Family Therapy in Budlong Woods, Chicago, IL

I am an LGBTQIA+ therapist specializing in trauma-informed therapy for adolescents and adults. I earned my MA in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago and have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), CBT, ACT, and Exposure Therapy. I am also trained in and utilize Written Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and DBT Prolonged Exposures as discreet trauma protocols for clients suffering from acute trauma symptoms. I prioritize teaching DBT skills, Polyvagal Theory, and Somatic experiences in my work with individuals & couples and family systems.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adolescents and adults, focusing on life-stage transitions, mood disorders, relationship conflict, and families with special needs.

My ideal client is looking for a strength-based approach to treatment - not just a focus on "problems." I believe that you already possess many skills and abilities that simply need to be unlocked to overcome your difficulties. I am passionate about helping others and consider myself to be a champion for social justice and working with clients who might come from marginalized communities or face discrimination or harassment. My ideal client is looking for a partner to help them in the change process - someone who will point out blind spots and provide practical steps to deal with their problems.

Are you struggling with identity and belonging, questioning the essence of who you are? Your roles, culture, sexual orientation, gender, relationships, spirituality, body image, profession? I've specialized in work with members of the LGBTQIA communities, across the lifespan. I am particularly qualified to help you with coming out issues, self-esteem, substance abuse, trauma, depression, and anxiety. I believe everyone needs support, and when you're ready, I'll be honored to witness and encourage your healing. "Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be, and Embrace Who You Are." ~Brene Brown

My goal is to provide you the space to heal and the opportunity to journey into the parts of yourself that you love, judge, the parts that you only somewhat know, the places you avoid, or the places you do not know at all. Together, we will learn about your resilience, pain, and possibilities. The process of growth takes sitting through our discomforts and using them as opportunities to heal our invisible wounds. Once we can increase our self-awareness, we can respond in the best ways we know how. Whether you are an individual, couple, or family, I provide the space for healing and growing - individually and relationally.

A postdoc fellow at New Insights Behavioral Health, Dr. Rebecca specializes in complex developmental posttraumatic stress, severe depression, anxiety, and co-occurring substance/alcohol use disorders. Her expertise includes adverse childhood experiences, DV/IPV, ACoA, transgenerational trauma, childhood neglect, and abuse. With strong cultural competence and experience, she focuses on underserved populations, racial/religious minorities, and helping professionals with vicarious trauma.

Imagine a life where you can harness your strengths and find more joy in life. You may be a family struggling with stressors related to uncertainty and changes. Your child's school may have reached out to you to discuss concerns related to their academic and social emotional wellness. You may find yourself questioning your relationship with your child and wondering what their behaviors are telling you. It might be difficult to get up in the morning and stay present throughout the day. That ray of sunshine may feel like it's far in the distance. If so, I am here to help your child, teen, and family.

Whether you’re dealing with the chronic stress of relationships or parenting issues, difficulties adjusting to life changes, or simply feeling “stuck”, my goal is to help you gain understanding towards yourself, strengthen your ability to navigate challenges, and work towards positive change.

Navigating through the paths of life can be challenging. You don't have to journey them alone. My name is Leslie Scott aka the Esteem Counselor. I am here to support you along your journey with a clinical road map and conversation to make your journey easier to endure.