LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Rutland, VT
I have particular expertise working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and with concerns related to sexuality, the body, kink, polyamory, and alternative relationship structures.
You may feel emotionally unsettled, internally fragmented, or unsure how to make sense of recurring patterns in your relationships, desires, or sense of self. You might be functioning well on the outside while feeling constrained, disconnected, or quietly dissatisfied inside. Many people who seek my work are thoughtful, psychologically curious, and self-aware, yet sense that understanding alone has not brought the integration or ease they are seeking. Therapy may feel like a way to deepen self-experience, develop greater coherence, and live with more clarity, alignment, and emotional continuity.
I have particular expertise working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and with concerns related to sexuality, the body, kink, polyamory, and alternative relationship structures.
You may feel emotionally unsettled, internally fragmented, or unsure how to make sense of recurring patterns in your relationships, desires, or sense of self. You might be functioning well on the outside while feeling constrained, disconnected, or quietly dissatisfied inside. Many people who seek my work are thoughtful, psychologically curious, and self-aware, yet sense that understanding alone has not brought the integration or ease they are seeking. Therapy may feel like a way to deepen self-experience, develop greater coherence, and live with more clarity, alignment, and emotional continuity.
Today's crazy pace of life as well as the stresses of family, money, school, employment, and politics, it is no wonder more and more people are looking for therapeutic support to find balance in their lives. I will strive to help you find that balance, working with and building on your strengths, already present within you, but lost in the chaos of present day life in a safe, supportive environment. We will work to build coping skills to deal with every day life, when things get tough. Life is full of ups and downs. You can learn new ways to shift your perception, to build on the strengths and positives.
Today's crazy pace of life as well as the stresses of family, money, school, employment, and politics, it is no wonder more and more people are looking for therapeutic support to find balance in their lives. I will strive to help you find that balance, working with and building on your strengths, already present within you, but lost in the chaos of present day life in a safe, supportive environment. We will work to build coping skills to deal with every day life, when things get tough. Life is full of ups and downs. You can learn new ways to shift your perception, to build on the strengths and positives.
I work with adults from all walks of life, and I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ and cognitively diverse adults in an affirming space.
Therapy with me is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Using mindful awareness, parts-based work, and creative exploration, I help clients reduce stress, understand patterns, and build coping skills—all with warmth, a sense of humor, and in a safe, supportive environment.
I work with adults from all walks of life, and I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA+ and cognitively diverse adults in an affirming space.
Therapy with me is collaborative and tailored to your needs. Using mindful awareness, parts-based work, and creative exploration, I help clients reduce stress, understand patterns, and build coping skills—all with warmth, a sense of humor, and in a safe, supportive environment.
You want the best for yourself or your child. The story you tell of your life deserves to be heard. We all need to have space to be deeply understood at any age. It's my desire to provide understanding and a listening that is healing. I work with children (8 and above), teens and adults to build lasting skills and resources for them. I value working with individuals that are learning to navigate complex identities in the world. Clients and I work together to process, and build skills in order to meet their treatment goals and create enduring healing. I have a deep love of Vermont
and my aim is to support our local communities.
You want the best for yourself or your child. The story you tell of your life deserves to be heard. We all need to have space to be deeply understood at any age. It's my desire to provide understanding and a listening that is healing. I work with children (8 and above), teens and adults to build lasting skills and resources for them. I value working with individuals that are learning to navigate complex identities in the world. Clients and I work together to process, and build skills in order to meet their treatment goals and create enduring healing. I have a deep love of Vermont
and my aim is to support our local communities.
People reach out for therapy in some of their most difficult and troubling times. I work with you to identify what your needs and goals are from a strength based, humanistic, and psychodynamic perspective. We work together to explore your life, where you are and where you want to be. I want to create an environment where you can feel safe and have trust in the therapeutic process.
People reach out for therapy in some of their most difficult and troubling times. I work with you to identify what your needs and goals are from a strength based, humanistic, and psychodynamic perspective. We work together to explore your life, where you are and where you want to be. I want to create an environment where you can feel safe and have trust in the therapeutic process.
I am a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Vermont licensed clinical mental health counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. I work with adults 18 years and older. I will work hard to support you in developing skills to face the world with calmness and to strengthen your ability to regulate your emotions. We will work together to help you overcome obstacles that are getting in the way of you achieving your goals.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a central factor in helping people to heal from trauma. I am committed to helping you find relief.
I am a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a Vermont licensed clinical mental health counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. I work with adults 18 years and older. I will work hard to support you in developing skills to face the world with calmness and to strengthen your ability to regulate your emotions. We will work together to help you overcome obstacles that are getting in the way of you achieving your goals.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a central factor in helping people to heal from trauma. I am committed to helping you find relief.
Daphne Jakstis MSW, LICSW, LCSW, CDBT Licensed in MA, RI, PA, VT, and DE Hello, I am Daphne Jakstis. I have been a licensed therapist for over 22 years. I keep up to date with the latest advances in evidence-based therapy practices and incorporate them into my work with clients. Evidence-based practices are skills and techniques that have been proven to be effective. I am straightforward in my work with clients. I consider your time valuable, so I like to get right to work helping you work towards your goals and feel better as soon as possible.
