LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Williston, VT
We all need support from time to time. We could use someone who will listen to us, to have our back. Someone who will walk beside us. We can work together to help you stay connected to the positive skills you likely already have! Together, we can find space to work through any past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. I am trained to apply the therapeutic skills, encouragement and perspective you might find useful. Children and families are welcome. We live in a constantly changing world. Let me help strengthen your foundation...for life!
We all need support from time to time. We could use someone who will listen to us, to have our back. Someone who will walk beside us. We can work together to help you stay connected to the positive skills you likely already have! Together, we can find space to work through any past trauma. You may be at the beginning of a journey, in the middle or further along. I am trained to apply the therapeutic skills, encouragement and perspective you might find useful. Children and families are welcome. We live in a constantly changing world. Let me help strengthen your foundation...for life!
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.
I offer support to loved ones of queer and trans people who are navigating family changes with open hearts.
It takes time to build emotional safety with the right therapist. I respect that need and take a non-judgmental approach with all clients no matter what they bring to the space. My style involves listening carefully, reflecting back, offering gentle challenges, and infusing all parts of the process with compassion. My clients experience deeper insight, improved symptoms, and better understanding of their emotional landscapes. I aim to help you connect to yourself and explore how patterns of relating to others are impacting your life. Let's see where we can make some changes.
I offer support to loved ones of queer and trans people who are navigating family changes with open hearts.
It takes time to build emotional safety with the right therapist. I respect that need and take a non-judgmental approach with all clients no matter what they bring to the space. My style involves listening carefully, reflecting back, offering gentle challenges, and infusing all parts of the process with compassion. My clients experience deeper insight, improved symptoms, and better understanding of their emotional landscapes. I aim to help you connect to yourself and explore how patterns of relating to others are impacting your life. Let's see where we can make some changes.
We all need a tune-up at certain times in our life. Our work together, tailored to each individual, offers the opportunity to help you to take charge of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors along with raising self-esteem, nurturing oneself in healthy, positive ways, releasing your emotional pain and assertively taking care of yourself with others. Childhood issues often create unidentified patterns that work silently in the background to sabotage you accomplishing your goals in life. I work interactively from a Mindfulness based approach as well as Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems and Psychodynamic Therapies.
We all need a tune-up at certain times in our life. Our work together, tailored to each individual, offers the opportunity to help you to take charge of your thoughts, feelings and behaviors along with raising self-esteem, nurturing oneself in healthy, positive ways, releasing your emotional pain and assertively taking care of yourself with others. Childhood issues often create unidentified patterns that work silently in the background to sabotage you accomplishing your goals in life. I work interactively from a Mindfulness based approach as well as Cognitive-Behavioral, Family Systems and Psychodynamic Therapies.
Many of us are dealing with anxiety, burnout, grief, or changes in your relationships. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure how to move forward. Life can get heavy, and support during this time is essential.
I offer a steady, non-judgmental space where we move at your pace. My approach blends traditional talk therapy with optional creative tools like drawing, movement, metaphor, or storytelling, depending on what feels right for you. Together we’ll work on understanding your patterns, building emotional clarity, and finding ways to feel more grounded and connected in your life and relationships.
Many of us are dealing with anxiety, burnout, grief, or changes in your relationships. Maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from yourself or unsure how to move forward. Life can get heavy, and support during this time is essential.
I offer a steady, non-judgmental space where we move at your pace. My approach blends traditional talk therapy with optional creative tools like drawing, movement, metaphor, or storytelling, depending on what feels right for you. Together we’ll work on understanding your patterns, building emotional clarity, and finding ways to feel more grounded and connected in your life and relationships.
Lori Ahrens
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, CMHC, NCC
4 Endorsed
Williston, VT 05495
Waitlist for new clients
Maybe you're struggling with relationships, your job (or lack thereof), a new life phase, overall satisfaction with life, or with thoughts or behaviors that are interfering with your day to day. It could be that you're feeling stuck or having a tough time managing emotions such as grief, depression, or anxiety. Perhaps you're wanting a better connection with yourself or others, seeking a better quality of life, exploring your gender, navigating parenting, grappling with divorce, or supporting aging parents. I have experience helping clients navigate life's challenges and welcome the opportunity to support you.
