Feminist Therapists in Gurnee, IL
Larisa Leader
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
I have worked with adolescents, children, and adults in mental health and social work for over 20 years. I have extensive experience helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity development, non-heterosexuality or non-cis gender (LGBTQI+), and ethically non-monogamous (polyamorous) relationships. I also have a history working with people with substance abuse problems and women in transition, as well as those coping with grief and loss. I have supported individuals who happen to be neurodivergent in terms of their unique needs. I believe everyone is deserving of respect, care and support.
I have worked with adolescents, children, and adults in mental health and social work for over 20 years. I have extensive experience helping those who struggle with anxiety, depression, identity development, non-heterosexuality or non-cis gender (LGBTQI+), and ethically non-monogamous (polyamorous) relationships. I also have a history working with people with substance abuse problems and women in transition, as well as those coping with grief and loss. I have supported individuals who happen to be neurodivergent in terms of their unique needs. I believe everyone is deserving of respect, care and support.
Lynda Throm
Counselor, MEd, LCPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
I want to commend you for your bravery in taking the first step towards reaching out for help. Counseling can give you a non-judgmental place to vent as well as a place to learn about new ways to manage overwhelming feelings. As a therapist, my main way of understanding how people work is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can help us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping skills. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients and make sure to address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as needed since every client is unique.
I want to commend you for your bravery in taking the first step towards reaching out for help. Counseling can give you a non-judgmental place to vent as well as a place to learn about new ways to manage overwhelming feelings. As a therapist, my main way of understanding how people work is through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can help us challenge our negative thoughts and utilize healthy coping skills. I primarily take a humanistic approach with my clients and make sure to address psychosocial, biological, developmental, spiritual, and cultural issues as needed since every client is unique.
Cindy McKnight
Counselor, MS, LCPC, CFRC, CCTP, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I received my MS in Human Services/Community Counseling. I have over 20 years experience in MH and have been successful in working with individuals, couples and families. I have a particular clinical area of strength working with First Responders. I am also trained in EMDR level I & II, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Sex Therapy. I can also provide short-term counseling. My clinical approach is evidence based treatment as I am trained to work with various populations. We offer sessions in Libertyville, Gurnee and via telehealth.
Carol Paxton Cox
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Gurnee, IL 60031 (Online Only)
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.
Megan Sayre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S, WPATH P
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
My strengths include making authentic connections, practicing compassionate accountability, and bringing gentle humor into therapy. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques in my sessions. I am a relational therapist and focus on developing clients' strengths while also providing support for clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones. My treatment motto has become "It's through discomfort that we change." I will provide you with the education, compassion and support needed for you to face any fears or discomfort to become a healthier and happier person.
My strengths include making authentic connections, practicing compassionate accountability, and bringing gentle humor into therapy. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques in my sessions. I am a relational therapist and focus on developing clients' strengths while also providing support for clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones. My treatment motto has become "It's through discomfort that we change." I will provide you with the education, compassion and support needed for you to face any fears or discomfort to become a healthier and happier person.
Shalini Varma M. D. Psychiatry
MD, BD Cert, NBPAS, ABPN
Verified Verified
Gurnee, IL 60031
ACCEPTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITHIN ONE WEEK! Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, School and Work Accommodations, Difficulty sleeping, Addictions & Medication. Evening appointments are available. Care provided by me, a Physician, a Double Board Certified MD Psychiatrist may be a more effective approach for you. I am structured and organized with treatment. I also provide neuropsychological and psychological TESTING. I am available for urgent needs. Work together to decrease struggling. US born and educated at Rutgers Medical School & completed Psychiatry Residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
ACCEPTING PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WITHIN ONE WEEK! Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, School and Work Accommodations, Difficulty sleeping, Addictions & Medication. Evening appointments are available. Care provided by me, a Physician, a Double Board Certified MD Psychiatrist may be a more effective approach for you. I am structured and organized with treatment. I also provide neuropsychological and psychological TESTING. I am available for urgent needs. Work together to decrease struggling. US born and educated at Rutgers Medical School & completed Psychiatry Residency at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.
Cynthia Lincke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CAGS
Verified Verified
Gurnee, IL 60031
I am here to help you, individually, as a couple, as a family or within a group setting, through your unique challenges. Together, we will work to achieve all your goals. You will feel heard and understood.
I am here to help you, individually, as a couple, as a family or within a group setting, through your unique challenges. Together, we will work to achieve all your goals. You will feel heard and understood.