Daphne Jakstis MSW, LICSW, LCSW, CDBT Licensed in MA, RI, PA, VT, and DE Hello, I am Daphne Jakstis. I have been a licensed therapist for over 22 years. I keep up to date with the latest advances in evidence-based therapy practices and incorporate them into my work with clients. Evidence-based practices are skills and techniques that have been proven to be effective. I am straightforward in my work with clients. I consider your time valuable, so I like to get right to work helping you work towards your goals and feel better as soon as possible.
Are you having trouble ‘getting’ your brain and/or body to cooperate? This is a struggle common if you are living with insomnia, ADHD, or chronic medical conditions. If you have insomnia, chances are you have put forth every effort one can think of toward solving your sleep issues only to find limited success or even escalating symptoms. If you have ADHD, chances are you are really great at challenging or interesting tasks but struggle with the mundane - like laundry or routine paperwork. Wanting so badly to implement the things that are important to you but having them feel out of reach can be painful. But this can change!
Are you having trouble ‘getting’ your brain and/or body to cooperate? This is a struggle common if you are living with insomnia, ADHD, or chronic medical conditions. If you have insomnia, chances are you have put forth every effort one can think of toward solving your sleep issues only to find limited success or even escalating symptoms. If you have ADHD, chances are you are really great at challenging or interesting tasks but struggle with the mundane - like laundry or routine paperwork. Wanting so badly to implement the things that are important to you but having them feel out of reach can be painful. But this can change!
Accepting new clients - aftenoon and evening availability.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, burned out, or exhausted from carrying so much; you aren't alone.
I work with individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns, and their relationships. Many of my clients are sensitive, introspective, neurodivergent, or have lived through complex or relational trauma. Through trauma-informed, compassionate therapy, we explore your experiences and gently rebuild safety and connection—to yourself, others, and your purpose.
Accepting new clients - aftenoon and evening availability.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, burned out, or exhausted from carrying so much; you aren't alone.
I work with individuals who are seeking a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns, and their relationships. Many of my clients are sensitive, introspective, neurodivergent, or have lived through complex or relational trauma. Through trauma-informed, compassionate therapy, we explore your experiences and gently rebuild safety and connection—to yourself, others, and your purpose.
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.
Have you ever avoided doing things you loved because you’re worried about what others think? Have you experienced confusion, or feel disconnected from who you are? Has it negatively impacted your sleep, eating habits, or relationships? If you've felt judged, out of place, or misunderstood, you deserve a space to show up as your authentic self without fear or hesitation. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves can shape beliefs about the world and our place in it. We’ll uncover these internalized stories and reimagine them to honor your worth.
Have you ever avoided doing things you loved because you’re worried about what others think? Have you experienced confusion, or feel disconnected from who you are? Has it negatively impacted your sleep, eating habits, or relationships? If you've felt judged, out of place, or misunderstood, you deserve a space to show up as your authentic self without fear or hesitation. The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves can shape beliefs about the world and our place in it. We’ll uncover these internalized stories and reimagine them to honor your worth.
NOW Accepting clients from across Vermont. I'm Melanie (she/her). Please reach out if you’d like to work with me! People enter into the therapeutic relationship for all different reasons. I sure have. Maybe this is your first time exploring the idea of therapy or you are returning to therapy after a time away or you are just wanting to change things up a bit. I love hearing people’s stories and am comfortable sitting with someone through the difficult parts of them. Having worked in human services for over a decade, I have found carrying a presence with what people share truly an honor. I am so glad you are here!
NOW Accepting clients from across Vermont. I'm Melanie (she/her). Please reach out if you’d like to work with me! People enter into the therapeutic relationship for all different reasons. I sure have. Maybe this is your first time exploring the idea of therapy or you are returning to therapy after a time away or you are just wanting to change things up a bit. I love hearing people’s stories and am comfortable sitting with someone through the difficult parts of them. Having worked in human services for over a decade, I have found carrying a presence with what people share truly an honor. I am so glad you are here!
Welcome! I help people deepen their understanding of the patterns that shape how they think, feel, and relate to others and themselves. I offer support with relational issues, anxiety, life transitions, and feeling stuck. In our work together, we may focus on thinking patterns, emotional experience, and mindfulness, drawing from your experiences, along with somatic perspectives to support emotional health, self-awareness, and lasting change. Whether you're looking to shift stuck patterns, improve relationships, find clarity and reconnect with what matters most, I offer a safe space to unpack what needs attention and find resolve.
Welcome! I help people deepen their understanding of the patterns that shape how they think, feel, and relate to others and themselves. I offer support with relational issues, anxiety, life transitions, and feeling stuck. In our work together, we may focus on thinking patterns, emotional experience, and mindfulness, drawing from your experiences, along with somatic perspectives to support emotional health, self-awareness, and lasting change. Whether you're looking to shift stuck patterns, improve relationships, find clarity and reconnect with what matters most, I offer a safe space to unpack what needs attention and find resolve.