Maybe you're struggling with relationships, your job (or lack thereof), a new life phase, overall satisfaction with life, or with thoughts or behaviors that are interfering with your day to day. It could be that you're feeling stuck or having a tough time managing emotions such as grief, depression, or anxiety. Perhaps you're wanting a better connection with yourself or others, seeking a better quality of life, exploring your gender, navigating parenting, grappling with divorce, or supporting aging parents. I have experience helping clients navigate life's challenges and welcome the opportunity to support you.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Shamanic Reiki Master with 25 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer traditional psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, Psychodynamic) with an integrative approach that includes mind, body, spirit and energy wellness. In reflection of my own life experience, both professionally and personally- I have come to believe that a holistic approach is key for overall emotional/psychological health and healing. For other services provided, please visit my website at https://www.earthandlight.net
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Shamanic Reiki Master with 25 years of experience in the mental health field. I offer traditional psychotherapy (Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, Psychodynamic) with an integrative approach that includes mind, body, spirit and energy wellness. In reflection of my own life experience, both professionally and personally- I have come to believe that a holistic approach is key for overall emotional/psychological health and healing. For other services provided, please visit my website at https://www.earthandlight.net
On the outside you're trying to keep it all together, but inside you're falling apart. You feel overwhelmed, and everything is a struggle. You're tired of feeling tired and ready for change. I specialize in helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, addiction, and issues surrounding focus and attention. This may show up in your life as low self-esteem, difficulty staying motivated, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, or feeling like you just can’t stay on task. You've taken a big step in looking for help. Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with is important.
On the outside you're trying to keep it all together, but inside you're falling apart. You feel overwhelmed, and everything is a struggle. You're tired of feeling tired and ready for change. I specialize in helping people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, addiction, and issues surrounding focus and attention. This may show up in your life as low self-esteem, difficulty staying motivated, feeling overwhelmed by emotions, or feeling like you just can’t stay on task. You've taken a big step in looking for help. Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with is important.
You want to feel different than you do right now. Maybe anxiety keeps you on edge. Maybe relationships are coming apart or dissolving out from under you. Maybe the grief feels too heavy to hold, or you're tired of feeling like you don't belong. It doesn't have to be like this forever. I’ve seen how the brain and body respond to hard things. Our brains develop patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior to protect us–but sometimes the patterns backfire and cause problems. Have trouble sleeping? Eat or work or worry too much? Yell at people? Feel disconnected from reality? That all comes from somewhere.
You want to feel different than you do right now. Maybe anxiety keeps you on edge. Maybe relationships are coming apart or dissolving out from under you. Maybe the grief feels too heavy to hold, or you're tired of feeling like you don't belong. It doesn't have to be like this forever. I’ve seen how the brain and body respond to hard things. Our brains develop patterns of thought, emotion, and behavior to protect us–but sometimes the patterns backfire and cause problems. Have trouble sleeping? Eat or work or worry too much? Yell at people? Feel disconnected from reality? That all comes from somewhere.
I am now maintaining a waitlist; contact for scheduling options. Adolescence and adulthood are challenging; coping with anxiety, depression, and the daily barriers of life can easily complicate things further. You may struggle to cope with and find balance between the frustrations of school, relationships, work, and family. Maybe you feel it is time to focus on personal growth and seek harmony. Taking the first steps can feel extraordinarily challenging but I will be there to provide support and guidance within your journey. I believe everyone has the capacity to manage life's challenges and I can provide you the skills to do so.
I am now maintaining a waitlist; contact for scheduling options. Adolescence and adulthood are challenging; coping with anxiety, depression, and the daily barriers of life can easily complicate things further. You may struggle to cope with and find balance between the frustrations of school, relationships, work, and family. Maybe you feel it is time to focus on personal growth and seek harmony. Taking the first steps can feel extraordinarily challenging but I will be there to provide support and guidance within your journey. I believe everyone has the capacity to manage life's challenges and I can provide you the skills to do so.
In addition, the focus of my work is to support people of all ages who identify as female, queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or under the trans umbrella.
