LGBT therapists in Venice, FL

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, weighed down, or stuck carrying things you rarely say out loud, you don’t have to do that alone. I work with people navigating depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, attachment wounds, and PTSD. In therapy, we’ll slow things down, make sense of what you’re carrying, and help you build a life that feels safer, steadier, and more like your own. Nothing is “too much” here, and you get to set the pace.

My journey began as a deeply personal quest for healing, shaped by significant challenges such as abandonment, neglect, and trauma. Overcoming hardships like poverty, familial substance abuse, and toxic relationships led me to a lifelong struggle with anxiety and feelings of isolation. In my search for relief, I explored countless self-help resources, pursued degrees in psychology, and experimented with therapeutic techniques, yet nothing seemed to offer lasting change.

Everything shifted for me about three years ago when I experienced a transformative moment that inspired the creation of the Blue Lotus Approach. This method has not only helped me heal but has also profoundly impacted my clients, guiding them toward self-awareness and resilience.

My clinical background includes extensive experience working with underprivileged populations, victims of crime, and individuals coping with bereavement, grief, and loss. I have served as a school counselor for students from pre‐K through 12th grade, and I have supported college students navigating the challenges of major life transitions.

After completing my Master’s in Counseling from California State University, Sacramento, I co‐facilitated a children’s bereavement group with Hospice and led a suicide‐prevention program throughout inner‐city schools in Sacramento. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how individuals process adversity, build resilience, and find meaning in their healing journeys.

My therapeutic approach is humanistic and person‐centered, with an emphasis on play and art therapy. I also incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution‐Focused techniques, and mindfulness‐based approaches to support clients in developing insight, strengthening coping skills, and fostering emotional well‐being.

Call me Ben! I've been in private practice as an LCSW for 6+ years and the mental health field at-large for close to a decade. I live in Asheville, North Carolina with my wife and our two cats. I love to go hiking and kayaking, I own a record store where I also work, and love a good gaming session with my friends.

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 am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Mental Health Clinician, and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience providing inpatient and outpatient mental health therapy, as well as more than 30 years of working alongside individuals to help them create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Georgia, and I am an active member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

I believe that the most powerful change happens when clients feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves. My ideal client is motivated, engaged, and open to self-reflection—but in truth, everyone is welcome in my practice. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, navigating current challenges, or simply looking to grow, my goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where we can work together toward your goals. More importantly, EVERYONE is welcome to my practice!