Lesbian Therapists in Madison, WI
I work with kids, teens, and adults who are navigating life transitions, trauma, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and/or parenting concerns. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are exploring who they are in deeper ways. You don’t need to show up any certain way. I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll move forward together from there.
I work with kids, teens, and adults who are navigating life transitions, trauma, identity exploration, anxiety, depression, and/or parenting concerns. Many of my clients are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or are exploring who they are in deeper ways. You don’t need to show up any certain way. I’ll meet you where you are, and we’ll move forward together from there.
Hello! I’m Katie and I specialize in helping people feel less anxious in their life. Therapy with me is a place where you can exhale and feel seen. I show up as a real human—warm, curious, and grounded—and together we explore the experiences, patterns, and emotions that are shaping your life. I draw from trauma-informed, somatic, and EMDR approaches to help you understand not just what you feel, but why, and what those feelings are trying to protect or express. My goal is to help you feel more at home in yourself, more connected to your strengths, and more able live in a way that feels aligned and peaceful.
Hello! I’m Katie and I specialize in helping people feel less anxious in their life. Therapy with me is a place where you can exhale and feel seen. I show up as a real human—warm, curious, and grounded—and together we explore the experiences, patterns, and emotions that are shaping your life. I draw from trauma-informed, somatic, and EMDR approaches to help you understand not just what you feel, but why, and what those feelings are trying to protect or express. My goal is to help you feel more at home in yourself, more connected to your strengths, and more able live in a way that feels aligned and peaceful.
Jess Shattuck (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her areas of interest include life transitions and adjustments, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD and neurodivergency, PTSD and trauma recovery, kink/polyamorous/queer relationships, and LGBTQ issues. She draws from components of relational, attachment, and developmental theories as well as evidence-based practices in her work. Jess works with individuals with diverse and underrepresented identities (LGBTQ+, non-monogamy/polyamory, kink affirming, neurodiversity affirming) with various mental health concerns, levels of trauma, and life issues.
Jess Shattuck (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her areas of interest include life transitions and adjustments, anxiety and mood disorders, ADHD and neurodivergency, PTSD and trauma recovery, kink/polyamorous/queer relationships, and LGBTQ issues. She draws from components of relational, attachment, and developmental theories as well as evidence-based practices in her work. Jess works with individuals with diverse and underrepresented identities (LGBTQ+, non-monogamy/polyamory, kink affirming, neurodiversity affirming) with various mental health concerns, levels of trauma, and life issues.
Whatever you are struggling with doesn’t have to be handled by yourself. Maybe isolation has been your thing for a while but you’re ready for a change. Maybe the dishes are piling up, your head is buzzing with thoughts, or you want to do the thing but you just can’t seem to do it. Perhaps grief, stress, or transitions are overwhelming you and you’re not sure what to do. It’s a unique and challenging time to be a human. That being said, representation matters, even in therapeutic spaces. As an AuDHD and queer-identified therapist, I know how helpful it can be to talk to someone who gets it.
Whatever you are struggling with doesn’t have to be handled by yourself. Maybe isolation has been your thing for a while but you’re ready for a change. Maybe the dishes are piling up, your head is buzzing with thoughts, or you want to do the thing but you just can’t seem to do it. Perhaps grief, stress, or transitions are overwhelming you and you’re not sure what to do. It’s a unique and challenging time to be a human. That being said, representation matters, even in therapeutic spaces. As an AuDHD and queer-identified therapist, I know how helpful it can be to talk to someone who gets it.
You deserve to heal. You deserve to be supported, respected, and seen for all you have been, all you will be, and all you are in this moment. I trust you to be the expert on yourself and your own experiences within the body, identities, and relationships that inform your ways of knowing yourself and your world. Our work together will not focus on identifying what’s “wrong” with you, and won’t aim to “fix” you. Together, we will explore areas of distress, discomfort, or questioning through a systemic lens. I will support your intentions toward transformative change and growth from perspectives that matter to you.
