Chicago
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR

Casey VanderStel

Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR (they, she)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
7 Endorsed
2010 N. Damen Ave., Suite F, Chicago, IL 60647
Connect with Casey VanderStel
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
I work with queer and trans adults, especially those with difficult religious experiences or who are processing painful pasts. I work best with those wanting to be challenged to dig deeper and understand their interior worlds, and I use an overall psychodynamic therapy approach. I believe in the power of integration- that ALL parts of you deserve love and compassion. Together, we will address feelings, needs, beliefs, and the body's own wisdom, while also seeing issues in the context of larger systems. I also work with queer couples in couple's therapy.
My therapy office in Bucktown, Chicago.
I work best with those ready to explore painful pasts and find self-understanding and liberation in the present. I also have specific training in EMDR, ERP, ACT, Somatic therapy, and expansive relationship structures. I am poly affirming, sex-positive, and a Health at Every Size practitioner.
I love being a therapist, and I love the work I do! It is a deep honor to build relationships of healing with my clients. Feel free to reach out if you're curious about working together! I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss what you are looking for in therapy, and our billing team will run a benefits check before your first session.
Casey VanderStel now for a free 15 minute consultation

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Transcend Counseling Chicago

2010 N. Damen Ave.

Suite F

Chicago, IL 60647 map
I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD and Life Transitions 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Connect with Casey VanderStel
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Transcend Counseling Chicago

2010 N. Damen Ave.

Suite F

Chicago, IL 60647 map
I specialize in LGBTQ+, Trauma and PTSD and Life Transitions 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $175
  • Couple Sessions $200
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Blue Choice
  • Blue Cross
  • Blue Shield
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Optum
  • United Medical Resources (UMR)
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
  • Out of Network
"
Our billing team will run a free benefits check and handle all billing through your insurance plan.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
Our billing team will run a free benefits check and handle all billing through your insurance plan.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Illinois / 180017355 Casey VanderStel

    • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 4 years
  • Attended North Park University, Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduated 2022

    • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from EMDR trained through EMDRIA 2021
  • Certificate from Psychoanalytic Fellowship at Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute 2023
"
I am a Licenced Professional Counselor and worked as a volunteer crisis and trauma counselor before I pursued the state licensure process.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I am a Licenced Professional Counselor and worked as a volunteer crisis and trauma counselor before I pursued the state licensure process.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • LGBTQ+
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Life Transitions

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Attachment and Strong Relationship Building
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Borderline Personality (BPD)
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Developmental Disorders
  • Family Conflict
  • Family of Origin Issues
  • Grief
  • Lesbian
  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Personality Disorders
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Transgender
  • Veterans
"
I specialize in working with those who've experienced complex traumas, childhood or developmental trauma, and religious or spiritual trauma. I also work often with LGBTQ individuals, autistic folks, and other diverse neurotypes. I am a sex-positive, Health At Every Size practitioner, and work to incorporate anti-oppressive frameworks into the therapy process.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I specialize in working with those who've experienced complex traumas, childhood or developmental trauma, and religious or spiritual trauma. I also work often with LGBTQ individuals, autistic folks, and other diverse neurotypes. I am a sex-positive, Health At Every Size practitioner, and work to incorporate anti-oppressive frameworks into the therapy process.
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

