LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Bellevue, TN
Whether you are looking for someone who is well-versed in working with those who are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, or have experienced trauma - my hope is that you find a supportive space to grow and heal.
I utilize person centered approaches with clients to encourage those that I work with to see the strength and insight that they hold in themselves. I am trained in brainspotting and utilize this tool with clients to address various issues. My experiences in the mental health field allow me to walk alongside you as you explore what is impacting you the most.
Whether you are looking for someone who is well-versed in working with those who are neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, or have experienced trauma - my hope is that you find a supportive space to grow and heal.
I utilize person centered approaches with clients to encourage those that I work with to see the strength and insight that they hold in themselves. I am trained in brainspotting and utilize this tool with clients to address various issues. My experiences in the mental health field allow me to walk alongside you as you explore what is impacting you the most.
Have you ever been told you are "too much" but you constantly feel like you aren't enough? Or have you ever been depressed but felt guilty because outside looking in you "have it all together"? I've been there and I know how it feels. As a therapist, I offer empathy and help you develop healthy strategies to mute those negative thoughts. I give you the tools to ask for what you need in personal and professional relationships. I remind you that anxiety, depression, and past traumas do not make you broken or flawed. Your brain just works differently and I show you ways to manage that. I believe in you!
Have you ever been told you are "too much" but you constantly feel like you aren't enough? Or have you ever been depressed but felt guilty because outside looking in you "have it all together"? I've been there and I know how it feels. As a therapist, I offer empathy and help you develop healthy strategies to mute those negative thoughts. I give you the tools to ask for what you need in personal and professional relationships. I remind you that anxiety, depression, and past traumas do not make you broken or flawed. Your brain just works differently and I show you ways to manage that. I believe in you!
Does it feel like you’re drowning in the riptide of life? Being a human can be overwhelming and complicated. It is common to be bombarded with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that you aren't sure how to cope with. Struggles with low self-worth, perfectionism, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, bullying or trouble with peers, destructive behaviors, and trouble communicating (or even just acknowledging) needs can feel unbearable. I want to help you face these difficulties head on and move from just keeping your head above water to thriving.
Does it feel like you’re drowning in the riptide of life? Being a human can be overwhelming and complicated. It is common to be bombarded with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings that you aren't sure how to cope with. Struggles with low self-worth, perfectionism, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, bullying or trouble with peers, destructive behaviors, and trouble communicating (or even just acknowledging) needs can feel unbearable. I want to help you face these difficulties head on and move from just keeping your head above water to thriving.
My desire is to create safe, supportive space to help you feel comfortable and fully supported in the work that you would like to do. I enjoy assisting with transitions through all kinds of life circumstances - grief and loss, relationship issues, career changes and soul questions or crises, to name a few. I welcome working with you to help you release what is not working in your life and to help you make room for the "new" -- for transformation, deep peace and, most of all, for joy.
My desire is to create safe, supportive space to help you feel comfortable and fully supported in the work that you would like to do. I enjoy assisting with transitions through all kinds of life circumstances - grief and loss, relationship issues, career changes and soul questions or crises, to name a few. I welcome working with you to help you release what is not working in your life and to help you make room for the "new" -- for transformation, deep peace and, most of all, for joy.
Sherrie E. McKinney
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, BS, LADC II, NCAC II, SAP, P4LIFE
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with clients who have some desire to move toward abstinence and/or recovery. Many of my clients have experienced negative consequences due to alcohol or drug use, including contact with the criminal justice system, loss of their driver's license, job, children, etc. I provide substance abuse counseling, drug education and an Alcohol and Drug Assessment that will satisfy most state requirements.
I work with clients who have some desire to move toward abstinence and/or recovery. Many of my clients have experienced negative consequences due to alcohol or drug use, including contact with the criminal justice system, loss of their driver's license, job, children, etc. I provide substance abuse counseling, drug education and an Alcohol and Drug Assessment that will satisfy most state requirements.
I specialize in helping LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and creative folks move from survival mode into a life that feels authentic and safe.
Healing requires more than just talking; it requires learning how to safely inhabit our bodies again. My practice is rooted in EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychodynamic therapy. Using a feminist and humanistic lens, I incorporate somatic techniques to help you navigate the felt sense of your experiences and move through difficult emotions.
I specialize in helping LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and creative folks move from survival mode into a life that feels authentic and safe.
Healing requires more than just talking; it requires learning how to safely inhabit our bodies again. My practice is rooted in EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Psychodynamic therapy. Using a feminist and humanistic lens, I incorporate somatic techniques to help you navigate the felt sense of your experiences and move through difficult emotions.
I also have a special interest and training in working with adolescents, young adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC communities.
My goal as a counselor is to offer a compassionate and supportive environment to help you make meaningful, lasting changes. I strive to show my clients that they are worthy of healing. I implement a holistic and eclectic approach to counseling using CBT, humanistic therapy, trauma-informed, SFT, ecotherapy, and creative arts therapies.
I also have a special interest and training in working with adolescents, young adults, and members of the LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC communities.
