LGBTQ Therapists in Denver
Proudly supporting the Colorado queer community!
Whether you’re struggling with mental health issues, coming out, questioning your identities, gender transition or need support in your relationship, we are here to help. Our LGBTQ therapists in Colorado have a passion for helping LGBTQ+/queer individuals and their loved ones. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can help.
About Rooted Acorn Counseling
Rooted Acorn Counseling is a Queer-founded and led therapy practice.
We believe in the power of healthy roots to nourish and sustain us in this world. We understand the immense value of having a supportive queer community that truly comprehends your unique mental health needs, especially in today's world. We also understand that even if we are not focusing on gender and sexuality, oftentimes there is ease in just knowing there is already a level of understanding.
Our roots provide vital nutrients, and they connect us to each other and foster a sense of belonging. We all need someone to lean on in times of need. Our therapists are passionate about helping LGBTQ+ folks make lasting life changes as well as heal and grow.
At Rooted Acorn Counseling, our mission is to nourish our community with acceptance, compassion, warmth, trust, and a deep sense of belonging. You deserve unwavering support and acceptance. You deserve the expertise of qualified and professional therapists who will be there for you when you need them most.
LGBTQ therapy services we offer
In our clinical practice, our counselors provide inclusive and queer and trans affirming therapy services for individuals and for partners and couples. Our therapists offer mental health care that affirms and honors your identities, and have 20+ years of cumulative experience.
Individual Psychotherapy
Each of our therapists are trained and experienced to provide you with a therapy experience to meet your individual needs. We tailor each session to address your goals and values. We create a space for you to talk about what matters most to you.
Therapy for Teens
We offer therapy for teens and parents of LGBTQ+ teens. We offer support in building healthy relationships, navigating gender journeys and coming out, and day-to-day stresses such as getting good grades, and staying focused when the pressure is on.
Couples Counseling
Our relationship therapist has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), an attachment-based, inclusive relationship model, to help you and your partner repair and rebuild bridges for long lasting connection.
LGBTQ+ Support Groups
We offer therapy groups throughout the year to help you find support in a safe setting with other people who get it. Groups meet weekly for 6 to 8 weeks and are structured to explore relevant topics to the LGBTQ+ community.
Meet our top-rated LGBTQ therapists in Denver
As part of our clinical practice, we're proud to introduce you to our top-rated LGBTQ therapists in Denver. Each of our counselors brings years of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those seeking to gain clarity and support as they make desired changes in their lives. Our dedicated team help folks heal from trauma, decrease depression and anxiety, and improve their relationships. It is our mission to provide an affirming and supportive environment to help clients achieve their goals. No matter what you're going through, our top-rated LGBTQ therapists are here to help you feel heard, seen, understood, and empowered to create real and lasting change in your life.
Sharon F. Hester, MS, LPC
she/her
Licensed Professional Counselor LPC.0012616 - Colorado
Licensed Addictions Counselor ACD.000237 - Colorado
Licensed Professional Counselor C10404 - Oregon
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor 068.0136538 - Vermont
Teletherapy and in-person
Providing therapy since 2010
Sharon F. Hester, LPC is a licensed mental health therapist proudly offering Queer-affirming therapy in Denver, CO. Sharon provides counseling to both teens and adults seeking personal growth and healing.
Lindsay Cade, MA, LPC
she/her
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC.0013446
Certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist
Teletherapy and in-person
Providing therapy since 2014
Lindsay Cade is a licensed trauma and relationship therapist. She uses her expertise and training to help folks overcome past experiences, heal trauma, as well as repair and build lasting connections in your relationship(s).
Why choose us for LGBTQ counseling in Denver
At our clinical practice, we understand the importance of providing a welcoming space for LGBTQ individuals and couples seeking counseling in Denver, CO.
We are a proudly queer-led therapy practice. We offer our services to LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, as well as to their loved ones. We acknowledge the unique struggles and feelings that come with navigating discrimination and societal pressures related to sexual identity and gender identity. Our team of experienced clinicians have a passion for supporting queer mental health by providing a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their personal journeys, heal trauma, and build self-esteem.
Whether you want individual therapy support for navigating those issues specific to being LGBTQ, trauma healing, or dealing with stresses at school, we can help. If you are wanting support with your relationship, to repair and reconnect with your partner, our couples counselor has advanced training and skills to support you and your queer relationship. We believe that counseling can be a powerful tool in promoting self-acceptance and empowering individuals to live authentically. If you are looking for a LGBTQ-affirming counseling experience, we are here to help.
