LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Bristol, VT
With over 20 years in the field, I am a social worker and psychotherapist with an extensive background in mental health, women’s health & safety, perinatal support, and work with the queer community.
Let me first acknowledge that it can be so challenging to find a therapist that takes your insurance, has availability, aligns with your schedule, and is someone you click with. Let me tell you all the main things you need to know to determine if we might be a good fit: I offer virtual individual sessions to adults residing in Vermont and New Jersey. I typically see clients on consistent days and times - weekly or bi-weekly. Please send a message to connect.
With over 20 years in the field, I am a social worker and psychotherapist with an extensive background in mental health, women’s health & safety, perinatal support, and work with the queer community.
Let me first acknowledge that it can be so challenging to find a therapist that takes your insurance, has availability, aligns with your schedule, and is someone you click with. Let me tell you all the main things you need to know to determine if we might be a good fit: I offer virtual individual sessions to adults residing in Vermont and New Jersey. I typically see clients on consistent days and times - weekly or bi-weekly. Please send a message to connect.
Taking new clients. I am passionate about your personal growth and helping you identify and achieve your life goals. I use attachment theory, somatic awareness, mindfulness techniques, and a polyvagal framework to help you identify your thoughts and feelings. Once we name it, then we tame it! We will work to increase understanding, coping skills, and focus through the exploration of your unique story.
Taking new clients. I am passionate about your personal growth and helping you identify and achieve your life goals. I use attachment theory, somatic awareness, mindfulness techniques, and a polyvagal framework to help you identify your thoughts and feelings. Once we name it, then we tame it! We will work to increase understanding, coping skills, and focus through the exploration of your unique story.
Updated 1/26: Times of transition can be uncertain and destabilizing. Whether you’re feeling pulled in many directions or unsure of what’s next, we’ll work together to build trust with your internal world so you can move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I love working with passionate people, creatives, perfectionists/high achievers, healers, and people who are looking for something 'more' in their lives. From a place of collaboration and warmth, I will work with you to navigate life’s obstacles and to support you in reconnecting with your most authentic Self.
Updated 1/26: Times of transition can be uncertain and destabilizing. Whether you’re feeling pulled in many directions or unsure of what’s next, we’ll work together to build trust with your internal world so you can move forward with greater confidence and clarity. I love working with passionate people, creatives, perfectionists/high achievers, healers, and people who are looking for something 'more' in their lives. From a place of collaboration and warmth, I will work with you to navigate life’s obstacles and to support you in reconnecting with your most authentic Self.
My name is Amy Aiko and I'm a Queer fourth-gen Japanese American biracial person and a rostered somatic psychotherapist.
You don’t feel ready for what you’re going through. You may be facing hardship because of gender role non-conformity, capitalist abuses, queerness, poverty, racism, classism, misogyny, ageism, adultism. You are feeling more pain around being marginalized than pride in who you are. The feeling of “not - enough” is your long-time companion. The search for an identity that you can claim with confidence is a source of pain and confusion. You struggle to show-up for yourself in the face of perfectionism and White Body Supremacy that erases and destroys your uniqueness. You’ve frequently felt yourself to be an imposter.
My name is Amy Aiko and I'm a Queer fourth-gen Japanese American biracial person and a rostered somatic psychotherapist.
You don’t feel ready for what you’re going through. You may be facing hardship because of gender role non-conformity, capitalist abuses, queerness, poverty, racism, classism, misogyny, ageism, adultism. You are feeling more pain around being marginalized than pride in who you are. The feeling of “not - enough” is your long-time companion. The search for an identity that you can claim with confidence is a source of pain and confusion. You struggle to show-up for yourself in the face of perfectionism and White Body Supremacy that erases and destroys your uniqueness. You’ve frequently felt yourself to be an imposter.
You might be struggling with difficult emotions, stressed by the demands of life, or stuck in painful cycles in your relationships. You sense you could be more connected to yourself, to others, and to the deeper purpose of your life. Maybe you've tried to make things better on your own, but you sense that with the right kind of support you could thrive in new ways in your relationships, and in other areas of your life. You're on the edge of growing into something new.
You might be struggling with difficult emotions, stressed by the demands of life, or stuck in painful cycles in your relationships. You sense you could be more connected to yourself, to others, and to the deeper purpose of your life. Maybe you've tried to make things better on your own, but you sense that with the right kind of support you could thrive in new ways in your relationships, and in other areas of your life. You're on the edge of growing into something new.