My goal as a counselor is to offer a compassionate and supportive environment to help you make meaningful, lasting changes. I strive to show my clients that they are worthy of healing. I implement a holistic and eclectic approach to counseling using CBT, humanistic therapy, trauma-informed, SFT, ecotherapy, and creative arts therapies.
Life can be difficult at times. Perhaps you are wanting to make some changes in your life, or relationship. I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a kind and knowledgeable advocate to that process. You may have reservations about asking for support. Know that when you do, you are bravely moving yourself forward to a better tomorrow. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
Life can be difficult at times. Perhaps you are wanting to make some changes in your life, or relationship. I believe that most of us CAN make the changes we deeply want to, particularly if we have a kind and knowledgeable advocate to that process. You may have reservations about asking for support. Know that when you do, you are bravely moving yourself forward to a better tomorrow. I strive to be a compassionate, trustworthy, and enthusiastic partner to my clients' growth processes.
I identify as a queer and anti-oppressive therapist.
I am compassionate, direct, and liberating. I'm not a blank slate therapist; I value incorporating humor and empowerment into our sessions. I utilize evidence-based methods, such as EMDR, Attachment Theory, and Acceptance & Commitment. These tools are designed to help you gain a greater sense of agency, control, and personal power over your own life.
I identify as a queer and anti-oppressive therapist.
I am compassionate, direct, and liberating. I'm not a blank slate therapist; I value incorporating humor and empowerment into our sessions. I utilize evidence-based methods, such as EMDR, Attachment Theory, and Acceptance & Commitment. These tools are designed to help you gain a greater sense of agency, control, and personal power over your own life.
Have you ever thought, I’ll feel better when (fill in the blank) happens. However, every time you think about it the (fill in the blank) never seems to come or has come but you still feel unsettled. Moving through transitions can seem uncomfortable or chaotic at times but so can seeing a therapist. I’ll help you walk through the journey of your transition or current issue usually while wearing one of my many comfortable sweatshirts.
Have you ever thought, I’ll feel better when (fill in the blank) happens. However, every time you think about it the (fill in the blank) never seems to come or has come but you still feel unsettled. Moving through transitions can seem uncomfortable or chaotic at times but so can seeing a therapist. I’ll help you walk through the journey of your transition or current issue usually while wearing one of my many comfortable sweatshirts.
My clientele consists of children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of approaches in working with my clients in an attempt to find the most efficacious approach to meet the particular client's needs. As a psychologist, I also perform psychological evaluations for diagnostic purposes. For example, I evaluate cognitive ability, learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and many other issues. Finding oneself can be a daunting task in our complex society. I aspire to help my clients achieve self understanding, a sense of efficacy, and develop tools to assist them in navigating life's challenges on their own.
My clientele consists of children, adolescents, and adults. I use a variety of approaches in working with my clients in an attempt to find the most efficacious approach to meet the particular client's needs. As a psychologist, I also perform psychological evaluations for diagnostic purposes. For example, I evaluate cognitive ability, learning disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and many other issues. Finding oneself can be a daunting task in our complex society. I aspire to help my clients achieve self understanding, a sense of efficacy, and develop tools to assist them in navigating life's challenges on their own.
I was raised in the diverse melting pot of New York City as a first-generation Chinese American, born to parents who emigrated from Hong Kong. After college, I moved to Nashville, where I had the wonderful privilege of traveling the world as a musician. These experiences afforded me the unique opportunity to hear thousands of people’s stories, from depression, suicide, grief, and addiction to hope found amidst it all. Through these stories, as well as my own, I came to realize the powerful gift of therapy and the difference that occurs when we come to understand our intrinsic worth and capacity to be seen, heard, known, and loved.
I was raised in the diverse melting pot of New York City as a first-generation Chinese American, born to parents who emigrated from Hong Kong. After college, I moved to Nashville, where I had the wonderful privilege of traveling the world as a musician. These experiences afforded me the unique opportunity to hear thousands of people’s stories, from depression, suicide, grief, and addiction to hope found amidst it all. Through these stories, as well as my own, I came to realize the powerful gift of therapy and the difference that occurs when we come to understand our intrinsic worth and capacity to be seen, heard, known, and loved.
More Therapists Nearby
I specialize in helping LGBTQIA+, entertainment industry folks, creatives, & adults with trauma cultivate a life they love.
In working together you’ll reconnect to yourself & reclaim your agency in life. In our sessions you’ll find me to be warm & grounding. I take an active role, so you don’t need to feel the pressure of filling every minute. We’ll get to the root of the real stuff & laugh some along the way. You’ll leave sessions with hope, feedback, & tangible next steps.
I specialize in helping LGBTQIA+, entertainment industry folks, creatives, & adults with trauma cultivate a life they love.
In working together you’ll reconnect to yourself & reclaim your agency in life. In our sessions you’ll find me to be warm & grounding. I take an active role, so you don’t need to feel the pressure of filling every minute. We’ll get to the root of the real stuff & laugh some along the way. You’ll leave sessions with hope, feedback, & tangible next steps.
I have extensive experience helping young adults with identity exploration, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.
My practice is sex-positive, HAES-informed, and rooted in collaboration. I draw from evidence-based approaches like DBT, ACT, FAP, and mindfulness, while always centering the therapeutic relationship. I believe meaningful change happens through meaningful connection — and that therapy should feel like a place where you can exhale.