7 Endorsements

Leanette Pokuwaah
Leanette Pokuwaah
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Casey is an incredible clinician who brings a unique approach to therapy that best supports and challenges their clients to both grapple with difficult emotions while helping clients discover their own power, strength and wisdom to overcome any obstacle!
Lucas Somma
Lucas Somma
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
After working closely with Casey, I've come to know them as a a thoughtful, funny, and empathetic presence. Simply, Casey is a gift to the clients they encounter. Their expertise is in providing care to clients who experienced trauma.
Hayley Stevenson
Hayley Stevenson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Casey is an incredibly warm and caring therapist. They provide a safe and affirming space for queer teens, adults, and couples to explore their identity and improve their overall quality of life.
Megan E McDaniel
Megan E McDaniel
Counselor, LCPC
Casey is a wonderful therapist and who genuinely cares about their clients individual journeys. Casey is incredible at facilitating a space where clients feel seen and heard.
Kayla Hartman
Kayla Hartman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, AM, CTP
Casey is a skilled and compassionate clinician. I can't imagine anyone not feeling welcomed and cared for by their presence!
Leslie Poulos
Leslie Poulos
Psychologist, PsyD, HSPP
Casey is down to earth and warm. I've had the joy of consulting with Casey and they are great at challenging clients and providing helpful feedback. They have helped clients working through trauma and identity exploration feel more like themselves.
Devin Kelly
Devin Kelly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Casey is an excellent clinician working with individuals, couples, and group therapy. They create a safe and empathetic environment to help clients work through trauma. They have welcoming presence that emanates acceptance to all.

Client Focus

Age

Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
HIV / AIDS Allied , 
Intersex Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Religion

Christian

Age

Adults , 
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals , 
Couples , 
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied , 
Gay Allied , 
HIV / AIDS Allied , 
Intersex Allied , 
Lesbian Allied , 
Non-Binary Allied , 
Queer Allied , 
Racial Justice Allied , 
Sex Worker Allied , 
Transgender Allied

Religion

Christian

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Attachment-based
  • EMDR
  • Existential
  • Feminist
  • Gottman Method
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Somatic
  • Trauma Focused
"
I work well with those ready to process traumatic past experiences. I especially love working with those processing family of origin trauma and those with religious trauma or rebuilding life after high-demand religion. EMDR is very effective for integrating painful past experiences, so please reach out if you're interested and we can explore EMDR therapy virtually or in person!
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.
"
I work well with those ready to process traumatic past experiences. I especially love working with those processing family of origin trauma and those with religious trauma or rebuilding life after high-demand religion. EMDR is very effective for integrating painful past experiences, so please reach out if you're interested and we can explore EMDR therapy virtually or in person!
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
for a free 15 minute consultation now.

Groups

Queer Process Therapy Group (evening, virtual)

Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Hosted by
Casey VanderStel

This process group is for queer and trans adults seeking to improve relationships with themselves and others. A process group consists of 6-8 people and provides a unique opportunity to receive multiple perspectives, support, and feedback. These interpersonal interactions can provide group members an opportunity to deepen their level of self-awareness and to learn how they relate to others. We meet online, and group is ongoing, but members usually stay for 2-6 months in the group before transitioning out. We accept Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United as well as sliding scale. Please email to inquire more!!

Expertise

Peer Relationships
Transgender

Types of Therapy

Trauma Focused

Age

Adults

Session Cost

$20-$40

Group Meets

Every Thu 7 P.M. - 8:15 P.M.

Location

Transcend Counseling Chicago

Chicago, IL 60647

Email Casey VanderStel about this group

Queer Process Therapy Group (morning, virtual)

Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Hosted by
Casey VanderStel

This process group is for queer and trans adults seeking to improve relationships with themselves and others. A process group consists of 6-8 people and provides a unique opportunity to receive multiple perspectives, support, and feedback. These interpersonal interactions can provide group members an opportunity to deepen their level of self-awareness and to learn how they relate to others. We meet online, and group is ongoing, but members usually stay for 2-6 months in the group before transitioning out. We accept Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and United as well as sliding scale. Please email to inquire more!!

Expertise

Peer Relationships
Transgender

Types of Therapy

Trauma Focused

Age

Adults

Group Meets

Every Tue 11 A.M. - 12 P.M.

Location

Chicago, IL 60647

Email Casey VanderStel about this group

Location

Primary Location

Transcend Counseling Chicago

2010 N. Damen Ave.

Suite F

Chicago, IL 60647

Email me

My website

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

Zips

Neighborhoods

Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Photo of Casey VanderStel, Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR
Casey VanderStel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA, EMDR