Transgender Therapists in River North, Chicago, IL
Our lives' narratives sometimes may not be pleasant nor self-fulling. Nonetheless, the therapeutic space can serve as a starting point to reflect and create new beginnings. It can also be a space where we revisit past narratives that may have marked you significantly or try to embrace our fears for the future. In our work together, I aim to connect with you in a way that not only allows for safety, trust and vulnerability but instills a sense of empowerment that affirms your ability to endure uncertainty. I view therapy as a space where both you and I can help each other to co-narrate your life experiences.
Our lives' narratives sometimes may not be pleasant nor self-fulling. Nonetheless, the therapeutic space can serve as a starting point to reflect and create new beginnings. It can also be a space where we revisit past narratives that may have marked you significantly or try to embrace our fears for the future. In our work together, I aim to connect with you in a way that not only allows for safety, trust and vulnerability but instills a sense of empowerment that affirms your ability to endure uncertainty. I view therapy as a space where both you and I can help each other to co-narrate your life experiences.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering evidence-based trauma therapies including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Focused CBT. I developed my specialty in treating emotional trauma working with PTSD field experts at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. I offer gold-standard PTSD interventions endorsed by the National Center for PTSD and the American Psychological Association. I Am Accepting New Patients.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist offering evidence-based trauma therapies including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma Focused CBT. I developed my specialty in treating emotional trauma working with PTSD field experts at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. I offer gold-standard PTSD interventions endorsed by the National Center for PTSD and the American Psychological Association. I Am Accepting New Patients.
I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense, where you may feel empowered to voice thoughts, express feelings, and be curious about yourself in a way you may not have elsewhere. I believe that each person has the ability to create their own meaning in life, and I am passionate about helping my clients uncover their unique purpose and potential. Together, we will work to address any limiting beliefs or patterns, as well as examine how past experiences and cultural factors have shaped your worldview and prevented you from living a more fulfilling life.
I am a queer and neurodivergent therapist committed to creating a warm and welcoming environment free of judgment or pretense, where you may feel empowered to voice thoughts, express feelings, and be curious about yourself in a way you may not have elsewhere. I believe that each person has the ability to create their own meaning in life, and I am passionate about helping my clients uncover their unique purpose and potential. Together, we will work to address any limiting beliefs or patterns, as well as examine how past experiences and cultural factors have shaped your worldview and prevented you from living a more fulfilling life.
As a queer and trans-identified therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you're seeking support in individual, relationship or group therapy, my goal is to create a warm and accepting space where you can explore and embrace all aspects of yourself. With a deep focus on trauma-informed care and expertise in kink, polyamory, queer and neurodiverse identities, PTSD, religious trauma and eating disorders, Our work together involves delving into the depths of the unconscious, uncovering hidden truths and shadow aspects to cultivate a deeper understanding of the self.
As a queer and trans-identified therapist, I am dedicated to guiding you through the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you're seeking support in individual, relationship or group therapy, my goal is to create a warm and accepting space where you can explore and embrace all aspects of yourself. With a deep focus on trauma-informed care and expertise in kink, polyamory, queer and neurodiverse identities, PTSD, religious trauma and eating disorders, Our work together involves delving into the depths of the unconscious, uncovering hidden truths and shadow aspects to cultivate a deeper understanding of the self.
Our ideal client is done performing. They’re tired of being quiet, agreeable, polite—and ended up invisible, dismissed, and carrying everyone else’s weight while their own wounds deepened. They may face trauma, depression, addiction, or identity struggles, but underneath it all, they’re exhausted by silence and shame.
What they want isn’t complicated: Freedom. Freedom from lies about who they are. Freedom from survival strategies that once saved them but now destroy them. Freedom to live loud, reclaim joy, build real relationships, and finally believe that healing belongs to them.
Our ideal client is done performing. They’re tired of being quiet, agreeable, polite—and ended up invisible, dismissed, and carrying everyone else’s weight while their own wounds deepened. They may face trauma, depression, addiction, or identity struggles, but underneath it all, they’re exhausted by silence and shame.
What they want isn’t complicated: Freedom. Freedom from lies about who they are. Freedom from survival strategies that once saved them but now destroy them. Freedom to live loud, reclaim joy, build real relationships, and finally believe that healing belongs to them.
I believe that everyone is inherently worthy of belonging and connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. We are inextricably connected and we are hard wired to do so! I value exploring the intersections of identity and I support those impacted by systemic violence. I center my practice on supporting queer and trans folks, people of color, and women navigating anxiety, life transitions, identity exploration, self-image, and trauma. Clients who often come to me are those who intellectualize their emotions or are seeking inner child healing to disrupt generational patterns and to end cycles that no longer serve them.
I believe that everyone is inherently worthy of belonging and connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. We are inextricably connected and we are hard wired to do so! I value exploring the intersections of identity and I support those impacted by systemic violence. I center my practice on supporting queer and trans folks, people of color, and women navigating anxiety, life transitions, identity exploration, self-image, and trauma. Clients who often come to me are those who intellectualize their emotions or are seeking inner child healing to disrupt generational patterns and to end cycles that no longer serve them.
I work with clients who want to build a stronger sense of self, unlearn victim narratives and instead want to foster more self-love, compassion, and unapologetic confidence. They are recovering people-pleasers, people who are intellectually self-aware but need help creating lasting change, adult children of immigrants, people with emotionally immature parents, people who struggle with love and dating, and/or those healing from abuse. My clients will learn to process their unresolved trauma and release patterns that no longer serve them. I'm a therapist who isn't afraid to actively challenge you to build the life you want to live.
