New to Grow
Looking for a queer affirming therapist? You’re in the right place, and I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Lindsay, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Northwest Indiana. I work with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, and all the twists and turns that come with figuring out who you are—especially within the LGBTQ+ community. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued exactly as you are. And while I bring an affirming lens to queer and trans experiences, I welcome people of all identities—you definitely don’t have to be queer to feel comfortable here.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, the main goal is just to get a clear picture of what’s been going on for you. I’ll ask questions about when things started, what your relationships and support system look like, and how you’ve been feeling day‑to‑day. I take notes as we talk and really focus on helping you feel comfortable being yourself—no pressure, no judgment. After that, our follow‑up sessions are all about exploring practical tools and strategies to help your symptoms feel more manageable.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I take a really relaxed, down‑to‑earth approach to therapy because I want you to feel comfortable talking with me. You get my full attention, and there’s zero judgment—this is your space to show up exactly as you are. I’m here to support you, and when it feels right, I’ll offer honest, caring feedback. And honestly, therapy doesn’t have to feel heavy every minute. Humor shows up in my sessions a lot—sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident—and I welcome it. A little laughter can break tension, help us see things differently, and make tough conversations feel more human. You don’t need to perform or be perfect here; just come as you are, and we’ll figure things out together.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who are dealing with all kinds of emotional ups and downs—things like depression, anxiety, mood struggles, relationship stress, and identity‑related challenges. A lot of the people I see feel overwhelmed, stuck, or just not like themselves, and they want a space where they can feel heard and supported. I specialize in LGBTQ+ affirming care and really enjoy working with folks who are navigating identity questions, family dynamics, or big life transitions. Whether someone is sorting through intense feelings or trying to find some stability again, I meet them where they’re at with compassion and curiosity. I don’t see couples.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in sessions because it helps clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT offers tools to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, manage emotional responses, and build healthier coping strategies. It’s especially effective for issues like anxiety, depression, and mood regulation. I like CBT because it’s collaborative and empowering—it gives clients a framework to make real, sustainable changes in their daily lives.
Gender-affirming therapy
I use gender‑affirming therapy because everyone deserves a space where their identity is respected and understood without judgment. It gives people room to explore and express their gender in ways that feel real to them, while also working through the stress, trauma, and stigma that can come with not always feeling supported in the world. Whether someone is questioning, transitioning, or just trying to feel more at home in themselves, this approach offers validation and clarity. What I love most is how it opens the door for self‑discovery and helps people build resilience at whatever point they’re at in their journey.
Compassion Focused
I like using Compassion Focused Therapy because it helps people be a lot kinder to themselves—especially if they’ve spent years stuck in self‑doubt or being hard on themselves. It’s really about learning to handle tough emotions without adding extra judgment or shame on top. It’s especially helpful for people dealing with trauma, identity struggles, or long‑term anxiety and depression. To me, compassion isn’t just a nice idea—it’s genuinely powerful. When you start treating yourself with the same care you give others, things can shift in a really meaningful way.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my work, I use DBT to help people build practical skills they can actually use in the moment—things like calming their body, managing big emotions, and communicating more clearly. In session, we break down what’s been overwhelming and figure out which DBT tools fit the situation, whether that’s grounding, distress‑tolerance strategies, or checking the facts. I like how DBT gives clients a mix of structure and flexibility, so they can experiment and see what works for them. Over time, it helps people feel more in control and less ruled by intense emotions