polari

/pəˈlärē/

Polari was a coded language used among marginalized communities to communicate safely and authentically when openness wasn’t always possible. At its core, Polari represents adaptation, protection, and connection through language.

That history lives in the heart of this practice.

At Polari Psychotherapy, that translates into helping people find language for their inner experiences—especially those parts shaped by grief, trauma, shame, disconnection, or identity conflict.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and obtained a MS in Clinical Psychology from Barry University. My experience is rooted in clinical administration and community mental health in South Florida, which shaped my understanding of both the systems people navigate and the deeply personal struggles they carry.

That foundation shapes everything about how I practice now.

I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, gender-diverse adults, and men across the full spectrum of identity and experience. I provide gender-affirming therapy, WPATH letters for hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgery, kink-affirming and CNM-inclusive therapy, couples counseling for all relationship structures, and depth-oriented therapy for depression, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. I also work with older adults and senior men navigating the particular weight of later life — loneliness, identity, aging, and the things that have never had a place to be said.

I have been doing this work since the beginning of my training.

I believe good psychotherapy happens in the four walls of the therapy room.

I am not here to tell you what to do. I am here to help you understand yourself — so that you can have a better relationship with yourself and make more intentional choices about how you move forward. The work is individualized.

Not every client needs homework. Not every client can be approached the same way. My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself — even the parts you're still figuring out.

I practice in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and offer virtual therapy to adults throughout the state, including Jacksonville, Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. I offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointments, sliding scale fees, and accept insurance through Headway including Aetna, Cigna, Carelon, and Quest.

Meet Nicholas Makris, MS, LMHC

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and obtained a MS in Clinical Psychology from Barry University. My experience is rooted in clinical administration and community mental health in South Florida, which shaped my understanding of both the systems people navigate and the deeply personal struggles they carry.

I believe good psychotherapy happens in the four walls of the therapy room.

I’m not here to tell you what to do. Instead, I help you understand yourself—so that you can have a better relationship with yourself. Together, we’ll explore what’s underneath the surface so you can make more intentional choices about how you move forward.

Not every client needs homework.

Not every client can be approached the same.

My goal is to create a space where you can be honest, curious, and fully yourself.

Even the parts you’re still figuring out.

A smiling man with dark hair, a thick beard, wearing a patterned shirt with a floral design, and a chain necklace with a cross pendant, against a black background.

Meet Nicholas Makris, MS, LMHC

Practice Owner
Clinical Psychotherapist

Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | License #MH27478

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