LGBT therapists in Lufkin, TX

My name is Carolyn Cole (she/her), and I am a lifelong social worker in Texas, (born & raised in Louisiana).My social worker life has had twists and turns- I am grateful for the broad and diverse learning. I have worked in/with hospice, hospital settings, substance use disorder, teen pregnancy/parenting, and school districts, I received my LCSW (clinical social worker license) before the pandemic, a traumatic and anxious time for many of us. And, the impact still lingers with us.

I am trained in many modalities and work with my clients to identify and empower their strengths, their health. and and any roadblocks in life

My academic research includes integrated services for positive educational outcomes, and the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those with religious and church trauma. I have significant experience working with trauma, grief, and loss. I also teach clinical focused social work masters level (MSW) students at the university level.

I offer a strengths-based approach to our work; what is possible and positive.

My work includes adults of all ages, adolescents, and a warm, empathetic demeanor. I look forward to navigating your success with you!

Best of all: I can see you virtually "On Your Time"; weekends and nights available.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in hospital-based care, trauma work, and cross-cultural mental health, my practice is guided by the belief that healing starts with safety, clarity, and being truly understood. I offer a steady, compassionate presence and a culturally attuned perspective, respecting both the science of the mind and your personal narrative. I am dedicated to providing care that is thoughtful, grounded, and respectful of your entire experience.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience partnering with adolescents, adults of all ages and families. I am bilingual so I offer therapy in english and spanish.

Starting therapy can often make people feel nervous and unsure about what to expect. I understand how hard it is to trust a stranger with such personal thoughts and feelings. I have been working to help others create a safe and productive space to share and grow since 2013.

I work with adults who grew up with emotionally immature or emotionally unavailable parents. Many come in feeling lonely, empty, or misunderstood, often stuck in people‐pleasing, low self‐esteem, anxiety, or depression, and unsure of who they are or how to form lasting emotional connections. I also support clients facing work stress, major life transitions, and grief. Together, we slow things down, build insight, strengthen identity and boundaries, and develop skills for emotional regulation and healthier relationships so clients feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

I am a clinician dedicated to helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. My approach is practical, compassionate, and grounded in meeting people exactly where they are. I work with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, substance use challenges, and the emotional weight of family or relationship stress.

In our work together, my goal is to create a space where you can explore your experiences without judgment and learn skills that genuinely support your day-to-day life. I focus on building trust, understanding the full picture of each person’s strengths and struggles, and helping clients make meaningful progress at a pace that feels right for them.

Beyond therapy, I mentor developing clinicians and support wellness programs, which keeps me connected to both the clinical and community sides of mental health. I believe in whole-person care, collaboration, and helping every client recognize that they are worthy of stability, growth, and peace.

Seeking help can be the first step to acquire greater understanding and insight into our lives and relationships.

I believe therapy should feel less like performing and more like finally being able to exhale. My approach is warm, collaborative, insight-oriented, and rooted in genuine human connection. I specialize in psychoanalytic and narrative therapy, helping clients explore the deeper patterns, relationships, experiences, and stories that shape how they move through the world. Together, we work to uncover the “why” beneath recurring emotions, behaviors, relationship dynamics, and internal conflicts while also rewriting narratives that no longer serve you.

Welcome—I’m so glad you’re here. I’m Stephanie, a National Board-Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, self-harm, suicidal ideation, ADHD, grief, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. I specialize in supporting survivors of abuse, neglect, and domestic violence through trauma-informed, compassionate care. I also provide affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals and those facing life transitions, low self-esteem, and academic or career stress.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or worried about your child or family? I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20+ years of experience helping children, parents, and caregivers through big feelings and life changes. As a former elementary school counselor and certified K–12 art teacher, I understand the school, social, and family pressures kids and teens face.