LGBT therapists in Estero, FL

Welcome. Seeking support can feel difficult, especially when you're managing overwhelming emotions, relationship stress, painful experiences, or simply feeling disconnected from the life you want to live. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, PTSD, women's issues, and challenges related to self-esteem, life transitions, and relationships. I understand that healing looks different for everyone, and I believe therapy should provide a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood. Whether you're struggling with day-to-day stress, navigating the impact of past experiences, or trying to make sense of difficult emotions, my goal is to help you gain insight, strengthen coping skills, and build a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Together, we can create meaningful change while honoring your unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

Drawing from twenty years of experience in education and principal of therapeutic schools, I have developed the art of conflict resolution with reticent learners, with parents, with couples and individuals. I have the skillset to support people and transform their perceptions of self to cope with communication issues, anger, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma. My empathetic approach offers people to find positive and creative techniques. I am highly gifted in working to establish and enhance relationships between parent and child/husband and wife using conflict resolution to create opportunities. As a clinician of almost ten years, I interact exceedingly well with individuals and couples to support positive communication and achieve personal growth whether it be in a marriage, parenting/school skills, or within oneself. My understanding, compassion, and acceptance of people when they enter therapy create a safe and trusting environment to unpack problems and develop strategies that enhance well-being, stability, and alternative perspectives on how to address struggles/conflicts.

You may have learned to navigate spaces where parts of you didn’t feel fully seen or accepted. Over time, those experiences can shape how you see yourself.

What is the story you tell yourself? What messages have you taken in from others—and from the world around you? How have those shaped the way you see yourself?

For many people, these stories are formed in spaces where parts of them felt unseen, misunderstood, or not fully accepted. Over time, this can lead to cycles of self-doubt, shame, or feeling like you have to keep proving your worth.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach combines evidence-based practices with genuine human connection to help clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking greater clarity, I provide a supportive environment where healing and growth can occur.

Hi, I'm Dr. Clay Connelly, but please just call me "Clay." I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and other emotional concerns. Clients often describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself while also helping you make meaningful progress toward your goals.

I believe therapy should be both supportive and practical. In our work together, we'll focus not only on understanding what you're experiencing but also on developing skills and strategies you can use in everyday life. Whether you're seeking short-term support or longer-term personal growth, I strive to provide a respectful, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic experience.

Sometimes life is hard...and sometimes, the word “hard” doesn't begin to cover it.

You may feel stuck, overwhelmed, lost, or simply tired of feeling the way you do. Maybe you know that experiences from your past are still affecting you today, or you find yourself repeating patterns you understand but can't seem to change. Other times, you may not know exactly what's wrong...you just know that something isn't working anymore.

Over the years, I've helped adults heal unresolved wounds from childhood, develop greater self-awareness and self-esteem, improve relationships, and make life-enhancing changes that allow them to feel more connected to themselves and the lives they want to live. I work with people navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and the everyday challenges that can leave us feeling overwhelmed.

I believe we all have the ability to grow and make meaningful changes in our lives. Sometimes we just need some help finding our strengths and figuring out what we need now.

Each of us has our own unique story and experiences. It's a privilege when someone chooses to share their story with me, and I'll meet you wherever you are in yours.

**Please note: I may have availability beyond what is currently shown on my calendar. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly to schedule a consultation call: [email protected] :)

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. My approach is compassionate, direct when needed, and focused on helping clients build practical tools for everyday life while also exploring deeper emotional patterns and experiences.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, stress, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients and creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel respected and understood.

I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful growth.

Hi, I'm Diana — a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work with individuals and families, including older adults, navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, and life transitions. My background spans schools, foster care, supportive housing for youth, and outpatient mental health across New York and Florida. I know how hard it can be to find a therapist who truly understands your culture, your language, and the pressures you carry — whether that's family expectations, being the one everyone else leans on, health changes, caregiving, or figuring out who you are apart from everyone else's needs. Many of the people I work with are holding it together for everyone around them while quietly running on empty. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel understood, in whichever language feels most like home.

Hi, I'm Carneisha, most clients call me CJ. I'm a licensed social worker (MSW, University of Georgia) with five years of experience working with adults of all ages, including older adults and diverse populations such as Native American communities. I specialize in depression, mood and affect disorders, and personality disorders, and I bring a warm, affirming, genuinely curious presence to every session.

At my core, I'm a Rogerian meaning I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my job is to walk alongside you, not in front of you. You'll find this is a judgment-free space where we can explore what's shaped you, your history, your fears, your patterns and work together toward a version of yourself you actually recognize and feel good in.

Sharon D. Troupe, M.A., CTP, CBHCMS, QS, AES, LPC, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Florida Qualified Supervisor, Certified Telehealth Professional, and Targeted Case Management Supervisor with more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, counseling, healthcare administration, and clinical leadership.

She is the Founder and CEO of A Better Therapy Connection, Inc., providing mental health counseling, behavioral health assessments, case management, clinical supervision, and supportive services throughout Florida. Her clinical expertise includes psychiatric and behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, treatment planning, trauma-informed care, substance use disorders, correctional mental health, and individual, family, and group therapy.

Troupe has served in clinical and leadership roles across hospitals, behavioral health organizations, correctional settings, community agencies, and educational environments. She also provides clinical supervision and mentorship to emerging behavioral health professionals, promoting ethical practice, clinical excellence, and person-centered care.

She holds a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the Argosy University , and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Florida Memorial University. Her professional interests include behavioral health leadership, counselor education, clinical supervision, integrated care, trauma-informed practice, and expanding access to quality mental health services.

I am a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 15 years of healthcare experience caring for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. I earned my BSN from Nova Southeastern University, MSN-FNP from the University of South Alabama, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Florida, and Post-Master's PMHNP certificate from Wilkes University.

My background includes intensive care, family medicine, urgent care, oncology, thoracic surgery, correctional healthcare, and outpatient psychiatry. This diverse experience allows me to understand the connection between physical and mental health while providing compassionate, evidence-based care.

I specialize in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, panic disorder, PTSD and trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, insomnia, stress and burnout, adjustment disorders, grief, relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, women's mental health, postpartum depression and anxiety, and life transitions. I also work with individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation, caregiver stress, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

My approach is collaborative, holistic, and individualized. I combine medication management with evidence-based therapy techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, psychoeducation, and strengths-based interventions. I believe every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their journey.

I strive to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can openly discuss your concerns and work toward meaningful, lasting change.