LGBT therapists in Independence, OH

Hello! My name is Kimberly or you can call me Kim. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8+ years of experience in counseling and therapy. I enjoy working with teens and young adults, as well as anyone who is open to making changes in their life. I am strengths-based and solution-focused.

Feeling comfortable in our shoes is essential to a creative and self-fulfilling journey and

life. The struggle to reach out for support can be an obstacle that leads to isolation,

loneliness, anxiety, and depression and is often the first and most challenging step to

take. I congratulate you on your courage and willingness to imagine and hope for

changes that will help you be more comfortable in the shoes that you wear!

I have worked as a mental health practitioner for over 40 years and have encountered

many of the challenges that people face in their daily lives. Along the way, I have

discovered my own creative needs and now walk as a transgender therapist willing to

join you as a partner on a path to self-discovery. Giving voice to our hopes, dreams,

and desires is often an essential part of that journey, and I would be glad to join you as

a partner in your self-discovery and growth.

I have a bachelor's of Arts Degree, double majoring in Social Services and Religious Studies, a Master of Arts Degree in Psychology and the degree of Master of Social Work, from Cleveland State University.

I believe in a holistic approach to mental health. This means that all aspects of a person are included and considered in our work together. I assist those I work with in a variety of areas including, but not limited to:

Anxiety

Stress management

Depression

Grief and loss

Life transitions (including becoming an empty nester, divorce, retirement, aging with meaning)

Management of health issues (particularly pain and chronic health challenges)

Trauma (including religious trauma, sexual abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder)

Sometimes life looks fine from the outside,

while inside you're overwhelmed, stuck,

disconnected, or wondering what happened

to the person you used to be.

Maybe you're dealing with ADHD, anxiety,

depression, relationship challenges, low

self-esteem, identity questions, or a major

life transition. Maybe you're starting over

and aren't quite sure what comes next.

You don't have to have everything figured

out before coming to therapy.

I'm Hope Striving, LPCC, and I believe

therapy should feel human. I offer a warm,

affirming, judgment-free space where you

can be honest, explore what's really

going on and feel genuinely heard.

I work with adolescents and adults,

with a particular interest in ADHD and

neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ concerns,

identity development, relationships,

self-esteem, trauma, grief, and life

transitions.

I also believe there should be room

for humor, creativity, and authenticity

in therapy. My goal isn't to tell you how

to live your life, it's to help you better

understand yourself, recognize your

strengths, develop practical coping

strategies, and create meaningful

change that fits who you are.

If anxiety or stress is getting in the way of the life you want, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Maybe you feel constantly overwhelmed, stuck in your thoughts, paralyzed by fear, or like anxiety and depression are keeping you from doing the things that matter to you. Therapy can help you understand what’s happening and find a way forward.

I work with adults, children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, phobias, depersonalization and derealization (DP/DR). I also specialize in depression, trauma, relationship and family concerns, narcissistic abuse, and other interpersonal challenges, as well as ADHD and Autism in children and adults.

I do what I do because I’ve been where you are. I remember the panic, the worry, the fear and despair—and I know how much it means to have someone beside you as you find your way through it. You don’t have to figure it out alone—I’ll be here to help you take those steps, one at a time.

Tired of suggestions of gratitude lists? I dive deep in my counseling style and seek to help you put the work in. My goal is to provide high-quality and accessible care.

My name is Queen Watson (yes that's my real name) and I’m a Cincinnati, OH native. I attended The Ohio State University for my bachelor's degree in psychology and obtained my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Cincinnati. As a Black therapist, I take pride in providing a safe space for individuals to address the impact of a system that villainizes those experiencing side effects of the human condition and directly challenge the stereotype of what therapists should look or act like. My ideal clients are adults experiencing or seeking: identify affirming care (i.e., LGBT+, BIPOC), ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, seeking stronger intra- and interpersonal relationships, intense anger, and mood disorders.

Hi there! My name is Riley Henderson, and I am a licensed independent social worker in the state of Ohio and a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker in the state of Kansas. I have been a practicing social worker since 2023 after graduating with my master's degree in social work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. I have a background in crisis management in southeast Ohio working with children and families through the court system, school system and more to create safety and stability together. I currently work as a therapist for those experiencing life's challenges no matter how big or small.

Hi, I’m glad you’re here. Reaching out for support — whether it’s a small step or a huge leap — takes real courage. If life feels messy, overwhelming, or hard to navigate alone, therapy can give you the grounding, clarity, and tools you need. I work with people moving through major life transitions, the challenges of early parenthood, complicated parent–child dynamics, relationship struggles, trauma, self-worth concerns, and emotions that feel difficult to name or express. You deserve space to slow down, understand yourself, and feel supported.