Non-Binary Therapists in Knoxville, TN
I am a trans, queer therapist serving the LGBTQIA+ community from a liberated, decolonized framework.
As a trans, queer, neurodivergent professional, I know the importance of working with an LGBTQIA+ therapist who understands the nuances of the queer experience. I believe in forming strong, authentic connections with clients and championing you in your various stages of life and identity. For 15 years, I have worked with the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, therapy, community-action and leadership, and I am currently licensed to practice therapy in Tennessee, Georgia, and Illinois.
I am a trans, queer therapist serving the LGBTQIA+ community from a liberated, decolonized framework.
As a trans, queer, neurodivergent professional, I know the importance of working with an LGBTQIA+ therapist who understands the nuances of the queer experience. I believe in forming strong, authentic connections with clients and championing you in your various stages of life and identity. For 15 years, I have worked with the LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, therapy, community-action and leadership, and I am currently licensed to practice therapy in Tennessee, Georgia, and Illinois.
Eden Batista
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37918
Waitlist for new clients
I find that I work best with those who are not interested in an overly sterile therapy experience and who may lovingly self-label as freaks/outcasts/weirdos. I believe therapy shouldn't feel hierarchical, nor alienating. You and I are collaborating to help you reach a point in your life where you feel stable and content. I’m not here to judge you or tell you what to do, but rather to work as a friendly voice to help you connect missing pieces and wade through life’s challenges with more confidence.
I find that I work best with those who are not interested in an overly sterile therapy experience and who may lovingly self-label as freaks/outcasts/weirdos. I believe therapy shouldn't feel hierarchical, nor alienating. You and I are collaborating to help you reach a point in your life where you feel stable and content. I’m not here to judge you or tell you what to do, but rather to work as a friendly voice to help you connect missing pieces and wade through life’s challenges with more confidence.
I love working with clients who are curious to see what life looks like on the other side of "stuck." Trauma, depression, anxiety, and so many other things that bring us to therapy, often feel so overwhelming and insurmountable, we don't know what to do or where to start.
If you're feeling "stuck," you're not alone. I’ve found that the parts of ourselves we most want to keep hidden are the parts that need to be seen and loved before we can begin to heal. You can do the messy and hard work of giving yourself permission to be seen and loved.
I love working with clients who are curious to see what life looks like on the other side of "stuck." Trauma, depression, anxiety, and so many other things that bring us to therapy, often feel so overwhelming and insurmountable, we don't know what to do or where to start.
If you're feeling "stuck," you're not alone. I’ve found that the parts of ourselves we most want to keep hidden are the parts that need to be seen and loved before we can begin to heal. You can do the messy and hard work of giving yourself permission to be seen and loved.
Now offering in person sessions!
Life can feel unbearably heavy...whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, substance use, chronic pain, or the constant pressure to keep everyone else happy in the process of experiencing these hardships..you don’t have to carry it alone! My clients come to therapy wanting to feel more grounded in their bodies, more confident in their choices, and more hopeful about the future. I affirm queerness, disability, and cultural identity, holding space for both personal and political realities.. Together, we’ll move from just surviving toward living with clarity, connection, and self-trust.
Now offering in person sessions!
Life can feel unbearably heavy...whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, substance use, chronic pain, or the constant pressure to keep everyone else happy in the process of experiencing these hardships..you don’t have to carry it alone! My clients come to therapy wanting to feel more grounded in their bodies, more confident in their choices, and more hopeful about the future. I affirm queerness, disability, and cultural identity, holding space for both personal and political realities.. Together, we’ll move from just surviving toward living with clarity, connection, and self-trust.
Oftentimes, our "closets" become full of grief, unhelpful messages, survival skills, and trauma; and, I believe that counseling offers people the time and space to sort through those experiences and to decide what is helpful and what is not. It's a simple process; but, it's not easy and going through the mess can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. I'd be glad to offer you that space and support so that you can learn to be more mindful, more compassionate, and more authentic both to yourself and to others.
Oftentimes, our "closets" become full of grief, unhelpful messages, survival skills, and trauma; and, I believe that counseling offers people the time and space to sort through those experiences and to decide what is helpful and what is not. It's a simple process; but, it's not easy and going through the mess can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. I'd be glad to offer you that space and support so that you can learn to be more mindful, more compassionate, and more authentic both to yourself and to others.
Mara Holsenback
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
2 Endorsed
Knoxville, TN 37912
Not accepting new clients
Hello! My name is Mara. I'm a Licensed Masters Social Worker with over 5 years experience working in mental health. I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I understand the importance of providing an inclusive, nonjudgemental space for my fellow LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. My goal is to cultivate a safe therapeutic practice with clients, to work through trauma, grow self-esteem and confidence, and build better relationships.
Hello! My name is Mara. I'm a Licensed Masters Social Worker with over 5 years experience working in mental health. I was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. I understand the importance of providing an inclusive, nonjudgemental space for my fellow LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent folks. My goal is to cultivate a safe therapeutic practice with clients, to work through trauma, grow self-esteem and confidence, and build better relationships.
Jesse V. Martino
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MEd
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Do you sometimes feel that your heart races out of your chest, your mind jumps around, and you second guess everything you say or do? Do you find it hard to keep going sometimes? Do you feel anger, overwhelm, or sometimes just unsure of yourself? Maybe you have been through a lot, and you're learning how to cope one step at a time. Finding peace through it all can certainly be a challenge. I'm Jess, a clinical counselor (LPC) licensed for Tennessee and Wisconsin. My strengths are in treating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, and ADHD/neurodivergence. I'm LGBTQIA+, trans/NB and ENM affirming.