I have extensive experience helping young adults with identity exploration, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community.
My practice is sex-positive, HAES-informed, and rooted in collaboration. I draw from evidence-based approaches like DBT, ACT, FAP, and mindfulness, while always centering the therapeutic relationship. I believe meaningful change happens through meaningful connection — and that therapy should feel like a place where you can exhale.
Queer Support and Process Group starting in January!
My goal is to help you access your depth of emotional experience to live a more authentic life and in turn improve your relationships to yourself and your community. My client’s enjoy a therapist who is ethical, warm, direct, has a sense of humor, and above all, is committed to their growth. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which client and therapist work together on goals and presenting concerns. I use an integrative and exploratory approach to therapy, which combines relational, depth, emotion-focused, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches.
Queer Support and Process Group starting in January!
My goal is to help you access your depth of emotional experience to live a more authentic life and in turn improve your relationships to yourself and your community. My client’s enjoy a therapist who is ethical, warm, direct, has a sense of humor, and above all, is committed to their growth. I view therapy as a collaborative process in which client and therapist work together on goals and presenting concerns. I use an integrative and exploratory approach to therapy, which combines relational, depth, emotion-focused, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
My areas of special clinical interest include working with LGBTQIA+ clients, existential distress, religious trauma and abuse, ethical non-monogamy/non-traditional relationships, couple conflict, sex therapy, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.
I am a caring and empathetic person who has a heart for helping people. As a therapist I seek to work collaboratively with clients in establishing treatment goals. My hope is that clients will learn new and healthier ways of living and gain a greater ability to treat both themselves and others with compassion. It takes courage to step into the therapy room, so I work to provide a disarming and open space for clients to share. My curiosity guides me as I get to know people for who they are and I enjoy helping clients learn to think, feel, and act in new, productive ways to become the people they want to be.
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
I particularly like working with those in the LGBTQ+ community dealing with issues of cultural or religious judgment and the potentially resulting shame.
Each of us has our own unique path and challenges to navigate in this life. Many of us struggle to find the freedom to live out our truth and to follow our hearts because we are bound by societal and/or familial conditioning and programming that pressures us to fit into a certain mold that may not align with who we are and what we find to be true. This binding can often show up as anxiety or unhappiness, and many of us have trauma that continues to live in our bodies influencing the ways in which we react to what we encounter in life. We can work together to understand and alleviate what is keeping you from being more free.
Many people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, often feel lonely and struggle with depression and anxiety.
When you feel isolated, it can seem like your doubts and insecurities are really heavy. But you can make new connections! I practice a form of therapy where we can identify your negative thoughts and learn how to counter them. This way, you can understand not only how these thoughts affect your behavior but also why you have them in the first place.
Many people, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community, often feel lonely and struggle with depression and anxiety.
When you feel isolated, it can seem like your doubts and insecurities are really heavy. But you can make new connections! I practice a form of therapy where we can identify your negative thoughts and learn how to counter them. This way, you can understand not only how these thoughts affect your behavior but also why you have them in the first place.
My name is Luke, and I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy with a person-centered approach, encompassing a focus on individuals struggling with addiction. Holding a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis, I am dedicated to supporting clients on their journey toward self-discovery and healing. I strongly believe in understanding each client as a unique individual, which allows me to tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet their specific needs.
My name is Luke, and I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy with a person-centered approach, encompassing a focus on individuals struggling with addiction. Holding a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis, I am dedicated to supporting clients on their journey toward self-discovery and healing. I strongly believe in understanding each client as a unique individual, which allows me to tailor my therapeutic techniques to meet their specific needs.
I work well with LGBTQIA persons, creatives, caregivers, professional women, trauma, and unseen disabilities.
If you feel you sometimes get in the way of your own happiness, or find yourself repeating relationship patterns that are ineffective, I may be a good fit for you. Whether the difficulty is past trauma or present circumstances, I enjoy working with individuals who long to create a healthier connection with themselves and others. Disconnectedness can result in anxiety, isolation, depression or addiction. I understand the panic and fear that surfaces when my clients have been hurt by themselves or by those they love the most. I create a safe space for them to process difficult experiences, while learning to live a more fulfilled life.
I work well with LGBTQIA persons, creatives, caregivers, professional women, trauma, and unseen disabilities.
If you feel you sometimes get in the way of your own happiness, or find yourself repeating relationship patterns that are ineffective, I may be a good fit for you. Whether the difficulty is past trauma or present circumstances, I enjoy working with individuals who long to create a healthier connection with themselves and others. Disconnectedness can result in anxiety, isolation, depression or addiction. I understand the panic and fear that surfaces when my clients have been hurt by themselves or by those they love the most. I create a safe space for them to process difficult experiences, while learning to live a more fulfilled life.
See more therapy options for Bellevue
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Bellevue
- Antioch
- Berry Hill
- Brentwood
- Fairview
- Franklin
- Hermitage
- La Vergne
- Madison
- Nashville
- Nolensville
- Oak Hill
- Thompsons Station
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.