LGBT therapists in Bridgeport, CT

I understand that the decision to seek help for mental health needs can be a nerve-racking and scary process. When it comes to patient care, I am most passionate about the preservation of dignity and making my patients feel seen. I meet fear or nervousness with acceptance, encouragement, and knowledge.

Terence Ching, PhD (he/him) is a Yale-, Dartmouth-, and UConn-trained clinical psychologist licensed in CT.

Dr. Ching has vast academic and clinical expertise in mood, anxiety, and trauma-based disorders, especially obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Ching is also an Instructor on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. There, he leads psychedelic clinical trials (namely, psilocybin) for OCD, depression, and other disorders in the Yale Program for Psychedelic Science. There, Dr. Ching assumes the role of Director of Psychedelic Training, pioneering the training and supervision of numerous facilitators who work with study participants in psychedelic dosing sessions.

In the psychedelic therapy space, Dr. Ching is an extensively published global leader in culturally attuned, queer- and trans-affirming, and ethically rigorous care of individuals experiencing altered states of consciousness.

Lastly, Dr. Ching is an internationally sought after scientific speaker. He has significant consulting experience in various aspects of psychedelic research and practice, having trained hundreds of study therapists for multiple companies who have achieved FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation in their drug development programs.

I graduated from Fordham University in 2009 and began applying my new skills in trauma- and addiction-focused positions across clinics and hospitals in NYC. I continued working in crisis response services upon moving to Rochester, NY and in 2020 I became interested in sex therapy and integrative sex and couples therapy. I studied to obtain my Certification in Sex Therapy from the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists. My work focuses on a number of sexual health and mental health issues, including desire discrepancies, physical concerns that limit one's ability to enjoy preferred sexual activities, erotic recovery after infidelity and/or trauma, establishment of monogamy agreements, kink-affirming care and assistance to co-create polyamorous relationship agreements.

I regularly work with individuals facing a variety of life's diverse challenges including anxiety/ panic, family-of-origin concerns, depression, maternal mental health, transition to parenthood, trauma, grief/ loss, sexual issues, and career related concerns. I also have a specialization in sex and relationship therapy.

My clients are often seeking a combination of clarity, coping skills, and in general -- more ease and happiness in their daily life. I also have a unique specialization in "relationship therapy for one" where we unpack what might be keeping you stuck or unhappy when it comes to your overall relationship health/ satisfaction.

I have been a licensed therapist for over a decade and received my training at state of the art educational institutes including Syracuse University and other hospital and outpatient centers across NY and Manhattan. I have also sought out ongoing participation in professional clinical consultation groups with some of the most influential therapists and thought leaders of our time. These varied and diverse professional training experiences enable me to provide the best possible care to each client I serve. In addition, I also provide training and mentorship for new therapists looking to specialize in sex and relationship health.

I am a bilingual (Spanish) licensed mental health counselor with more than 25 years of experience helping adults and couples. My career began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I earned my PhD and worked as a licensed psychologist. After moving to the US, I completed a Master’s in mental health counseling at the University of Miami and became licensed to practice in Connecticut.

My background includes almost 15 years in the financial and corporate world before I shifted gears to become a therapist. I have worked in corporate, government and hospital settings. Key areas I support clients include managing difficult thought patterns and ways to have more direct and confident communication.

I also have expertise in the following areas:

--Workplace challenges/dynamics

--Supporting First Responders

--Facilitating workshops + webinars

--Facilitating critical incidents + onsite debriefings

--Expertise working both in and with Employee Assistance Programs.

I believe therapy should feel supportive, practical, and empowering. Clients often describe me as warm, direct, and easy to talk to. I work with adults who want to better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, and I focus on helping clients build skills they can actually use in daily life. You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just a willingness to show up.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals across the lifespan — from middle school-aged children navigating the challenges of adolescence to adults and elderly clients facing the complexities of everyday life. My broad clinical background has equipped me with a deep understanding of the unique emotional, developmental, and social needs that vary across each stage of life, allowing me to provide thoughtful, age-appropriate care for every client I work with.

Professional background: I am a psychiatric nurse with over a decade of experience in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with all ages. Educational background: I graduated from a hospital based nursing program and went on to get a master's in psychiatric nursing from the University of St. Joseph's. I have worked with clients with diagnoses ranging from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety, autism, adhd, and substance use disorders.