It's often difficult to reach out for help when you most need it, and it can be hard to speak with someone you've never met about personal issues. On the other hand, it can be easier to do with a person who is a trained, neutral professional. I can be objective and understanding in a way that well-meaning friends and family often cannot. My work with couples, individual adults including seniors, or the younger population, begins in a friendly, professional manner whereby we move towards knowing each other better. A rapport between us is essential in accomplishing our work.
It's often difficult to reach out for help when you most need it, and it can be hard to speak with someone you've never met about personal issues. On the other hand, it can be easier to do with a person who is a trained, neutral professional. I can be objective and understanding in a way that well-meaning friends and family often cannot. My work with couples, individual adults including seniors, or the younger population, begins in a friendly, professional manner whereby we move towards knowing each other better. A rapport between us is essential in accomplishing our work.
Psychotherapy is both an art and a science. I believe that my strength as a psychotherapist is that I am informed equally by my theoretical foundation as well as my creativity and intuition. The first part of my theoretical foundation is drawn from insight-oriented theories. I'm interested in how the interplay of your history and personality has contributed to your current concerns. The process of learning about and accepting who you are contributes to your healing. Through gentle and direct exploration and encouragement I will guide you toward self- awareness and compassionate self -acceptance.
Psychotherapy is both an art and a science. I believe that my strength as a psychotherapist is that I am informed equally by my theoretical foundation as well as my creativity and intuition. The first part of my theoretical foundation is drawn from insight-oriented theories. I'm interested in how the interplay of your history and personality has contributed to your current concerns. The process of learning about and accepting who you are contributes to your healing. Through gentle and direct exploration and encouragement I will guide you toward self- awareness and compassionate self -acceptance.
Are you tired of feeling limited by your fears, overwhelmed by unwanted panic attacks or worn out by staying small in relationships so you don’t seem like “too much”? You may find yourself constantly worrying no matter what you do. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to quiet the constant “what-if’s” in your head and live your life. You’re ready to feel capable in handling what life throws at you. Most of all, you’re ready to feel peace, confidence, and fulfillment again.
Are you tired of feeling limited by your fears, overwhelmed by unwanted panic attacks or worn out by staying small in relationships so you don’t seem like “too much”? You may find yourself constantly worrying no matter what you do. You might not even remember a time things didn’t feel this way. But one thing is for sure: you’re ready for some relief. You’re ready to quiet the constant “what-if’s” in your head and live your life. You’re ready to feel capable in handling what life throws at you. Most of all, you’re ready to feel peace, confidence, and fulfillment again.
Isabelle Clark
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Bristol, VT 05443
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes we all need extra support as we navigate life's challenges. My counseling approach is grounded in the belief that everyone is capable of change and that we all have within us a deep well of strength and resilience that enables us to overcome and move toward our fullest and most empowered selves. Together, we will work to draw on your strengths and resources, clarify your goals, and explore your internal and external worlds in order to deepen your awareness and create the space for change, growth, and healing.
Sometimes we all need extra support as we navigate life's challenges. My counseling approach is grounded in the belief that everyone is capable of change and that we all have within us a deep well of strength and resilience that enables us to overcome and move toward our fullest and most empowered selves. Together, we will work to draw on your strengths and resources, clarify your goals, and explore your internal and external worlds in order to deepen your awareness and create the space for change, growth, and healing.
Deina K Olstad
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CMHC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Bristol, VT 05443
Not accepting new clients
Welcome. You may have arrived here seeking an increased sense of calm, connection, confidence, clarity and overall greater life fulfillment. You may be grappling with life transitions, relationships, early parenthood, or traumatic experiences that have given rise to a sense of overwhelm with heightened fear, sadness, anger, or confusion. These burdens can make it hard to find joy and meaning, feel connected, or show up in your daily life. In these times of vulnerability we can all use a guide for support in healing the past and coping and thriving in the present so that we may move closer to the meaningful lives we aspire to live.