Experience matters
Our team of counselors have over 20 years of combined therapy experience and are fully licensed in the state of Colorado.
Queer therapists
We are queer therapists who truly understand the unique challenges faced by the queer community.
Collaboration with parents of teens
For therapy to be beneficial, it is important to maintain confidentiality for your teen. However, we don't want you in the dark. We value and seek parent engagement and collaboration throughout our work with your teen because we know your teen's relationship with you and support from you is vital for their wellbeing.
Effective, evidence-based relationship therapy
Your relationship is important and vital which is why our relationship therapist has advanced training and expertise in the best relationship therapy out there, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT).
Dedication to continuing our education and training
We are are committed to continuing to learn and deepen our skills as therapists because therapy is a practice after all. The more we do it and the more we train, the better we are able to serve you. You deserve the best support, and we're here to serve you with our best practice and care.
Frequently asked questions about LGTBQ therapy
-
The aim of queer affirming therapy is to provide support and guidance that is tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ communities. This therapeutic approach embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community, and offers a space for folks identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, or cisgender to explore their gender or sexuality and express themselves authentically. Queer affirming counselors understand the unique challenges that their clients may face due to their sexual and/or gender identities. The goal of this model of counseling is to empower clients to develop a positive and nurturing relationship with their sexuality or gender. The ultimate goal here is to help queer folks feel more confident in their own skin. With the help of a queer affirming counselor, individuals can gain greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and an increased sense of well-being.
-
For those of us in the LGBTQ community, finding a safe space to talk openly about our feelings and life experiences can be a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, which is why affirming therapy is so important. "23% of Individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) report experiencing four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACES) while 42% of gender nonconforming and trans individuals report the same," found Envision:You in their 2022 Impact Report. These experiences can be related to increased anxiety and feelings of depression. Moreover, research findings have shown that these adverse experiences can also impact our physical health as well. LGBTQ counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals and couples can discuss their unique challenges and stressors without fear of discrimination or judgment. Let's be real. This world is not always safe. The prevalence of homophobia, transphobia, and other hateful belief systems, means we experience high levels of anxiety and fear daily. Counseling can help individuals and couples cope with these feelings by providing tools and resources to navigate life stress experienced when facing society and/or our family's biases and stigmas. To be clear, being LGBTQ is not an issue; society's bias, stigma, and hate are the issues. There is nothing wrong with us! We are beautiful in all of our queerness. However, daily navigating these adverse situations, biases, and hate increases the likelihood of depression, anxiety, fear, and stress in our queer community. Counseling can be particularly helpful for our mental health to build our self-esteem, overcome anxiety, and learn to love ourselves and live life authentically. Ultimately, LGBTQ counseling plays a vital role in promoting a healthy and happy life for us in the LGBTQ community.
-
Searching for an LGBTQ affirming therapist or therapy practice near you can be a daunting task, especially if you're unsure where to start. The first step is to talk to your friends and family members who may have done counseling in the past and can offer recommendations. You can also consult online directories, like The Center on Colfax or Inclusive Therapists, or contact local clinical practices, like Rooted Acorn Counseling, to check the availability of affirming therapists who serve the LGBTQ community. Once you've narrowed down your search, schedule an initial consultation call and a few initial sessions with a therapist to gauge their knowledge and experience in working with LGBTQ clients and their unique mental health needs. Don't be afraid to ask a therapist if they have experience working with clients who have similar sexual identities and gender identities as you. In life, it can take time to build a rhythm and build trust with a new person. That's normal in therapy too! Remember, finding the right therapist can be a process, and it's worth investing the time and effort to find someone who can support you in your life. Whether you are in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, at Rooted Acorn Counseling, we provide convenient virtual therapy sessions to join from the comfort of your home and have limited availability for in-person sessions as well.
“I think everybody’s scared, but if you don’t let your fears stop you, that’s bravery.” -Leslie Feinberg
We believe that everyone deserves an affirming space where their deepest struggles can be known. In this knowing, folks can find their way towards healing. For members of the LGBTQ community, finding a therapist who understands, and honors their unique mental health needs can be a challenge. That is why we are proud to have a team of LGBTQ therapists here in Denver who are dedicated to providing compassionate and affirming care to our clients. Whether you're looking to start therapy for the first time or seeking a new therapist who truly gets it, we invite you to contact us today and take the first step towards reaching your mental health goals. We are here for you, and we are committed to supporting you on your journey towards wellness and healing.