family conflict.
I believe we should all have access to a space where we can be open and honest with who we are and what we need to thrive. It is important to me that I support individuals in cultivating such a space with safety and freedom of feelings, thoughts and emotions. We all deserve a chance to thrive in life and find some sense of peace and understanding of experiences that make us who we are. I am here to challenge any notions that you cannot be your best self and find solace in that.
My background includes LGBTQ individuals and families who experience anxiety, depression, loss, trauma, PTSD and family conflict.
I believe we should all have access to a space where we can be open and honest with who we are and what we need to thrive. It is important to me that I support individuals in cultivating such a space with safety and freedom of feelings, thoughts and emotions. We all deserve a chance to thrive in life and find some sense of peace and understanding of experiences that make us who we are. I am here to challenge any notions that you cannot be your best self and find solace in that.
More Therapists Nearby
At Kahl Counseling, I meet with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking change to an ongoing struggle. The struggle could be to find relief in stressful relationships, in adjusting to an evolving society, or breaking free from problematic cycles. You may experience these difficulties in any areas of life, sometimes more than one, at work, home, family, or day to day living.
At Kahl Counseling, I meet with individuals, couples, and families who are seeking change to an ongoing struggle. The struggle could be to find relief in stressful relationships, in adjusting to an evolving society, or breaking free from problematic cycles. You may experience these difficulties in any areas of life, sometimes more than one, at work, home, family, or day to day living.
I specialize in working with adults and emerging adults from diverse racial, social, financial, sexual, and gender backgrounds who have had to navigate systems not designed for their success. In our work together, I aim to create a space where your experiences of depression, anxiety, loneliness, unworthiness, guilt, or shame are met with understanding rather than judgment. Instead of viewing these feelings as something “wrong,” we’ll honor the strengths that have supported your survival and gently explore what may no longer be serving you, allowing room for healing and growth.
I specialize in working with adults and emerging adults from diverse racial, social, financial, sexual, and gender backgrounds who have had to navigate systems not designed for their success. In our work together, I aim to create a space where your experiences of depression, anxiety, loneliness, unworthiness, guilt, or shame are met with understanding rather than judgment. Instead of viewing these feelings as something “wrong,” we’ll honor the strengths that have supported your survival and gently explore what may no longer be serving you, allowing room for healing and growth.
As a queer, biracial, and neurodivergent therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience and grounded in compassion.
I’m a trained Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, currently pursuing certification. EFT is a research-based and highly effective model that helps partners identify and shift the negative patterns that create distance and disconnection. It helps couples build emotional safety, improve communication, and reconnect with each other in more meaningful ways.
As a queer, biracial, and neurodivergent therapist, my work is rooted in lived experience and grounded in compassion.
I’m a trained Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist, currently pursuing certification. EFT is a research-based and highly effective model that helps partners identify and shift the negative patterns that create distance and disconnection. It helps couples build emotional safety, improve communication, and reconnect with each other in more meaningful ways.
I’m particularly committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and those seeking to understand the deeper patterns shaping their relationships, emotions, and sense of self.
My style is grounded in psychodynamic and object relations theory, informed by DBT, attachment-focused, and mentalization-based approaches. I see therapy as a collaborative and compassionate space where we make sense of your inner world, strengthen emotional regulation, and build a more stable, connected sense of self.
I’m particularly committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and those seeking to understand the deeper patterns shaping their relationships, emotions, and sense of self.
My style is grounded in psychodynamic and object relations theory, informed by DBT, attachment-focused, and mentalization-based approaches. I see therapy as a collaborative and compassionate space where we make sense of your inner world, strengthen emotional regulation, and build a more stable, connected sense of self.
I work with couples trying to care for each other well even when it’s not easy, teenagers exploring what it means to be in this world, and parents navigating how to make their home safe and loving for their queer/ trans kids.
Sometimes we come to therapy because we are experiencing something specific and other times something just feels off. Any time is a good time (I know I have to say that, but I really believe it). I also believe that our experiences occur within the impact of systems (relationships, work, family, communities, school, society etc.). The more we uncover our understanding of how these systems interact, the better we understand our world and ourselves. This helps us disrupt patterns and deepen groundedness and joy. Clients tell me that our work together helps them see themselves more fully and therefore see others more fully.
