LGBT therapists in Chesterfield, VA

Hello, and welcome! I'm Sakura Pate, a trauma-informed therapist dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. I became a social worker in 2013, supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges across community and behavioral health settings. After earning my Master of Social Work in 2023, I expanded my practice to provide individual and couples counseling, combining years of social work experience with evidence-based, client-centered, and trauma-informed care.

I work with adults and couples experiencing a variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a major life transition, struggling in your relationships, processing past experiences, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I provide a collaborative space to explore what matters most to you. My approach is tailored to each individual, recognizing that every person's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. I also provide LGBTQIA+ affirming care and am committed to creating an inclusive environment where every client feels respected, valued, and safe to show up as their authentic self.

I believe healing happens through connection, self-awareness, and compassion. Whether you're seeking support for a specific concern, personal growth, or greater fulfillment in your relationships, I'm honored to walk alongside you as you build resilience, strengthen meaningful connections, and create lasting, positive change.

As a child growing up in New Orleans, LA, I struggled feeling seen, heard, and as if I truly belonged. I realized at a young age people (of all ages) shared with me their vulnerable, intimate and personal stories. And as I listened and held space for their concerns, these story-tellers felt a sense of relief, seemed lighter and a smile spread across their face.

I began wondering why people do what they do. This led me to gain education, strategies and tools to understand human behavior and development, learn how to effectively hold space for another, and begin supporting others with empathy; allowing them to feel seen, heard, and belong.

In the process, I chose to become a stepmom. I learned first hand how hard it is to blend a family and co-parent. If no one gives the biological parents a manual upon the birth of their child, there really is nothing for steps. This experience has given me a desire to fill this gap; helping steps, bios, and the children navigate and build a more content settled home.

Hi. My name is Monique Branch, a licensed therapist that provides a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood and encouraged as you navigate life's challenges. Whether dealing with stress, relationship concerns, personal growth, or difficult seasons in life, my goal is to help you build healthier connections with yourself and others. I believe in meeting you where you are, offering compassion without judgement, and working together to create a meaningful change. To me, you are more than a client, you're a person whose story matters.

Life can be hard and sometimes overwhelming, but there is light, even if you can’t see it right now. You don’t have to carry everything alone. With support, healing and growth are possible. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, but I’m here to walk alongside you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with over 10 years of experience in the helping profession, including clinical mental health work since 2020. I earned my Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Old Dominion University. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and veterans ages 11 to 40 supporting concerns such as life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, self-esteem, and personal growth. I focus on building a genuine connection and creating a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself. I value cultural humility and honor your unique experiences and strengths, meeting you where you are while supporting your growth. I believe healing happens in supportive relationships. Whether you’re facing challenges, processing the past, or moving into a new chapter, I’m here to support you. There is hope, and together we can help you move forward. Outside of counseling, I enjoy singing, painting, music, travel, and exploring different cultures, which help keep me grounded and inspired.

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.

Are you worried that therapy will feel awkward and formal? It doesn’t have to be. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience, I have learned that people are more complicated than a diagnosis, a history, or a list of things that have gone "wrong." Therapy should be a place where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself. You shouldn't have to worry about saying the 'right thing', or knowing exactly what you want out of the experience.

Whether you are struggling with the far-reaching impact of past trauma, relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other ongoing health issue or simply wanting to invest in a bit of self-exploration and growth, I am so glad that you have begun your search for the best facilitator in that journey. I believe in meeting people where they are and allowing you to set your own pace for healing. I look forward to assisting on your healing journey in any way that I can.