My style of therapy angles toward feminist and humanistic approaches where there is an authentic, respectful, creative, and collaborative connection between therapist and client. Using the uniqueness of each individual’s personal strengths, we can work to increase self-awareness to recognize client-identified goals and to promote self-directed growth.
In addition, the focus of my work is to support people of all ages who identify as female, queer, neurodivergent, BIPOC, and/or under the trans umbrella.
My style of therapy angles toward feminist and humanistic approaches where there is an authentic, respectful, creative, and collaborative connection between therapist and client. Using the uniqueness of each individual’s personal strengths, we can work to increase self-awareness to recognize client-identified goals and to promote self-directed growth.
I love to work with people who are hungry for a deeper process of self-knowledge and change. Some arrive because life has made the big questions unavoidable, forcing them to re-evaluate the foundations of their worldview, relationships, and sense of self. Others come because they sense there's more to themselves to discover. They're drawn by a desire to better understand themselves, deepen their creative life, or expand into their wholeness. Each comes with the hope of finding a meaningful way to move into the future.
I love to work with people who are hungry for a deeper process of self-knowledge and change. Some arrive because life has made the big questions unavoidable, forcing them to re-evaluate the foundations of their worldview, relationships, and sense of self. Others come because they sense there's more to themselves to discover. They're drawn by a desire to better understand themselves, deepen their creative life, or expand into their wholeness. Each comes with the hope of finding a meaningful way to move into the future.
I have worked with a wide range of populations and issues, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, and pregnant/postpartum mental health.
Authenticity and warmth are my touchstones. In my practice, I use a collaborative, humanistic, strengths-based and client-centered approach to support individuals and couples in strengthening their connection to their core selves, and identifying areas for growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that my job is to support you in accessing your own wisdom more fully. I believe in the capacity of the therapeutic relationship to enact greater self-compassion and insight, and build skills to release us from unhelpful patterns.
I have worked with a wide range of populations and issues, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, and pregnant/postpartum mental health.
Authenticity and warmth are my touchstones. In my practice, I use a collaborative, humanistic, strengths-based and client-centered approach to support individuals and couples in strengthening their connection to their core selves, and identifying areas for growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and that my job is to support you in accessing your own wisdom more fully. I believe in the capacity of the therapeutic relationship to enact greater self-compassion and insight, and build skills to release us from unhelpful patterns.
Wes Wolter with Beam Mental Health
Counselor, MS, MA, LCMHC , LADC, RYT500
1 Endorsed
Williston, VT 05495
“All parts of you are good.”
I offer a grounded, collaborative space for adults navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression and other emotional stressors. My approach is trauma-informed and holistic, integrating EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, breath-work, and other eclectic approaches.
With 20 years in mental health, I focus on helping clients reconnect with their inner relationship, strength, regulate their nervous systems, and move toward healing with clarity and self-compassion. Whether you're feeling stuck, triggered, or ready for change, I'm here to walk alongside you! Here to help.
“All parts of you are good.”
I offer a grounded, collaborative space for adults navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression and other emotional stressors. My approach is trauma-informed and holistic, integrating EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, breath-work, and other eclectic approaches.
With 20 years in mental health, I focus on helping clients reconnect with their inner relationship, strength, regulate their nervous systems, and move toward healing with clarity and self-compassion. Whether you're feeling stuck, triggered, or ready for change, I'm here to walk alongside you! Here to help.
If you find yourself stuck in self-doubt, constantly criticizing yourself, feeling like you're never quite “enough,” or trapped in patterns that hold you back, you’re not alone. Navigating transitions in early adulthood like starting college, beginning a new career, or adjusting to changing relationships may open up old wounds, and you may be carrying the weight of earlier life experiences that still shape how you see yourself today. You want to feel understood, regain control, and find hope for a brighter future where your past no longer defines you.
If you find yourself stuck in self-doubt, constantly criticizing yourself, feeling like you're never quite “enough,” or trapped in patterns that hold you back, you’re not alone. Navigating transitions in early adulthood like starting college, beginning a new career, or adjusting to changing relationships may open up old wounds, and you may be carrying the weight of earlier life experiences that still shape how you see yourself today. You want to feel understood, regain control, and find hope for a brighter future where your past no longer defines you.