Welcome. You may have arrived here seeking an increased sense of calm, connection, confidence, clarity and overall greater life fulfillment. You may be grappling with life transitions, relationships, early parenthood, or traumatic experiences that have given rise to a sense of overwhelm with heightened fear, sadness, anger, or confusion. These burdens can make it hard to find joy and meaning, feel connected, or show up in your daily life. In these times of vulnerability we can all use a guide for support in healing the past and coping and thriving in the present so that we may move closer to the meaningful lives we aspire to live.
Therapy can be as much about finding more ease and joy in one's life as it is about reducing symptoms and suffering. Self-limiting cognitive, behavioral, emotional and sensorimotor (gestures/postures) tendencies often stand in the way of fully engaging in relationships (with self/others) and in the present moment. Bringing non-judgmental attention and awareness to these patterns allows us the freedom to replace re-activity with mindful responding. I work with adults seeking assistance with issues of anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma grief/loss and interpersonal/relational challenges.
Therapy can be as much about finding more ease and joy in one's life as it is about reducing symptoms and suffering. Self-limiting cognitive, behavioral, emotional and sensorimotor (gestures/postures) tendencies often stand in the way of fully engaging in relationships (with self/others) and in the present moment. Bringing non-judgmental attention and awareness to these patterns allows us the freedom to replace re-activity with mindful responding. I work with adults seeking assistance with issues of anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma grief/loss and interpersonal/relational challenges.
I specialize in working with adults and emerging adults from diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I accept clients who struggle to find competent care due to the overall inadequate support in mental health for individuals who occupy marginalized identity positions. I bring to my practice both deep knowledge about many socio-cultural factors and power dynamics that can profoundly affect a person's lived experiences (such as race, cultural identity, gender identity, and sexual preferences) as well as humility about the limits of my knowledge.
I specialize in working with adults and emerging adults from diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I accept clients who struggle to find competent care due to the overall inadequate support in mental health for individuals who occupy marginalized identity positions. I bring to my practice both deep knowledge about many socio-cultural factors and power dynamics that can profoundly affect a person's lived experiences (such as race, cultural identity, gender identity, and sexual preferences) as well as humility about the limits of my knowledge.
More Therapists Nearby
Glenn J.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, MSW
1 Endorsed
Burlington, VT 05401
Waitlist for new clients
Some of the areas I specialize in include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, LGBTQIA+ support, medical trauma, cancer/chronic illness, anger management, men’s issues, sexuality, self-esteem, body image, and sexual health and wellness.
I'm from VT, have ties to CO & MD, and live in ID. I love helping people write their narrative and rewire their brain to process things differently. Together, we can work to make peace with the past, make sense of the present, and step confidently toward becoming the best version of yourself in the future. I believe therapy is most effective when it blends different approaches, which is why I take an eclectic, personalized approach tailored to your unique needs. At the heart of my practice is creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space—a place where you can be fully you. This is your safe space to share, explore, and grow.
Some of the areas I specialize in include anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, LGBTQIA+ support, medical trauma, cancer/chronic illness, anger management, men’s issues, sexuality, self-esteem, body image, and sexual health and wellness.
I'm from VT, have ties to CO & MD, and live in ID. I love helping people write their narrative and rewire their brain to process things differently. Together, we can work to make peace with the past, make sense of the present, and step confidently toward becoming the best version of yourself in the future. I believe therapy is most effective when it blends different approaches, which is why I take an eclectic, personalized approach tailored to your unique needs. At the heart of my practice is creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space—a place where you can be fully you. This is your safe space to share, explore, and grow.
As a queer and trans person myself, I have a particular passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
My practice is grounded in a person-centered and trauma-informed approach that draws upon various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Based Therapy. A guiding principle of my practice is that each client already possesses the inner drive and ability to create the life that they want.
As a queer and trans person myself, I have a particular passion for working with LGBTQ+ individuals.
My practice is grounded in a person-centered and trauma-informed approach that draws upon various modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Based Therapy. A guiding principle of my practice is that each client already possesses the inner drive and ability to create the life that they want.
New England Therapy Alliance
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, PhD, LMHC, LICSW, LPC, LMFT
Serves Area
Therapy for Mood Concerns, Trauma, Anxiety, Relational Conflict, and more. Are you tired of feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns that you can’t seem to shake, feeling under supported, or even hopeless? Maybe you are stuck in unhealthy relationships or find yourself comparing your life to those around you and feeling insecure. When things aren't going as planned in your life, it is normal to feel disoriented and defeated. Whether you are struggling individually, in relationship, with your career, in parenting, or otherwise, there is hope. We are here to support you in finding the life you desire. EMAIL is out best form of contact.
