LGBT Issues therapists in Smithville, 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
Jamie Pettus
Psychologist, PsyD
I have worked with LGBTQIA+ clients for around 20 years, and am a member of this community, as I identify as both a lesbian and as gender nonconforming. I have worked with many clients who identified as transgender or gender variant.
21 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Jennifer Plumb Vilardaga, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Wherever you are on your journey, I aim to support you. We can work together on defining goals for your care whether it be exploring your identity, exploring if/how to share your identity with others, or coping with other stressors related to your life, we will take each as it comes. For some, their gender or sexual identity (or how others currently or historically have responded negatively or harmfully to you) is at the forefront of their life and treatment goals, and for some it is an important part of themselves but not a current focus for care. I aim to be affirming in all that we do, learning about and supporting you as a whole human worthy of dignity, respect, and kindness.
11 Years Experience
LGBT Issues
Cameron Staley
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I love working with individuals in exploring their identity and fostering a greater sense of who they are.
12 Years Experience