Yaminah Carter

About Me

As a person-centered therapist, I believe that each of us is the expert of our own life. My role is not to give answers, but to help illuminate paths and offer tools. I am here to walk alongside you as you make sense of your story, reconnect with your strengths, and move toward greater self-trust and well-being.

As a queer-affirming, culturally responsive therapist, I am especially passionate about holding space for the Black community, communities of color, and LGBTQIA+ and gender nonconforming individuals. Whether you’re navigating the complexity of identity, working through historical and intergenerational trauma, or simply seeking a therapist who sees and honors all of you—I welcome you.

My approach to therapy is grounded in deep respect for your lived experience and your innate capacity for healing. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that honors your autonomy, culture, identity, and values. No two people are the same, and neither are their healing journeys. That's why I tailor my work to fit each client’s unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic therapy, and mindfulness.

I currently work in the Philadelphia area, specifically Society Hill in Downtown Philadelphia, with both individuals and couples. I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, gender identity exploration, Black identity, LGBTQIA+ identity, grief and loss, life transitions, and low self-esteem or self-worth. I also offer an affirming space to explore issues related to sexuality and desire, including support for polyamorous or open relationship structures and concerns around low sexual desire or arousal.

My Education and Professional Journey

I received my Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling Psychology from Temple University, where I deepened my understanding of trauma, multicultural counseling, Black psychology, LGBTQIA+ psychology, and systemic mental health barriers. As part of my graduate training, I interned in Black women led private practice settings where I applied what I practiced and read about in class with real clients. Prior to that, I earned my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Neuroscience from Carnegie Mellon University, where I developed a strong foundation in psychological theory, research, and ethics. My early professional career includes cognitive neuroscience and clinical addiction research. I found that within the research space, I was missing the essential element of genuine connection that therapy has provided me.

I am currently working toward licensure in the state of Pennsylvania under the supervision of a licensed therapist. In my clinical training and ongoing work, I have focused on creating therapy spaces that are inclusive, nonjudgmental, and attuned to the complexities of each client’s lived experience and unique history.

My commitment to professional development is ongoing. I continue to pursue training in somatic healing practices, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and sex therapy, in order to best support the needs of my clients—especially those navigating the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and mental health.

Why I Became a Therapist

Even before I officially began this career, I often found myself in the role of the listener. Within my family and among friends, I became someone people turned to for understanding, empathy, and space to share. That trust has always been something I deeply cherished.

It wasn’t until I began my own journey as a therapy client that I fully understood the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship. Working with my therapist, I was able to rediscover myself—my voice, my strength, my clarity. That experience was profoundly healing and, at the same time, illuminating. I realized that this was more than just something I was good at—it was a calling.

Now, as a therapist myself, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the trust my clients place in me. It is a sacred responsibility to witness someone’s story and hold space for their growth. I don't take that lightly. The stories of Black, Queer, and Queer Black people are so often overlooked that I’m honored when entrusted with their journeys.

How I Work

Because my foundation is person-centered, our work together begins with you. I believe that healing doesn’t happen through advice-giving or diagnosis alone—it happens through authentic connection, emotional safety, and deep listening. I take the time to get to know who you are, what matters to you, and what you hope to shift in your life.

For clients experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, I often integrate cognitive behavioral strategies that help increase awareness of unhelpful thought patterns and build tools for emotional regulation. I also incorporate body-based (somatic) practices that invite you to reconnect with your physical self and notice how anxiety shows up in your nervous system.

If you’re grieving or navigating a loss, our work may focus on making space for your feelings, honoring the meaning of what’s been lost, and exploring how you can live alongside grief. If you’re exploring gender identity or navigating transition, I offer a supportive, affirming space where you don’t have to educate your therapist or justify your experience.

I also work with couples—monogamous, polyamorous, or somewhere in between—on communication, desire discrepancies, emotional disconnection, and relationship ruptures. My relationship work is rooted in consent, equity, and openness to all forms of loving connection.

In sex therapy, my approach is grounded in the belief that every person has the right to understand, define, and express their sexuality in a way that feels safe and authentic. I hold space for clients to unpack shame, navigate desire, process trauma, and explore pleasure without fear of judgment. Whether you’re questioning your sexual identity, struggling with arousal or orgasm, choosing celibacy, or trying to rebuild intimacy with a partner(s), I offer a trauma-informed and affirming environment to reconnect with your sexual self. Together, we work at the pace that feels right for you, honoring your body, your boundaries, and your values.

And if you simply find yourself feeling “stuck,” also known as “meh,” lost, or unsure of where to go next, that’s okay too. Therapy is also a space for reflection and discovery—for exploring who you are beneath the noise of outside expectations and internalized self-doubt.

My Values as a Therapist

My work is shaped by a deep commitment to social justice, intersectionality, Black psychology, LGBTQIA+ psychology, and radical empathy. I recognize that our mental health is not separate from the systems we live in, and that therapy must be a space where power, identity, and structural harm are named and held with care. I strive to honor the cultural, spiritual, and ancestral wisdom you bring into the room, and to be a therapist who not only listens—but witnesses.

I also believe in the power of softness—in creating a space where you don’t have to be "on," where you can let your guard down and speak freely. So much of the world asks us to perform, to shrink, or to survive. In therapy, I want you to have the freedom to just be. That’s where healing begins.

What You Can Expect From Working With Me

You can expect warmth, transparency, and thoughtful challenge when it’s helpful. You’ll never be pushed to go somewhere you’re not ready for, but I will walk with you if you decide it’s time to go deeper.

I don’t believe in quick fixes or cookie-cutter approaches. Instead, I believe in building a trusting relationship that supports sustainable change. Together, we’ll explore your internal world and the external forces that shape it. We’ll reconnect you with your inner resilience and your right to live a life that feels meaningful and aligned.

Whether you’re navigating trauma, asking big questions about your identity, working on relationship challenges, or just trying to feel more at home in your own skin—I welcome you to reach out.

Areas of Specialization

Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Depression
Gender Identity
Grief & Loss
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy
Life Transitions
Low Self Esteem
Low Sexual Desire
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Multicultural & Intersectional Issues
Non-monogamy, Poly & Open Relationships
Trauma & PTSD

My Hobbies & Passions

Outside of my work as a therapist, I’m someone who loves to fully experience life. I’m passionate about exploring the world—traveling to new places, learning about different cultures and histories, and trying new foods. I find a deep sense of joy and connection in stepping outside of my comfort zone, whether that’s through travel or through the thrill of adventure activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, or scuba diving.

I’m passionate about stories in all forms. I love watching anime and getting lost in fantasy TV, movies, and books—worlds that let us dream beyond what we’ve known. One of my greatest literary inspirations is Toni Morrison, whose ability to ground magical realism in the real-world experiences of Black life, trauma, joy, and emotional complexity continues to move me deeply. Her work reminds me of the beauty and brilliance in our stories, even the ones shaped by pain. And if there’s a Beyonce concert, I’ll probably be there.

Most importantly, I cherish quality time with the people I love. Whether we’re sharing a meal, laughing until we cry, or simply being present together, those moments keep me grounded and nourished. Connection—both in my personal life and in my work—is at the heart of everything I do.