I work with couples trying to care for each other well even when it’s not easy, teenagers exploring what it means to be in this world, and parents navigating how to make their home safe and loving for their queer/ trans kids.
Sometimes we come to therapy because we are experiencing something specific and other times something just feels off. Any time is a good time (I know I have to say that, but I really believe it). I also believe that our experiences occur within the impact of systems (relationships, work, family, communities, school, society etc.). The more we uncover our understanding of how these systems interact, the better we understand our world and ourselves. This helps us disrupt patterns and deepen groundedness and joy. Clients tell me that our work together helps them see themselves more fully and therefore see others more fully.
I am affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and partners (poly/kink affirming).
My approach is grounded in person-centered care, neuroscience, and trauma-informed practice. I support clients navigating LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, existential questions, and the impacts of discrimination and marginalization. For those healing from trauma or PTSD, I also offer EMDR.
I am affirming of LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and partners (poly/kink affirming).
My approach is grounded in person-centered care, neuroscience, and trauma-informed practice. I support clients navigating LGBTQ+ issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, existential questions, and the impacts of discrimination and marginalization. For those healing from trauma or PTSD, I also offer EMDR.
With an emphasis on personal liberation, I aim to empower those most marginalized (i.e. those who are LGBTQ+, POC, &/ Neurodiverse).
Our emotions are vital tools, giving keen information about what we need. With ACT, CBT and DBT skills (e.g. ERP, cognitive restructuring, distress tolerance, core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, & emotion regulation), we can stabilize and harness these emotions, improve our confidence, and realize our potential in all parts of life.
With an emphasis on personal liberation, I aim to empower those most marginalized (i.e. those who are LGBTQ+, POC, &/ Neurodiverse).
Our emotions are vital tools, giving keen information about what we need. With ACT, CBT and DBT skills (e.g. ERP, cognitive restructuring, distress tolerance, core mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, & emotion regulation), we can stabilize and harness these emotions, improve our confidence, and realize our potential in all parts of life.
I work with queer folks and highly sensitive people.
My style of counseling is relaxed, compassionate, and non-judgemental. Working primarily from a Gestalt perspective, which does not assume pathology, I also draw from practical mindfulness, yoga and vedanta, and the Enneagram as needed. So much of the world feels like complete shite right now. Within our control is the ability to learn about and care for ourselves, the benefits of which extend to all with whom we interact as well.
I work with queer folks and highly sensitive people.
My style of counseling is relaxed, compassionate, and non-judgemental. Working primarily from a Gestalt perspective, which does not assume pathology, I also draw from practical mindfulness, yoga and vedanta, and the Enneagram as needed. So much of the world feels like complete shite right now. Within our control is the ability to learn about and care for ourselves, the benefits of which extend to all with whom we interact as well.
I work with adults from all backgrounds, with specialized experience supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
I take a humanistic, down-to-earth approach to therapy, believing that healing happens through genuine, compassionate connection. Clients often seek me out after feeling previous therapy experiences were too sterile or impersonal. My goal is to bring warmth and authenticity back into the therapeutic conversation—with you always at the center.
I work with adults from all backgrounds, with specialized experience supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
I take a humanistic, down-to-earth approach to therapy, believing that healing happens through genuine, compassionate connection. Clients often seek me out after feeling previous therapy experiences were too sterile or impersonal. My goal is to bring warmth and authenticity back into the therapeutic conversation—with you always at the center.
Mr. Skowronski and PhilaTherapy is an established practice located in Center City Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We established the practice to meet the growing mental health needs of individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area. We provide psychotherapy and educational services. Our clinicians and staff are here to help you overcome various mental health conditions and everyday challenges and concerns. Locations: 230 S. Broad St. Phila, PA. 19102, 43 Leopard Rd. Paoli, PA. 19301, 717 Bethlehem Pike, Erdenheim, PA. 19038
Mr. Skowronski and PhilaTherapy is an established practice located in Center City Philadelphia and surrounding areas. We established the practice to meet the growing mental health needs of individuals in the Greater Philadelphia area. We provide psychotherapy and educational services. Our clinicians and staff are here to help you overcome various mental health conditions and everyday challenges and concerns. Locations: 230 S. Broad St. Phila, PA. 19102, 43 Leopard Rd. Paoli, PA. 19301, 717 Bethlehem Pike, Erdenheim, PA. 19038
See more therapy options for Upper Darby
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Upper Darby
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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.