Therapists in Lincolnwood, IL

I've seen, heard and personally experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist when you hold marginalized identities. It's an honor for me to be able to provide a unique space for folks like us! I believe that understanding how our culture, gender, society, family, etc. inform our identities allows people to ditch the concepts or social expectations that don’t fit and pursue the ones that feel truly authentic. Let's show up as we are and get some solid work done!

As a therapist, I strive to ensure that the largest influence on your life story is your genuine self, not judgment, worry, fear, or external entities. To do this, I help you: identify what has held you down or is holding you back, discard unnecessary judgment, and leave behind what no longer serves you, so that you can embrace positive change.

I specialize in working with children and adults who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. I have extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, and I believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model. I am committed to celebrating diversity and I hold an affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.

Starting therapy can feel daunting, but I understand the bravery and vulnerability it takes to seek help. As your therapist, I'll meet you where you're at, without judgment, and guide you through the process with patience and compassion. Together, we'll explore your concerns and emotions, empowering you to advocate for yourself and connect with your personal truth.

We live in a stressful, complex, and contradictory world. And though you do your best to cope with the chaos around you, sometimes it gets overwhelming. The chaos can make you question your decisions - sometimes it can even make you question who and how you are. Why are there so many obstacles to the life and relationships you want? Shouldn’t there be a clearer path? It can be so hard to navigate through the noise. Craving to connect more fully but end up feeling needy and more alone. Wanting to feel safe, but unease grows and bleeds through. Striving to be authentic, but there is so much noise it is hard to hear your true self.

Feeling anxious, stressed or depressed? Many people are overwhelmed these days. There is help.

I believe our mental health is deeply impacted by our collective narratives, particularly in the context of our environment(s), our access to resources, and our experiences of privilege & oppression. Therefore our work together will be centered in your wholeness, examining and holding how all of these positions & experiences have shaped, and continue to shape, your life story & lived experience. What are the stories you tell yourself about who you are? What stories have been assigned to you w/out your consent? How might your life be different if you reclaimed & rewrote these stories?

Alexi Peters MA, LCPC is a sex-positive, fat positive, queer therapist. They take a warm yet honest approach to therapy strategically supporting clients in achieving their personal and interpersonal goals through actionable work. Alexi primarily utilizes narrative therapy, DBT, and RODBT to work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, eating disorders, body image, LGBTQIA+ and sexual health, including gender identity and gender affirming needs.

I offer therapeutic interventions with warmth and compassion, focusing on strengths to help identify opportunities for change and actualization. My primary areas of experience include depression/anxiety and other mental health concerns, substance use/recovery, and concerns related to gender or sexuality. I see therapy as a journey aiming to get deeper understanding of oneself, relationships, and the world around us.

Are you LGBTQIA+ and haven't found a therapist who sees, understands, or meets you where you currently are in life? As a psychotherapist I believe that you are the expert in your own life. My role is to help you process, explore, and cope with the trauma and challenges you endure. I believe our best work together is achieved when you feel supported, encouraged, and empowered. Through humor, compassion, and support I meet you where you are, so that we can collaboratively work together to process and overcome the challenges and trauma that are a part of your story, help you achieve your goals, and be an authentic you.

My ideal client is someone who has a foundation of wellness and is looking to bridge the chasm between where they are and where they would like to be. They have self-awareness, motivation, and a support system to aid them in their journey. They are looking to learn and implement sustainable tools, practices, and habits that will embody their authentic truth and enhance their lives as a whole. They are curious and open about alternative and holistic methods of healing. They are willing to lean into fear of walking the unknown path of internal alchemy and evolution, knowing they are the ultimately the one that can heal themselves.

My assumption about most people who seek out a therapist is they are stuck in a situation and have already tried everything they can think of to get unstuck. My approach is pragmatic, non-judgmental, and client-centered. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules to develop new skills that will empower them to move towards the lives they want to live. I am a total nerd about therapy and love the creativity of tailoring therapeutic approaches to clients.

Are you tired of spending all your time in therapy educating your therapist instead of working on what you need? Looking for a therapist who specializes in struggles with identity, sexual orientation, diverse sexual groups, such as kink/BDSM; relationship orientation such as polyamory, relationship anarchy, or swinging; anxiety, depression, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic illness; secular or alternative faiths such as paganism; and are seeking patient-centered, compassionate, and affirming care?

I am a queer, non-binary, trans therapist who believes each of us deserves at least one safe space to learn about and engage with our full selves. Therapy can be helpful as you navigate life’s everyday stressors, a difficult part of your history, past or ongoing trauma, or any feelings or circumstances that cause you pain or suffering. Therapy can also help you learn self-trust, build loving relationships, find ease in your mind and body, and move towards a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.

You are seeking a safe space to share your unfiltered emotions, thoughts, and desires. You are seeking an unbiased perspective to your situation and issues. You may yearn for human connection, compassion, and unrelenting support in your journey. You value consistency. You want to heal from trauma from the past and use this information to cope with the unpredictable future.

Each person I have the honor of working with allows me into their life in a unique way that I value and consistently strive to gain greater humility from. I think that being Seen & Heard without judgement, and feeling truly cared for, is essential for therapy to be healing. That is why I prioritize the establishment of a safe, affirming, and honestly inclusive space for exploring the psyche through the lens in which you view your sense of Self and lived experiences. From here, it is my intention to walk alongside you on a journey of continually discovering what being authentic in this expression of self means to you.

*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.

I aspire to create a therapeutic space that is safe and affirming, while forming an authentic and genuine connection to best support you. Whether you are seeking out therapy for self- exploration, change, acceptance, or all of the above, we can work together to find the path that is best suited for you. I will collaborate with you every step of the way, challenge you when appropriate, and meet you with compassion and humor when needed – I’m a big believer in the therapeutic power of laughter!