LGBT therapists in Stafford, VA

I have 26 years of experience dealing with individuals, couples, families in therapy. We will work together to develop plans that are unique and right for you.

Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.

My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.

I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.

Hi, I’m Michelle Gorden, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). I’m passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and reconnect with the best version of themselves.

My clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, and I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I specialize in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional regulation difficulties.

In addition to my clinical work, my diverse professional and personal background allows me to connect with clients from many walks of life. I believe therapy should feel supportive, empowering, and collaborative — a place where you can feel truly seen, heard, and understood without judgment.

I work with individual adults and certain families who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, sad, lonely, sensitive, anxious, or defeated. If you're feeling heavy by everything going on, or feeling frantic, or having conflict in your relationships or are just feeling lost in any way, I would love to see if I can help! I also work with family units going through transition or strain, such as conflict between a parent and their adult child, or supporting parents who are experiencing difficult things with their child or teen.

I have a lot of experience helping people through loss, whether it's a breakup, losing a job, or a loved one - including loss of a pet, which is a specialty of mine. I have special interest in supporting other therapists, and also community organizers and activists who are engaged in social justice work. Many of my clients are trans or NB, and others are gay, lesbian, or queer. Poly and kink affirming.

I offer telehealth services to clients in California, Idaho, Washington, or Virginia.

As much as I would like to believe that I chose this profession, the profession really chose me; helping people manifest the changes they want to see is my passion. I work best with perfectionism, military spouses, imposter syndrome, anxiety, adjustment, and intermittent depression.

I provide a thoughtful, intentional space for clients to explore, heal, and grow. My approach blends evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each client’s story, helping them move toward clarity, emotional balance, and a more aligned way of living.