You deserve to heal. You deserve to be supported, respected, and seen for all you have been, all you will be, and all you are in this moment. I trust you to be the expert on yourself and your own experiences within the body, identities, and relationships that inform your ways of knowing yourself and your world. Our work together will not focus on identifying what’s “wrong” with you, and won’t aim to “fix” you. Together, we will explore areas of distress, discomfort, or questioning through a systemic lens. I will support your intentions toward transformative change and growth from perspectives that matter to you.
I work with people in high pressure careers — attorneys, therapists, medical professionals, & others expected to stay composed while navigating conflict, trauma, & constant demands. You may be ambitious, successful, and deeply committed to your work, yet still feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in perfectionism, demoralized, & inadequate. Many of my clients notice that the qualities that help them excel professionally also create strain at home. You might feel disconnected from your partner, short tempered with the people you care about, or too drained to be present after work. These are professional hazards that can be addressed.
I work with people in high pressure careers — attorneys, therapists, medical professionals, & others expected to stay composed while navigating conflict, trauma, & constant demands. You may be ambitious, successful, and deeply committed to your work, yet still feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in perfectionism, demoralized, & inadequate. Many of my clients notice that the qualities that help them excel professionally also create strain at home. You might feel disconnected from your partner, short tempered with the people you care about, or too drained to be present after work. These are professional hazards that can be addressed.
I support individuals, who are navigating the impact of past trauma, providing a safe, supportive space while utilizing EMDR in therapy. Another key part of my therapy practice is exploration of identities - whether related to gender, sexuality, relationship styles, or other aspects of self. Additionally, I support neurodivergent individuals in understanding their needs and discovering ways to engage with the world that feel authentic and sustainable. If you're struggling with anxious or PTSD symptoms that are affecting your daily life, I'm here to help you find balance and build skills to cope.
I support individuals, who are navigating the impact of past trauma, providing a safe, supportive space while utilizing EMDR in therapy. Another key part of my therapy practice is exploration of identities - whether related to gender, sexuality, relationship styles, or other aspects of self. Additionally, I support neurodivergent individuals in understanding their needs and discovering ways to engage with the world that feel authentic and sustainable. If you're struggling with anxious or PTSD symptoms that are affecting your daily life, I'm here to help you find balance and build skills to cope.
From the outside you look like you've got it all handled. And yet, the toll that your sense of personal and professional responsibility takes, the cost of giving more and more of what you have less and less of lately - time, energy, emotional bandwidth - has become overwhelming. When things are hard - family crises, financial worries, new demands at work, relationship problems, caring for aging parents, launching children - you're the one people turn to. Of course they do. You're good at this. But you need a place to catch your own breath, to get support and learn how to include your own hopes and wishes in the mix of your life.
From the outside you look like you've got it all handled. And yet, the toll that your sense of personal and professional responsibility takes, the cost of giving more and more of what you have less and less of lately - time, energy, emotional bandwidth - has become overwhelming. When things are hard - family crises, financial worries, new demands at work, relationship problems, caring for aging parents, launching children - you're the one people turn to. Of course they do. You're good at this. But you need a place to catch your own breath, to get support and learn how to include your own hopes and wishes in the mix of your life.
Hi, I'm Dr. Erickson and I'm a Clinical Director with WellQor licensed in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. I have a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, and I completed my post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Throughout my career, I've had a broad range of experience working in inpatient, community mental health, and college settings. As a therapist, my number one priority is the relationships I’m able to form with my clients. I truly believe that relationships are at the heart of therapy, and that good relationships facilitate meaningful change.
Hi, I'm Dr. Erickson and I'm a Clinical Director with WellQor licensed in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts. I have a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, and I completed my post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Throughout my career, I've had a broad range of experience working in inpatient, community mental health, and college settings. As a therapist, my number one priority is the relationships I’m able to form with my clients. I truly believe that relationships are at the heart of therapy, and that good relationships facilitate meaningful change.
Hi folks, I'm a therapist in Madison, WI working with adults, teens, couples, families, and children. My practice has two main areas: talk therapy for individuals, couples, and families, and play therapy for kids. My clients include folks navigating relationship conflict, major life transitions, and questions of identity, parents seeking support, and children who need a space to process their world.
