Aims Beardslee
LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Affirming Online Therapy in Florida
LGBTQ Vegan Therapist in Florida
Hi there! If you are seeking an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist who has experience working with clients of all sexual/romantic orientations and gender identities, I’m so glad to have you here!
I specialize in serving the LGBTQ+ community by providing individual and relationship/couples counseling, with a special emphasis on neurodivergent affirming therapy-having worked the most extensively with Autistic and ADHD clients and couples.
I provide online counseling to LGBTQ+ clients in St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area, as well as to clients anywhere in Florida.
My Specialties:
Individual Counseling for LGBTQ+ clients
Couples/Relationship Therapy for LGBTQ+ clients
Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy for Individuals & Couples
(specializing in Autism and ADHD and mixed neurotype relationships)
Additional Specialties:
Couples/Relationship Counseling for clients with diverse sexual orientations and/or gender identities, including mixed orientation relationships (partners having differing sexual orientations, for example: lesbian/gay & bi, or straight & bi)
Counseling for those in a relationship in which one or more partners are transgender, gender diverse, genderqueer, and/or nonbinary (and who may need help navigating one or both partners’ coming out and/or transitions and potential impacts on the relationship)
Counseling for those in polyamorous/open/CNM (consensually non-monogamous) relationships or those who are considering opening up their relationship and need a safe, supportive, & confidential space to explore this
Individual and couples/relationship counseling for clients who are transgender, gender diverse, genderqueer, gender nonconforming, and/or non-binary
Gender Affirming Therapy to support you on your gender journey, including exploration and taking transition steps
I am also kink/BDSM affirming and informed!
Treating LGBTQ+ Mental Health Issues:
In addition to specializing in gender, sexuality, and relationship issues, I have several years of experience treating common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and chronic mental illness (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, etc.) Many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community suffer from mental health issues (such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse) at a disproportionately higher rate than non-LGBTQ+ individuals, and this is often a result of what is termed “minority stress”.
Minority stress for the LGBTQ+ population stems from varied factors, including the stress of remaining closeted in certain contexts (at work, with certain family members or friends); dealing with the coming out process; facing discrimination, prejudice, and the threat of (or experience being the target of) violence; struggles with internalized homophobia or transphobia; and feelings of isolation and rejection.
These stressors increase the risk of mental health problems for LGBTQ+ individuals, and not acknowledging the influence of these factors can often make the individuals experiencing them feel lost, overwhelmed, and, at times, hopeless. Therefore, it is crucial to have a therapist who is competent in understanding the complexities of LGBTQ+ minority stress along with the experience of treating the resulting mental health conditions, all while providing warmth and support when you need it the most.
I have extensive experience providing mental health counseling in community mental health, hospital, office, and in home settings, but I decided to open my private practice so that I could concentrate on specifically serving the LGBTQ+ community. I also wanted to make my services available to LGBTQ+ clients across the state of Florida by offering online counseling, as many individuals live in areas that have a shortage of (or no) therapists who are experienced in treating LGBTQ+ issues.
Because sexual and gender minorities often still face prejudice and discrimination when seeking mental health care (and primary health care), I wanted to help remove that barrier and provide support and help for as many people as possible. One day I hope that there will no longer be a need for therapists who specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, as the competency to provide care for our community should be integrated into the educational curricula and training programs for all healthcare professionals.
I am a proud member of GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality, which is a global organization whose mission is to ensure equality in healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and healthcare providers.
Licensure and Education
As an L.M.H.C. (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), I am fully licensed to independently practice mental health counseling in the state of Florida. I graduated from Florida State University with a dual degree: a Master of Science (M.S.) degree and an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, both in Mental Health Counseling. I earned my undergraduate degree in Women’s/Gender Studies from Georgia State University in Atlanta, graduating summa cum laude.
Trainings
I have given lectures and provided trainings on sexual orientation and gender identity issues in university and agency settings in order to increase support for sexual and gender minorities, as well as to increase the competency of health care professionals. I was an invited guest lecturer at Florida State University in 2012 and 2013, where I gave my interactive, multimedia lecture entitled “From a Black and White to a Technicolor View of Gender: A Discussion on Gender Identity and Gender Variance Across The Lifespan”.
In January of 2017 I was an invited Guest Speaker at the University of South Florida’s Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, where I facilitated a “Community Healing” workshop.
Community Involvement
From November 2016 through November 2017 I facilitated a free biweekly LGBTQ+ support group at Community Cafe in St. Petersburg, Florida. During this time our group created an LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resource station, which can be found across from the ordering counter at the cafe.
In June of 2017 I attended the St. Pete Pride Parade and had a booth at the St. Pete Pride Festival. So many awesome and friendly people stopped by my booth and also won some cool free stuff! Some people also took a moment to visit the “Coping Corner” at my booth and did some mindful coloring and relaxation activities.
I also attended the St. Pete Pride Parade in June of 2018, and in October of 2018 I had a booth at Come Out St. Pete’s Grand Central Pride Festival!
Professional Development
I believe that learning is lifelong, and even if I am an affirming, experienced, and well-trained therapist, I always have the ability (and responsibility) to learn more. I want to ensure I am up to date on the latest research and evidence-based practices that enable me to not just be affirming, but to also be as informed as possible. This allows me to provide you with the most competent and highest quality care.
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