Jennifer (Jenny) Pineda
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
Waitlist for new clients
Melissa Redmond
Counselor, LCPC, ATR, MSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gurnee, IL 60031
Not accepting new clients
Our paths can often have obstacles but I am here to travel with you. In traditional therapy, I utilize CBT and Solutions Focused modalities to work though anxiety and depression as well as grief and loss. I am privileged to help others navigate through life transitions, behavior and emotional disorders, as well as understanding and increasing empathy with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
Our paths can often have obstacles but I am here to travel with you. In traditional therapy, I utilize CBT and Solutions Focused modalities to work though anxiety and depression as well as grief and loss. I am privileged to help others navigate through life transitions, behavior and emotional disorders, as well as understanding and increasing empathy with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
More Therapists Nearby
Holly McDaniel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CTP
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
I'm drawn to working from attachment, feminist, and systems lenses and incorporate various cognitive and somatic modalities designed to meet each person's needs.
When we experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for our lives to unravel. My skills, training, experience, and compassion can help bring healing to people who have been through adverse experiences. Whether it be unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, life stressors, or trauma, I’m committed to sitting alongside you in your journey. I have experience working across the lifespan and am LGBTQIA affirming. I guide individuals in creating healthy perceptions of themselves. I facilitate the strengthening of relationships, allowing people to experience themselves fully and safely in the world and in community with others.
I'm drawn to working from attachment, feminist, and systems lenses and incorporate various cognitive and somatic modalities designed to meet each person's needs.
When we experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for our lives to unravel. My skills, training, experience, and compassion can help bring healing to people who have been through adverse experiences. Whether it be unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, life stressors, or trauma, I’m committed to sitting alongside you in your journey. I have experience working across the lifespan and am LGBTQIA affirming. I guide individuals in creating healthy perceptions of themselves. I facilitate the strengthening of relationships, allowing people to experience themselves fully and safely in the world and in community with others.
Andi Mandel
MA-MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (Online Only)
I use Experiential therapy including Satir’s Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) from a systemic & feminist lens, to help clients process current & past events in their lives.
Relationships can be difficult. Whether it is familial, romantic or platonic, each of us is the sum of all the experiences, communities, and cultures we have been involved in and around our entire lives. We often struggle to understand how to effectively communicate, as well as making and keeping connections.
I use Experiential therapy including Satir’s Transformational Systemic Therapy (STST), & Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) from a systemic & feminist lens, to help clients process current & past events in their lives.
Relationships can be difficult. Whether it is familial, romantic or platonic, each of us is the sum of all the experiences, communities, and cultures we have been involved in and around our entire lives. We often struggle to understand how to effectively communicate, as well as making and keeping connections.
Katie A Salyer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Forest, IL 60045 (Online Only)
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years of experience working among children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Having specialized in health and stress psychology, I am particularly skilled at addressing the mind-body connection as it relates to health conditions, chronic stress, and trauma. I believe in the innate ability of my patients to heal and create change for themselves, and I feel it is an important part of my job to provide a safe, professional, and supportive environment for that growth.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with more than 15 years of experience working among children, adolescents, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Having specialized in health and stress psychology, I am particularly skilled at addressing the mind-body connection as it relates to health conditions, chronic stress, and trauma. I believe in the innate ability of my patients to heal and create change for themselves, and I feel it is an important part of my job to provide a safe, professional, and supportive environment for that growth.
Kyle McGuinness
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
My integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes empathic receptiveness and mindful observance. I strive to create a safe and productive environment with patients generating a strong therapeutic alliance. My goal is to utilize my patient’s strengths and weaknesses to assist them in generating a healthy well-being and reaching the identified therapeutic goals and expectations. I exercise a variety of perspectives through which patients will gain mindfulness, the ability to empower oneself and self-acceptance in their identity. Emphasis is given to maintaining changes so they exist long term.
My integrative therapeutic approach emphasizes empathic receptiveness and mindful observance. I strive to create a safe and productive environment with patients generating a strong therapeutic alliance. My goal is to utilize my patient’s strengths and weaknesses to assist them in generating a healthy well-being and reaching the identified therapeutic goals and expectations. I exercise a variety of perspectives through which patients will gain mindfulness, the ability to empower oneself and self-acceptance in their identity. Emphasis is given to maintaining changes so they exist long term.
Innovative Counseling Partners PLLC
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Our life's work is helping clients achieve a better sense of self and happiness...more recently we've recognized that without good mental health providers, finding this balance in life can be more difficult and stressful. As a result, we tend toward an Integrative approach and help our clients transform into the people they want to be. We see each client as an individual with many parts to their identity. Utilizing a holistic and systemic approach we help clients reintegrate the parts of themselves to function better as individuals and within their systems. Our focus tends toward a systems based approach using behavior methods.
Sacred Art Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
We believe in a person-centered approach that combines traditional, evidence-based psychotherapeutic models with a holistic method. We incorporate information from the field of neuro-biology to provide a tailored and individualized path. We meet each person who walks through our door where they are, maximizing every individual's growth. As a result, when our work together is done you will be better equipped to actualize your life's direction.