Hi folks, I'm a therapist in Madison, WI working with adults, teens, couples, families, and children. My practice has two main areas: talk therapy for individuals, couples, and families, and play therapy for kids. My clients include folks navigating relationship conflict, major life transitions, and questions of identity, parents seeking support, and children who need a space to process their world.
While therapy can begin because of a symptom or problem – depression, insomnia, alcohol and substance use, or sexual dysfunction – symptoms are not the guiding stars of therapy. I practice therapy that is about making space for your whole self and making use of insight to understand your relationship to change. Whether our work is brief or long-lasting, we will work to discover and relate to the totality of who you are.
While therapy can begin because of a symptom or problem – depression, insomnia, alcohol and substance use, or sexual dysfunction – symptoms are not the guiding stars of therapy. I practice therapy that is about making space for your whole self and making use of insight to understand your relationship to change. Whether our work is brief or long-lasting, we will work to discover and relate to the totality of who you are.
Does going out in public with your child feel like an impossible task? Do you feel guilt over your child's meltdowns or teen's isolation? Do you feel like doctors, teachers, and other adults just don't get it? Do you worry about their safety? Are you overcome with guilt looking at other families on Facebook and Instagram? Parents want to feel like things are under control; that your family can be happy and have productive evenings, and that your child can transition to school and activities, feel confident, have friendships, and like themselves.
Does going out in public with your child feel like an impossible task? Do you feel guilt over your child's meltdowns or teen's isolation? Do you feel like doctors, teachers, and other adults just don't get it? Do you worry about their safety? Are you overcome with guilt looking at other families on Facebook and Instagram? Parents want to feel like things are under control; that your family can be happy and have productive evenings, and that your child can transition to school and activities, feel confident, have friendships, and like themselves.
The person-to-person connection in therapy is of the utmost importance to me. I am a deeply compassionate person with a true desire to help others find healing and growth. I bring my authentic self to each therapy session—including my lived experience, sense of humor, and breadth of knowledge about the field—and invite each client to do the same. You will find in me a gentle, warm presence with an unassuming, nonjudgmental approach.
The person-to-person connection in therapy is of the utmost importance to me. I am a deeply compassionate person with a true desire to help others find healing and growth. I bring my authentic self to each therapy session—including my lived experience, sense of humor, and breadth of knowledge about the field—and invite each client to do the same. You will find in me a gentle, warm presence with an unassuming, nonjudgmental approach.
Are you in a dark place and seeking a sense of healing but unsure what to do? Are you afraid to look in the mirror because you have lost sight of the person staring back at you? At some point we have all been in that dark place, but I want to empower you to finally look in the mirror to see yourself again. I have a love for individuals that have been the strong friend. The ones who have been the caretakers or the people pleasers in their family or friend group. The ones who often feel forgotten about. So much so, you have forgotten about yourself and your identity. Together, we will work to restore the balance.
Are you in a dark place and seeking a sense of healing but unsure what to do? Are you afraid to look in the mirror because you have lost sight of the person staring back at you? At some point we have all been in that dark place, but I want to empower you to finally look in the mirror to see yourself again. I have a love for individuals that have been the strong friend. The ones who have been the caretakers or the people pleasers in their family or friend group. The ones who often feel forgotten about. So much so, you have forgotten about yourself and your identity. Together, we will work to restore the balance.
I know it can be difficult to find someone you really feel safe with, who you can trust, who won't judge you. I'd be honored to be that person. As someone who works with the whole person, I understand the importance of religion within all faith groups. I also love working with those who identify as poly, LGBTQIA+, and in the kink community. If you're currently in a place where you're thinking, "I don't know if I can do this anymore" or if you sometimes wonder if you're "too broken" to feel better, don't give up. You've taken the first step to getting help. You are worth following through and seeing what the next steps can offer.