Psychoanalytic work is an intensive therapy that focuses on increasing self-understanding and a sense of personal freedom. It is very helpful for anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, trauma and managing grief around life transitions. I have also trained as an end-of-life doula and offer grief support groups and trainings.
Psychoanalytic work is an intensive therapy that focuses on increasing self-understanding and a sense of personal freedom. It is very helpful for anxiety, depression, OCD, relationship issues, trauma and managing grief around life transitions. I have also trained as an end-of-life doula and offer grief support groups and trainings.
I have treated both adolescents and adults who struggle with trauma, addiction, mood disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral issues. I have spent many years treating those who are incarcerated and those who are re-entering the community and their families.
I have treated both adolescents and adults who struggle with trauma, addiction, mood disorders, personality disorders, and behavioral issues. I have spent many years treating those who are incarcerated and those who are re-entering the community and their families.
Are you a young woman trying to find your way out of childhood trauma into a space of healing?
If a deep dive meant transformation, would you be willing? Dipping in one toe at a time until you felt safe in the therapeutic relationship to take the plunge? Have you had a sense that your younger selves have things to share with you, that they are ready for you to release them from the confines of core beliefs born out of trauma, no matter how big or little it seems? If you are curious about what inner child work, exploring and understanding with compassion all of your parts, reparenting, and EMDR can do for you, let's connect.
Are you a young woman trying to find your way out of childhood trauma into a space of healing?
If a deep dive meant transformation, would you be willing? Dipping in one toe at a time until you felt safe in the therapeutic relationship to take the plunge? Have you had a sense that your younger selves have things to share with you, that they are ready for you to release them from the confines of core beliefs born out of trauma, no matter how big or little it seems? If you are curious about what inner child work, exploring and understanding with compassion all of your parts, reparenting, and EMDR can do for you, let's connect.
I hold unconditional positive regard as the key to a great therapeutic relationship. I work to meet people where they are, to actively listen and understand their values, and to explore and support them to better connect with themselves and others. My goal is to help people cultivate loving acceptance of themselves, and gain insight of how the past impacts the present, while creating an awareness that the past doesn't have to dictate their present or future.
I hold unconditional positive regard as the key to a great therapeutic relationship. I work to meet people where they are, to actively listen and understand their values, and to explore and support them to better connect with themselves and others. My goal is to help people cultivate loving acceptance of themselves, and gain insight of how the past impacts the present, while creating an awareness that the past doesn't have to dictate their present or future.
Specializes in anxiety, neurodivergent youth, and LGBTQIA clients using trauma-informed, CBT, and play-based approaches.
I help kids and teens feel understood, confident, and capable in a world that doesn’t always get them. Many struggle with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or identity questions and want strategies to manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges while feeling seen and supported.
Specializes in anxiety, neurodivergent youth, and LGBTQIA clients using trauma-informed, CBT, and play-based approaches.
I help kids and teens feel understood, confident, and capable in a world that doesn’t always get them. Many struggle with ADHD, autism, anxiety, or identity questions and want strategies to manage emotions, build relationships, and navigate challenges while feeling seen and supported.
We work with a diverse group of clients, and we love that. I am the owner of Inner Lakes Therapy, a group practice of talented, diverse therapists with a range of specialties and identities, dedicated to providing therapy through a social justice lens. We have immediate openings. I specialize in providing compassionate treatment of trauma, and my clients appreciate my eclectic, flexible, and integrative approach to therapy, and a space where they feel they can be accepted for who they are, without judgment. My clients often value creative or out-of-the-box techniques. I offer 3 and 6 hour EMDR trauma treatment intensives.
We work with a diverse group of clients, and we love that. I am the owner of Inner Lakes Therapy, a group practice of talented, diverse therapists with a range of specialties and identities, dedicated to providing therapy through a social justice lens. We have immediate openings. I specialize in providing compassionate treatment of trauma, and my clients appreciate my eclectic, flexible, and integrative approach to therapy, and a space where they feel they can be accepted for who they are, without judgment. My clients often value creative or out-of-the-box techniques. I offer 3 and 6 hour EMDR trauma treatment intensives.
I work with adults who are a part of the queer and neurodivergent communities.
My approach to therapy is rooted in building relationships with my clients that allows them to be their authentic self in a nonjudgemental setting. I want clients to know that they are not alone and to that end, I bring elements of humor, my own experiences, and genuine collaboration to our sessions. I am LGBTQ affirming and use an anti-fatphobia lens.
I work with adults who are a part of the queer and neurodivergent communities.
My approach to therapy is rooted in building relationships with my clients that allows them to be their authentic self in a nonjudgemental setting. I want clients to know that they are not alone and to that end, I bring elements of humor, my own experiences, and genuine collaboration to our sessions. I am LGBTQ affirming and use an anti-fatphobia lens.
See more therapy options for Rutland
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Rutland
- Bellows Falls
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Manchester Center
- Middlebury
- Northfield
- Norwich
- Randolph
- Springfield
- Vergennes
- White River Junction
- Woodstock
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.