We believe in a person-centered approach that combines traditional, evidence-based psychotherapeutic models with a holistic method. We incorporate information from the field of neuro-biology to provide a tailored and individualized path. We meet each person who walks through our door where they are, maximizing every individual's growth. As a result, when our work together is done you will be better equipped to actualize your life's direction.
Kathryn Cervantes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Let me first tell you how proud I am of you! Looking for a therapist is hard. It is hard whether your favorite therapist retired or this is your first Google search for a therapist. I am humbled daily that people trust me and let me into their lives. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) which allows me to work with any age group. I am also certified in addiction treatment. In addition to my continuing education classes, I am a Gottman-trained therapist. I like to keep my practice diverse; this helps keep me learning, growing, and thinking along with my clients.
Let me first tell you how proud I am of you! Looking for a therapist is hard. It is hard whether your favorite therapist retired or this is your first Google search for a therapist. I am humbled daily that people trust me and let me into their lives. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) which allows me to work with any age group. I am also certified in addiction treatment. In addition to my continuing education classes, I am a Gottman-trained therapist. I like to keep my practice diverse; this helps keep me learning, growing, and thinking along with my clients.
North Shore Family Services, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Libertyville, IL 60048
When you or your child/teen is struggling, you want strategies to combat challenges NOW. At North Shore Family Services, we empower kids, teens, and adults to learn tools, so they can succeed independently. Our goal is for children, teens, adults, parents, and couples to learn skills to be successful with school, peers, work, and family- long after therapy ends. We assist with IEP and 504 plans to help our children/teen clients succeed where they spend most of their day- out of their parents' sight. Parents are our partners in helping kids and teens learn life skills.
When you or your child/teen is struggling, you want strategies to combat challenges NOW. At North Shore Family Services, we empower kids, teens, and adults to learn tools, so they can succeed independently. Our goal is for children, teens, adults, parents, and couples to learn skills to be successful with school, peers, work, and family- long after therapy ends. We assist with IEP and 504 plans to help our children/teen clients succeed where they spend most of their day- out of their parents' sight. Parents are our partners in helping kids and teens learn life skills.
Sharon Bloch
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LCSW
Verified Verified
Libertyville, IL 60048
Whether you are experiencing a heartbreak, a new diagnosis, or trying to understand how you arrived at this place in your life, my job as your therapist is to assist you through these struggles and explore alternative ways to think and cope. I will provide a compassionate place for you to freely express yourself and give you honest feedback. We will tailor your individual treatment to reflect your concerns and goals while we regularly re-evaluate our progress.
Whether you are experiencing a heartbreak, a new diagnosis, or trying to understand how you arrived at this place in your life, my job as your therapist is to assist you through these struggles and explore alternative ways to think and cope. I will provide a compassionate place for you to freely express yourself and give you honest feedback. We will tailor your individual treatment to reflect your concerns and goals while we regularly re-evaluate our progress.
Claire Manley
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
My ideal patients are children through adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship stress and conflict. I help guide patients towards the achievement of goals through highlighting independent strengths and challenges within larger systems or relationships. I incorporate techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, Family-Systems, Relational Therapy, and TF-CBT. I am trauma-informed, and help advocate for safe relationships and equity, and promote social and emotional wellbeing. I help my patients learn and implement tools for navigating change, liberation, and healing.
My ideal patients are children through adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and relationship stress and conflict. I help guide patients towards the achievement of goals through highlighting independent strengths and challenges within larger systems or relationships. I incorporate techniques from Attachment-Based Therapy, CBT, Family-Systems, Relational Therapy, and TF-CBT. I am trauma-informed, and help advocate for safe relationships and equity, and promote social and emotional wellbeing. I help my patients learn and implement tools for navigating change, liberation, and healing.
Stacia Crick-Brommel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based therapy to adolescents, children, and adults. In my work, I explore ways to find the best therapy for each individual that will help him/her return to an emotional balance enabling more enjoyment in life and improving all interpersonal relationships. I do my best to practice the tenets of empathy and unconditional positive regard while using an eclectic approach that informs my therapy including Humanistic, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Solutions Focused, schematic therapy, reality, and relational therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based therapy to adolescents, children, and adults. In my work, I explore ways to find the best therapy for each individual that will help him/her return to an emotional balance enabling more enjoyment in life and improving all interpersonal relationships. I do my best to practice the tenets of empathy and unconditional positive regard while using an eclectic approach that informs my therapy including Humanistic, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Solutions Focused, schematic therapy, reality, and relational therapy.
See more therapy options for Gurnee
Nearby Feminist Therapists Searches for Gurnee
- Barrington
- Buffalo Grove
- Deerfield
- Grayslake
- Highland Park
- Lake Forest
- Lake Zurich
- Libertyville
- Lincolnshire
- Vernon Hills
- Waukegan
- Wheeling
Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.