LGBT therapists in Fort Myers, FL

Hi there and welcome. My name is Anita and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and currently providing virtual therapy to individuals residing in Pennsylvania and Florida. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years, and currently specialize in treating adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, traumatic life experience, disordered eating and substance use recovery. I also have significant experience working with diverse cultural populations and the LGBTQIA+ community.

I believe you've been gathering crucial information throughout your life that's needed to feel peace from painful past experiences and to create a fulfilling present life. The ability to access and apply that information is where I can help. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, but the search itself says that you're using your knowledge to take charge of finding the support you need. That's empowerment. Searching also means you believe in the possibility of making changes in your life. I call that hope. Empowerment and hope are all you need to start finding a new way of being.

I'm a seasoned clinical social worker licensed in New York and Florida who has worked with all ages. I have my Bachelor's degree from Russell Sage College Troy, New York in Sociology and Psychology. I received my Master's degree from The State University of New York at Albany with a focus on individual counseling. I've been a therapist for 16 years.

I specialize in depression, anxiety, PTSD,

obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, panic attacks, trauma, grief and loss, geriatric issues, stress-related disorders, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia.

You don't have to have everything figured out to be here.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, and I’ve been helping people work through meaningful change since 2011.

I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and addiction, with a focus on building resilience and a stronger sense of self. I especially enjoy working with LGBTQ+ individuals, those navigating recovery and the HIV/AIDS community. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University and my Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University.

Therapy with me is very human and genuine. I don’t just focus on what’s painful or stuck but help to highlight the ways in which my clients overcome life's punches. While I take this work seriously, I believe laughter can be healing and disarming in therapy.

I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Florida International University and have worked in a variety of settings, including the foster care system, residential treatment, and community mental health. My background includes supporting individuals navigating trauma, persistent mental health conditions, substance use, eating disorders, and major life transitions. I’ve also worked with veterans, individuals who are unhoused, and LGBTQIA2S+ clients.

In my practice, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also support clients with PTSD, some OCD presentations, and concerns related to gender, sexuality, and queer identity. My work is trauma-informed, affirming, and rooted in helping clients feel both emotionally safe and genuinely understood.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming especially when you’re already feeling stuck, exhausted, anxious, or unsure of what you need. I believe therapy works best when you feel genuinely understood, not judged or “fixed.” My goal is to create a space where you can be honest about what’s really going on, feel supported through the hard parts, and develop tools that help you feel more grounded and confident in your life.

I work with adults navigating eating disorders, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, relationship and communication difficulties, attachment wounds, and major life transitions. I’ve worked across residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings, giving me experience supporting people through both acute challenges and longer-term healing.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and compassionate, while still being honest and practical. We’ll work together to understand the patterns that may be keeping you stuck not just manage symptoms, but understand why they’re happening and what you want to do differently.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you’re ready to better understand yourself, break old patterns, and build a life that feels more like your own, I’d be honored to help.

My professional experience is with young adults who struggle with life changes/transitions. Also, young adults who struggle with coping and stress. Individuals who are looking for a safe space to be heard and supported without judgement.

Are you ready to go from surviving to thriving? I am a Holistic Mental Health Expert & Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapist with 20 years of experience. I offer scientific evidence-based, naturopathic treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and other mental health issues. Together we will heal unresolved childhood emotional wounds, trauma, PTSD, Complex -PTSD & remove psychological blocks & barriers. Offering options in mindfulness skills training, meditation, EMDR and somatic treatment for nervous system regulation.