LGBT therapists in Hamden, CT

Hello, and welcome! I’m Ashley, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience supporting individuals in navigating life’s challenges.

I earned my MSW from the University of Kentucky and I have advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.

Whether you’re seeking support for a specific concern or simply want to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you find balance, clarity, and resilience.

Samantha Figueroa specializes in helping people heal from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. She takes a trauma-informed, strengths-based, holistic, and somatic approach to work with clients to help them heal and improve their relationship with themselves, others, and the world. She is also a meditation and yoga teacher, shamanic practitioner, and sound healer.

NYU Graduate and Post- Graduate Clinical Professor

Director of the Post- MAster's Program in Addictions- NYU

Finding a therapist who truly gets your life can feel like a long search. One who sees more than a diagnosis, who doesn't need you to explain yourself before you can get to work. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, that search often comes with an extra layer: the quiet work of figuring out whether this therapist is actually safe, or whether you'll spend your sessions educating them. With me, you won't have to do that work.

I'm a licensed therapist with more than 22 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. I've worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional settings, and private practice. I've sat with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives and know how to meet them there without flinching.

My primary focus is LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. That includes navigating identity, coming out at any stage of life, relationship dynamics unique to queer and same-sex partnerships, internalized stigma, minority stress, and everything that comes with living authentically in a world that doesn't always make that easy. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and dual diagnosis, men's issues, and stress and burnout.

I help women move through fear, self-doubt, and old patterns so they can step into clarity, confidence, and fulfillment — both personally and professionally. Many of my clients are navigating transitions like ending relationships, redefining careers, or growing businesses while trying to protect their mental health. Together, we focus on strengthening self-trust, setting boundaries, and creating a mindset that supports lasting change. As a therapist and mindset coach, I combine evidence-based tools with forward-focused coaching to help you move from awareness to action — and build the confidence to trust yourself again.

My name is Benjamin. With over 25 years of experience, I help individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships and improve emotional well-being. I work with adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other life challenges.

My approach is personalized, collaborative, and focused on meaningful, lasting growth. I help clients better understand their emotions, strengthen connections, and develop practical tools for everyday life.

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and engaging—I bring honesty, humor, and compassion to create a space where you can grow, heal, and be yourself. Book with me here or at https://evolvetothrive9.com.

Welcome and thanks for stopping by my page. Let's start with some honesty-It can feel overwhelming and intimidating to #1 choose a therapist, and #2, to begin therapy sessions. I do my absolute best to help you feel comfortable, not judged, and respected.

I recognize that you bring years of experience, many strengths, and wisdom all your own into the therapy room.

We will partner together to find what type of therapy feels safe, connected, and makes sense to your mind and heart. Clients share that my style is casual, collaborative, authentic, warm and gently challenging.

Education

In 2016, I graduated from Eastern CT State University while working and raising my two daughters. In 2018, I graduated with my Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons University.

I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP II) and am fully trained in EMDR (certification pending). I have 6 years' experience with CBT, DBT, Feminist Therapy, MI, ACT, Compassion-focused Therapy, and Strengths-based Therapy. and am currently in training to become certified in Internal Family Systems.

Simple Intentions Counseling LLC looks for client's that are insightful, curious, and ready to explore the deeper layers of their emotional life. They may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship patterns, or a persistent feeling of being “stuck.” They want clarity, self-acceptance, and tools to manage their emotions — but more than that, they want to understand why they feel the way they do. They’re not afraid to be challenged and are open to connecting their current struggles with earlier life experiences. They want lasting change, not quick fixes — and they’re ready to do the work.