LGBT therapists in Fernandina Beach, FL

Welcome—I'm so glad you're here. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, processing deep emotional wounds, or simply seeking a safe space to be heard, I’m here to support you. I’m a bilingual, neurodivergent, culturally-affirming National Certified Mental Health Counselor, licensed in Virginia and Florida, with 25+ years of experience guiding individuals through healing and growth. My approach is compassionate, personalized, and rooted in evidence-based practices.

I believe therapy is a powerful way to reconnect with your inner strength. If you're considering taking that step, I'd be honored to connect.

I currently work with individuals aged 18 and older.

Hi, I'm Dr. Clay Connelly, but please just call me "Clay." I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and other emotional concerns. Clients often describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself while also helping you make meaningful progress toward your goals.

I believe therapy should be both supportive and practical. In our work together, we'll focus not only on understanding what you're experiencing but also on developing skills and strategies you can use in everyday life. Whether you're seeking short-term support or longer-term personal growth, I strive to provide a respectful, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic experience.

Some people experience fear that holds them back. Others are so weighed down by the complexities of life that it feels like there is not enough energy to do anything. Over time, they shift further and further away from the person that they know they can be, but they feel like they’ve already tried everything and feel stuck. If you can resonate, the bravest thing you can do is reach out. We all have core beliefs that define how we see ourselves and the world. These beliefs have huge implications for our emotional, behavioral, and relational patterns. Some are positive and helpful, and others are fear-based and limiting.

I help people gain awareness of their limiting core beliefs so they can actively reframe them, if necessary, into more beneficial and realistic beliefs. Together, we can explore the internal and external factors that impact not only your beliefs, but the feelings, behaviors, and relationships associated with those beliefs.

I collaborate with individuals, couples, and families, and together, we work to accomplish the changes they desperately want to make. If you are ready for a change, know I will be right by your side as you reclaim joy, face your fears, and begin to feel at peace with yourself again (or maybe even for the first time).

I'm a retired veteran, have been working as a social worker/therapist since 2004, and have been in private practice since 2017. I have extensive and successful experience helping people with trauma/PTSD, relationships, boundaries, emotions, domestic violence, sexual trauma, substance abuse, grief, parenting, and more.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Over the past 10 years I have worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor, Group Facilitator, Counseling families, Individuals, The Sheltered Homeless population, First Responders, and the geriatric population. I have also worked with children who are in the foster care system. I have experience in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, trauma/PTSD, Behavior issues, and other areas as well.

Life can feel overwhelming when stress, anger, addiction, anxiety, or family conflict start pulling you away from who you want to be. I work with adolescent boys, teens, and adults who feel stuck, disconnected, or weighed down by emotional struggles and unhealthy patterns. Together, we focus on building confidence, emotional balance, healthy coping skills, and a stronger sense of purpose so you can feel more grounded, peaceful, and in control of your life and relationships.

I believe that your lived experiences are valid and essential for our work together. I specialize in eating disorders, disordered eating, body image issues, and also treat depression and anxiety. Foundational to my work are the principles of bodily autonomy, Health At Every Size (HAES®), harm reduction, social justice, and compassion.