LGBT Issues therapists in Independence, Missouri MO
LGBT Issues
Merritt Posten Benz
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LSCSW, CDWF, MCLC
People are people, couples are couples and therapeutic work is open to everyone but/and if you identify within the LGBTQI community, there are circumstances and struggles that you must uniquely face. Navigating a healthy and full life is challenging for all of us, and everyone experiences times of struggle and challenge and the added stress and isolation of being a member of the LGBTQI within a heteronormative and often unsafe world, can make the harder things harder. It's crucial to know and have a therapist that is not only open and affirming but can also speak to the experience of being LGBTQI in a world that does not consistently have your interests or experiences in mind and often works intentionally to silence, shame and subdue you and your rights.
21 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Dr. Ann Becker-Schutte; Healthy Balanced Life Psychology, LLC
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I began working to understand LGBTQIA+ experiences as a volunteer at a crisis hotline during college. As a graduate student, I was part of a team who developed a scale to measure ally development. Throughout my private practice, I have worked to make sure that my office is a supportive space for individuals of all orientations.
21 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Dr. Caroline Hicks
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Sexual orientation and gender identity development are my areas of focus, and we use this space to make sure all intersecting identities (e.g., racial, religious, political, national) are considered as you find your authentic path in the world. This space is one where we can focus on your sexual orientation and/or gender identity development, or use these identities as a source of context to our work. In addition, I work with many trans*, non-binary, gender nonconforming, gender fluid, and other gender expansive folx as they embark on their path of congruence. In addition, I write letters of support for gender affirming surgeries/medical procedures.
7 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Therapy Solutions, LLC
Psychologist
All of our therapists serve the LGBTQ community. Nicole Osborne specializes in supporting the needs of the LGBTQ community and their loved ones.
22 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Philip Cooke
Psychologist, PhD
Providing LGBT-affirming psychotherapy and assessment services has been a core part of my training, research, and clinical practice for the past 8 years. My doctoral research and post-doctoral fellowship focused on the psychological well-being of queer men and LGBTQ-affirmative health care. I continue to teach in graduate programs and provide consultation on working with LGBTQ-identified individuals and couples. I have substantial expertise in the psychological effects of discrimination, the intersection of race and gender/sexuality, identity exploration, ethical nonmonogamy, psychosocial and medical gender transition, queer men’s issues, and queer relationship concerns.
As a clinician, my practice has consistently focused on the needs of queer people, particularly those who may be on the margins of the LGBTQ community, including trans and nonbinary folx, non-monosexual people (e.g., bisexual, pansexual), queer people of color, and polyamorous and non-monogamous individuals and relationships. I work to understand the effects of other identities (race, class, ability, age, etc.) on my patient’s concerns and tailor treatment accordingly.
10 Years Experience