Discover how starting LGBTQIA+ counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
2 therapists available in Henrico
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction...
About
Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Tricia uses a humanistic approach and a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, strength-based, narrative, acceptance and commitment, expressive art as therapy, and positive psychotherapy.
Tricia completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She will actively listen, help you gain perspective, explore with you what is keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself, and make a plan that will empower you to reach your goals.
“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety” (Abraham Maslow). Sometimes what feels safe, comfortable, and familiar, is actually unhealthy; change can be hard and the unknown scary. Do you feel stuck, repeating toxic patterns or negative thinking? Have life events or stress become overwhelming or seem unmanageable? Maybe you just need a supportive space to talk about what you’re going through and how you are feeling.
Education and training
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Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental hea...
Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and she has experience providing individual and group therapy. She has worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, substance abuse, and family conflict.
Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Florida State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked in a variety of settings, providing services in the community, outpatient settings, and public schools. An area of particular passion includes working with young adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, trauma, and sexual assault recovery.
Wendy utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strength-based, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. Wendy realizes that each person is unique and tailors her therapeutic approach to each client. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and involves meeting her clients where they are. She approaches clients with compassion and acceptance. Wendy believes that therapy requires vulnerability and courage and works to create a safe setting for that work to occur.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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LGBTQIA+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client’s life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Henrico, VA typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. LGBTQ+ therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.
LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today’s society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Henrico, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.
Although our society is making rapid inroads towards accepting diverse sexual and romantic orientations, along with gender identifications, cultural biases still very much exist. If you or someone you love is being discriminated against, marginalized or attacked in any way due to LGBTQIA issues- especially from family members- it can be intimidating and stressful. Those identifying as LGBTQIA, which stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual”, oftentimes find themselves still faced with uncomfortable situations at school, home or at work. Bullying and victimization are still commonly directed towards members of the LGBTQIA community, and as a result individuals that endure such treatment and pressure sometimes resort to unhealthy behaviors like substance abuse, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.
Societal discrimination also is an issue, and LGBTQIA individuals are faced with that injustice in situations involving housing, employment, education and basic human rights. LGBTQIA identifiers are also the subject of various types of harassment, including sexual assault, verbal and physical bullying, and social rejection. When you or a loved one experiences this treatment the pressure can lead to unhealthy behavioral health conditions like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and even posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). LGBTQIA couples also face the same relational challenges that those outside their community do, whether it’s issues of sex, dealing with family members, finances, or effectively communicating with one another. Thankfully, all of the aforementioned challenges that LGBTQIA people face are ones that can be effectively addressed by licensed counseling, or coaching, professionals during individual or couples therapy sessions.
At Thriveworks Henrico Virginia our compassionate and helpful mental health professionals are equipped for LGBTQIA counseling. They stand ready to provide insight while assisting you or your loved one overcome their challenges while developing a more positive outlook on life. For more information on our LGBTQIA coaching services, or how to become a certified Thriveworks Henrico, VA coach, call: (804) 205-3408 today or visit our Contact page now.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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