Therapy for Mood Concerns, Trauma, Anxiety, Relational Conflict, and more. Are you tired of feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns that you can’t seem to shake, feeling under supported, or even hopeless? Maybe you are stuck in unhealthy relationships or find yourself comparing your life to those around you and feeling insecure. When things aren't going as planned in your life, it is normal to feel disoriented and defeated. Whether you are struggling individually, in relationship, with your career, in parenting, or otherwise, there is hope. We are here to support you in finding the life you desire. EMAIL is out best form of contact.
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Throughout our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing to handle on our own. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school/work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to struggle silently or alone. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with these struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite their adversities.
I am passionate about working with marginalized persons, including the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities.
Throughout our journey in this world, we often face challenges that can feel too big or ongoing to handle on our own. Whether it’s with chronic feelings of anxiousness, depression, emptiness, issues about sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity, relationship conflict, sleep disturbances, substance misuse, school/work issues, or any combination of those, many of us struggle silently. But you don't have to struggle silently or alone. It can help to work with a therapist with a deep understanding of what it’s like to live with these struggles and who is passionate about helping others learn to thrive despite their adversities.
Sometimes we’re not sure how we got to where we are. We find ourselves caught in patterns – of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships – that are hurtful, unsatisfying, or no longer serve us. Sometimes we treat ourselves harshly, make choices that are not in line with our values, or attempt to quiet or hide certain parts of ourselves, our pain, and our experiences. In a collaborative therapeutic space, I hope to create an environment where you can show up as your whole self.
Sometimes we’re not sure how we got to where we are. We find ourselves caught in patterns – of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, relationships – that are hurtful, unsatisfying, or no longer serve us. Sometimes we treat ourselves harshly, make choices that are not in line with our values, or attempt to quiet or hide certain parts of ourselves, our pain, and our experiences. In a collaborative therapeutic space, I hope to create an environment where you can show up as your whole self.
Maybe you identify as LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent, live with ADHD or autism, or grew up in a family where your needs weren’t understood.
I help people heal from complex PTSD, family chaos, and substance use by addressing the deeper wounds beneath the surface. Using EMDR and a harm-reduction approach, we’ll process painful memories, reduce triggers, and build tools to help you feel calmer, more empowered, and more connected to your authentic self.
Maybe you identify as LGBTQIA+ or neurodivergent, live with ADHD or autism, or grew up in a family where your needs weren’t understood.
I help people heal from complex PTSD, family chaos, and substance use by addressing the deeper wounds beneath the surface. Using EMDR and a harm-reduction approach, we’ll process painful memories, reduce triggers, and build tools to help you feel calmer, more empowered, and more connected to your authentic self.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma.
Using trauma-informed & liberation-focused somatic, parts work, and ecospiritual expressive arts therapy, we will focus on creating practices of grounding and resourcing, building reciprocal relationships, practicing boundaries, healing through trauma, resourcing through oppression, and integrating you within mutually affirming community.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma.
Using trauma-informed & liberation-focused somatic, parts work, and ecospiritual expressive arts therapy, we will focus on creating practices of grounding and resourcing, building reciprocal relationships, practicing boundaries, healing through trauma, resourcing through oppression, and integrating you within mutually affirming community.
You may be someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns that don’t make sense, even after trying to change them. At times you may feel emotionally reactive, disconnected, or unable to make decisions. In other moments, you may feel very little, while your body carries the burden through anxiety, insomnia, or physical symptoms. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and capable, yet struggle with something that feels difficult to name or understand.
You may be someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns that don’t make sense, even after trying to change them. At times you may feel emotionally reactive, disconnected, or unable to make decisions. In other moments, you may feel very little, while your body carries the burden through anxiety, insomnia, or physical symptoms. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful and capable, yet struggle with something that feels difficult to name or understand.
See more therapy options for Bristol
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Bristol
- Brandon
- Charlotte
- Hinesburg
- Jericho
- Middlebury
- Northfield
- Richmond
- Shelburne
- South Burlington
- Vergennes
- Waterbury
- Williston
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.