Learn to communicate with confidence, clarity, and compassion. I provide trauma-informed therapy to individuals, couples, and families who want to learn new ways of relating to themselves and the people most important to them.
Learn to communicate with confidence, clarity, and compassion. I provide trauma-informed therapy to individuals, couples, and families who want to learn new ways of relating to themselves and the people most important to them.
Feeling stuck or unsure how you ended up where you are? Struggling in your relationships, overwhelmed by life, or carrying a quiet sadness you can’t quite shake? Maybe you know you want something to change—but have no idea where to begin.
You’re not alone. These are the exact places many people start.
In our work together, we’ll gently make sense of what’s going on and uncover a path forward that feels right for you. No concern is too big, too small, or too complicated to explore. Therapy isn’t just about working through pain—it can also be engaging, empowering, and fun!
Feeling stuck or unsure how you ended up where you are? Struggling in your relationships, overwhelmed by life, or carrying a quiet sadness you can’t quite shake? Maybe you know you want something to change—but have no idea where to begin.
You’re not alone. These are the exact places many people start.
In our work together, we’ll gently make sense of what’s going on and uncover a path forward that feels right for you. No concern is too big, too small, or too complicated to explore. Therapy isn’t just about working through pain—it can also be engaging, empowering, and fun!
Life presents challenges sometimes. Learning how to access our resiliency, explore negative thought patterns, and strengthen new positive beliefs assists us in creating and maintaining a thriving daily life. I recognize that each person is diverse, having a unique family, social, and cultural history, and that healing and growth can be dependent on numerous factors. I use therapy methods that help bridge communication with children, youth and adults. I hold also hold BA in studio art that contributes to the creativity element of my work with individuals.
Life presents challenges sometimes. Learning how to access our resiliency, explore negative thought patterns, and strengthen new positive beliefs assists us in creating and maintaining a thriving daily life. I recognize that each person is diverse, having a unique family, social, and cultural history, and that healing and growth can be dependent on numerous factors. I use therapy methods that help bridge communication with children, youth and adults. I hold also hold BA in studio art that contributes to the creativity element of my work with individuals.
I have enjoyed helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), addiction/alcoholism in the family, couples, self-esteem, dissociation, and attachment issues. I offer EVIDENCE BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY to individuals, couples and groups as a licensed psychologist since 1991. Expertise: INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY (IFS), PHASE ORIENTED TRAUMA TREATMENT, EMDR, 12 STEP work. My Aussie, Smudge works with me. She can be a source of comfort and kindness. I would be happy to speak with you. Outside of work, I am a mom and wife; artist and gardener; meditator, and do my own psychotherapy.
I have enjoyed helping people with stress, anxiety, depression, abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), addiction/alcoholism in the family, couples, self-esteem, dissociation, and attachment issues. I offer EVIDENCE BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY to individuals, couples and groups as a licensed psychologist since 1991. Expertise: INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY (IFS), PHASE ORIENTED TRAUMA TREATMENT, EMDR, 12 STEP work. My Aussie, Smudge works with me. She can be a source of comfort and kindness. I would be happy to speak with you. Outside of work, I am a mom and wife; artist and gardener; meditator, and do my own psychotherapy.
Booking new clients for late May/early June 2026! Sometimes, the things that we think of as our "shortcomings" or "flaws" are actually just a product of modern day society, where we are often told how we should behave, think, and feel from moment to moment. My goal is to help you discover your true needs, desires, and feelings, and distinguish them from those imposed onto you by external pressures. I strive to create a supportive therapeutic space for all teenagers and adults regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, class, ability status and age.
Booking new clients for late May/early June 2026! Sometimes, the things that we think of as our "shortcomings" or "flaws" are actually just a product of modern day society, where we are often told how we should behave, think, and feel from moment to moment. My goal is to help you discover your true needs, desires, and feelings, and distinguish them from those imposed onto you by external pressures. I strive to create a supportive therapeutic space for all teenagers and adults regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, class, ability status and age.
See more therapy options for Williston
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Williston
- Charlotte
- Colchester
- Essex
- Essex Junction
- Hinesburg
- Jericho
- Milton
- Richmond
- Shelburne
- South Burlington
- Underhill
- Winooski
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.