I know it can be difficult to find someone you really feel safe with, who you can trust, who won't judge you. I'd be honored to be that person. As someone who works with the whole person, I understand the importance of religion within all faith groups. I also love working with those who identify as poly, LGBTQIA+, and in the kink community. If you're currently in a place where you're thinking, "I don't know if I can do this anymore" or if you sometimes wonder if you're "too broken" to feel better, don't give up. You've taken the first step to getting help. You are worth following through and seeing what the next steps can offer.
The Empowered Place, A Queer Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR
1 Endorsed
Madison, WI 53704
As a queer therapist, I provide an affirming, compassionate space for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking deeper healing and self-understanding. My approach integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-focused therapy, and deep emotional processing to help clients heal from trauma, navigate relationships, strengthen self-worth, and reconnect with their authentic selves. I believe meaningful change happens when we gently explore both past wounds and present experiences, creating space for greater connection, resilience, and belonging.
As a queer therapist, I provide an affirming, compassionate space for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking deeper healing and self-understanding. My approach integrates EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment-focused therapy, and deep emotional processing to help clients heal from trauma, navigate relationships, strengthen self-worth, and reconnect with their authentic selves. I believe meaningful change happens when we gently explore both past wounds and present experiences, creating space for greater connection, resilience, and belonging.
You don’t have to know where to start. Show up as you are, and we'll find the way forward together.
I work with adults and older adults grappling with life’s deeper currents: identity shifts, major life transitions, illness, grief, caregiving stress, healthcare burnout, or the quiet ache of disconnection. Many of my clients are navigating a challenging cancer trajectory, whether newly adjusting to diagnosis, living with advanced cancer, facing end-of-life concerns, or managing the complexities of survivorship.
You don’t have to know where to start. Show up as you are, and we'll find the way forward together.
I work with adults and older adults grappling with life’s deeper currents: identity shifts, major life transitions, illness, grief, caregiving stress, healthcare burnout, or the quiet ache of disconnection. Many of my clients are navigating a challenging cancer trajectory, whether newly adjusting to diagnosis, living with advanced cancer, facing end-of-life concerns, or managing the complexities of survivorship.
I specialize in working with those in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities. I work with clients who are 12+ on issues related to identity, trauma, executive functioning mental health, and grief. Whether your goal is to explore identity, support a loved one or work on your mental health I strive to create an affirming healing space for that work.
I specialize in working with those in the LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse communities. I work with clients who are 12+ on issues related to identity, trauma, executive functioning mental health, and grief. Whether your goal is to explore identity, support a loved one or work on your mental health I strive to create an affirming healing space for that work.
I have worked primarily with adults, older adults, and adolescents on issues of mental health that may be impacting one's ability to function in day-to-day life such as: depression, anxiety, other mood and thought disorders, suicidality (for individuals as well as those bereaved from suicide losses), interpersonal violence, LGBTQIA+ support, topics surrounding race and culture, hoarding (both individuals affected and their loved ones), criminal justice system-involvement, and trauma (individual, intergenerational, and community).
I have worked primarily with adults, older adults, and adolescents on issues of mental health that may be impacting one's ability to function in day-to-day life such as: depression, anxiety, other mood and thought disorders, suicidality (for individuals as well as those bereaved from suicide losses), interpersonal violence, LGBTQIA+ support, topics surrounding race and culture, hoarding (both individuals affected and their loved ones), criminal justice system-involvement, and trauma (individual, intergenerational, and community).
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
Yo! I’m Payton, I’m an openly queer + nonbinary human and my pronoun are they/she! I think that humans are the coolest. My philosophy as an Identity Doula + Healing Practitioner takes into consideration that every human and every situation is different, thus unique tools and approaches are required for unique people and things. Sessions with me will go beyond standard talk therapy, as it is my personal and professional opinion that humans often heal with art, movement, visuals, embodiment, activities, and music better than they do with standard talk therapy alone. (Try to think of this as fun and exciting, not scary or awkward!)
See more therapy options for Madison
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for Madison
- Beloit
- Fitchburg
- Janesville
- McFarland
- Middleton
- Monona
- Portage
- Stoughton
- Sun Prairie
- Verona
- Waunakee
- Whitewater
Lesbian Therapists
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.