Do you sometimes feel that your heart races out of your chest, your mind jumps around, and you second guess everything you say or do? Do you find it hard to keep going sometimes? Do you feel anger, overwhelm, or sometimes just unsure of yourself? Maybe you have been through a lot, and you're learning how to cope one step at a time. Finding peace through it all can certainly be a challenge. I'm Jess, a clinical counselor (LPC) licensed for Tennessee and Wisconsin. My strengths are in treating anxiety, depression, complex trauma, grief, and ADHD/neurodivergence. I'm LGBTQIA+, trans/NB and ENM affirming.
More Therapists Nearby
Shannon Brown, LCSW is scheduling clients and is devoted to providing a safe space for all queer people living in Tennessee, as well as non-queer people. Shannon provides therapy for adults, couples & families. Shannon has over 20+ years experience working with our entire LGBTQ+ community. My educational background was almost entirely focused on LGBTQ+ health, well-being, and forms of oppression, discrimination, and violence that interrupts our development.
Shannon Brown, LCSW is scheduling clients and is devoted to providing a safe space for all queer people living in Tennessee, as well as non-queer people. Shannon provides therapy for adults, couples & families. Shannon has over 20+ years experience working with our entire LGBTQ+ community. My educational background was almost entirely focused on LGBTQ+ health, well-being, and forms of oppression, discrimination, and violence that interrupts our development.
I’m glad you’re considering me for your therapeutic journey. As a Licensed Master’s Social Worker with a background in crisis services and home health care, I bring a deep understanding of the complex challenges life can throw our way.
In our sessions, you are in the driver’s seat. My role is to walk beside you, offering a guiding hand when things get tough or require deeper exploration. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every part of you is valued. Together, we will meet you exactly where you are to help you live your most liberated life.
I’m glad you’re considering me for your therapeutic journey. As a Licensed Master’s Social Worker with a background in crisis services and home health care, I bring a deep understanding of the complex challenges life can throw our way.
In our sessions, you are in the driver’s seat. My role is to walk beside you, offering a guiding hand when things get tough or require deeper exploration. I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every part of you is valued. Together, we will meet you exactly where you are to help you live your most liberated life.
Hi! I'm Ryn, a Social Worker who strives to foster a supportive and inclusive space for clients to explore their internal world and create healthy skills for navigating life that align with their goals. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults and MY work is closely tied with the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of this space, I enjoy reading with my cats (who will likely make an on-screen appearance,) creating art, and trying to befriend the crows around my home.
Hi! I'm Ryn, a Social Worker who strives to foster a supportive and inclusive space for clients to explore their internal world and create healthy skills for navigating life that align with their goals. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults and MY work is closely tied with the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside of this space, I enjoy reading with my cats (who will likely make an on-screen appearance,) creating art, and trying to befriend the crows around my home.
Online Therapists
I utilize a trauma focused, client centered approach to work with those with a history of trauma (PTSD/CPTSD), and relationship difficulties such as family and/or intimate partner dynamics. I'm also comfortable processing issues of systemic oppression, trauma, and racism. I am able to work with adults, couples, polycules, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am able to offer live virtual sessions.
I also offer coaching to those in kink dynamics seeking support and supervision support for clinicians and coaches. More information on website.
I utilize a trauma focused, client centered approach to work with those with a history of trauma (PTSD/CPTSD), and relationship difficulties such as family and/or intimate partner dynamics. I'm also comfortable processing issues of systemic oppression, trauma, and racism. I am able to work with adults, couples, polycules, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am able to offer live virtual sessions.
I also offer coaching to those in kink dynamics seeking support and supervision support for clinicians and coaches. More information on website.
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Maybe you’re navigating depression, anxiety, or the impact of trauma. You might be questioning your identity and seeking clarity, or longing for a deeper connection to yourself, others, or the natural world. Whatever brings you here, healing is possible, and I believe it starts with feeling safe, seen, and supported.
Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Maybe you’re navigating depression, anxiety, or the impact of trauma. You might be questioning your identity and seeking clarity, or longing for a deeper connection to yourself, others, or the natural world. Whatever brings you here, healing is possible, and I believe it starts with feeling safe, seen, and supported.
See more therapy options for Knoxville
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FAQ - Therapist Gender
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
The gender of your therapist can matter, depending on your individual comfort preferences and therapeutic goals. While therapy outcomes are often driven by the therapist’s methodology and the strength of the therapeutic relationship, many people feel more at ease working with a therapist who shares or understands their gender identity, which can enhance trust and improve therapy outcomes. For clients who are non-binary or gender-diverse, working with a therapist of a similar identity may reduce the need to explain or justify their experiences and can increase the sense of being seen and understood. This dynamic may be especially important when addressing topics related to gender, sexuality, trauma, or relationships. Ultimately, what matters most is finding a therapist who is respectful and knowledgeable of your identity—regardless of their own gender.
What are the advantages of seeing a non-binary therapist?
Working with a non-binary therapist can offer unique benefits for individuals seeking support around gender identity. Therapists who personally identify as non-binary may bring both professional training and personal insight to their work, creating a therapeutic space that some clients may find more affirming and welcoming. These therapists often have specialized knowledge in areas such as gender-affirming care, gender dysphoria, and navigating family or social acceptance. They may also be particularly skilled in helping clients find additional resources, such as affirming healthcare providers or community-based supports that align with and affirm their identity.
How can I find a non-binary therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for identifying therapists who identify as non-binary. You can use filters to search by identity markers as well as by clinical specialty, therapeutic approach, insurance accepted, session costs, and languages spoken to help ensure a good fit. During an initial consultation or early sessions, consider asking about the therapist’s training in gender-affirming care, their experience with LGBTQ+ clients, and their therapeutic approach to identity-related topics. An effective therapist will be open and affirming in their responses. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.