I work with clients who want to build a stronger sense of self, unlearn victim narratives and instead want to foster more self-love, compassion, and unapologetic confidence. They are recovering people-pleasers, people who are intellectually self-aware but need help creating lasting change, adult children of immigrants, people with emotionally immature parents, people who struggle with love and dating, and/or those healing from abuse. My clients will learn to process their unresolved trauma and release patterns that no longer serve them. I'm a therapist who isn't afraid to actively challenge you to build the life you want to live.
As an out and proud transgender woman, I am excited to work with the LGBT community through sexuality- and gender-affirming treatment.
I help queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming folks travel the path of living your truth! Through conversation guided by CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused therapy, we will peel back the layers of identity to find your wonder, beauty, and strength.
As an out and proud transgender woman, I am excited to work with the LGBT community through sexuality- and gender-affirming treatment.
I help queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming folks travel the path of living your truth! Through conversation guided by CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused therapy, we will peel back the layers of identity to find your wonder, beauty, and strength.
Many of the people I work with are successful, thoughtful, and highly capable, yet find themselves repeating patterns that no longer serve them in relationships, in their work, or in how they experience themselves. Often there is a sense that something deeper is asking for attention, even if it cannot yet be put into words. Therapy offers a space to slow down and listen more closely to your inner life, to understand the origins of longstanding emotional and relational patterns, and to move toward a way of living that feels more authentic and aligned.
Many of the people I work with are successful, thoughtful, and highly capable, yet find themselves repeating patterns that no longer serve them in relationships, in their work, or in how they experience themselves. Often there is a sense that something deeper is asking for attention, even if it cannot yet be put into words. Therapy offers a space to slow down and listen more closely to your inner life, to understand the origins of longstanding emotional and relational patterns, and to move toward a way of living that feels more authentic and aligned.
Vicente Solis is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. He finished his B.A. in Psychology and Theatre in 2016 and his Masters of Social Work in 2020. Vicente has worked with clients on Behavioral Health Coping and Regulation Skills, spoke on topics of Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Bullying, and LGBTQIA2+ Support, trained colleagues, volunteers and clients on Oppression, Cultural Competency and Bias Training.
Vicente Solis is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2019. He finished his B.A. in Psychology and Theatre in 2016 and his Masters of Social Work in 2020. Vicente has worked with clients on Behavioral Health Coping and Regulation Skills, spoke on topics of Anger Management, Anxiety, Depression, Bullying, and LGBTQIA2+ Support, trained colleagues, volunteers and clients on Oppression, Cultural Competency and Bias Training.
Therapeutic Approach: The presenting problem is the doorway for individuals, couples, and families to seek out services. My approach to treatment is collaborative and holistic (mind, body, spirit, and soul). I view human development and human experience as a complex interactive process that is understood in terms of relational dynamics at many levels of contextual understanding. My approach is recognizing that individuals and families are linked to the wider cultural contexts and shaped by socio-political and sociolinguistic realities.
Therapeutic Approach: The presenting problem is the doorway for individuals, couples, and families to seek out services. My approach to treatment is collaborative and holistic (mind, body, spirit, and soul). I view human development and human experience as a complex interactive process that is understood in terms of relational dynamics at many levels of contextual understanding. My approach is recognizing that individuals and families are linked to the wider cultural contexts and shaped by socio-political and sociolinguistic realities.
At times everyone experiences difficulties they cannot overcome through their usual means of coping and problem-solving. I can help you move forward by understanding patterns in your past experiences, relationships, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they contribute to your current symptoms and concerns. My goal is to empower you, and help you develop adaptive skills so you can make the changes you want. I am passionate about helping adults, adolescents and children find effective and realistic solutions to trauma related symptoms that reflect their individual personality.
At times everyone experiences difficulties they cannot overcome through their usual means of coping and problem-solving. I can help you move forward by understanding patterns in your past experiences, relationships, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they contribute to your current symptoms and concerns. My goal is to empower you, and help you develop adaptive skills so you can make the changes you want. I am passionate about helping adults, adolescents and children find effective and realistic solutions to trauma related symptoms that reflect their individual personality.
Samantha Schachter is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Samantha has had the privilege of gaining significant clinical experience through working in a psychiatric hospital setting, substance abuse residential, as well as traditional outpatient. Through these different environments, she has learned to build a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. She has had significant experience helping children, adolescents, teens, and adults with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and more.
Samantha Schachter is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University. Samantha has had the privilege of gaining significant clinical experience through working in a psychiatric hospital setting, substance abuse residential, as well as traditional outpatient. Through these different environments, she has learned to build a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. She has had significant experience helping children, adolescents, teens, and adults with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, ADHD, and more.
Dr. Ashly C Lawrence
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, PhD
1 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
Do you find yourself struggling with depression, anxiety, stress and interpersonal relationships? Do you have a difficult time managing the balance between work and your personal life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the demands of life right now. As a therapist, I am adept at addressing these and other issues that cause distress. Individual therapy is a time for you to reconnect with yourself and build self-awareness in order to cultivate the life you wish to live. Therapy is a transformative process in which I help guide clients through supportive treatment interventions. I hope to help support you on your journey !
Hello. All of us experience challenges and hardships in our lives. These challenges could make you feel disconnected from people around you, sad, overwhelmed, or alone. You may be reacting to hardships that are happening in your current life or in the past. Whether the issues are current or past, it affects your emotional well-being today. I believe therapy helps us understand our emotions, especially how these emotional struggles happen at the particular time in our lives.
Hello. All of us experience challenges and hardships in our lives. These challenges could make you feel disconnected from people around you, sad, overwhelmed, or alone. You may be reacting to hardships that are happening in your current life or in the past. Whether the issues are current or past, it affects your emotional well-being today. I believe therapy helps us understand our emotions, especially how these emotional struggles happen at the particular time in our lives.
Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
Nina Dismukes has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with attention issues, learning disabilities, substance use, self-esteem, expressing emotions, trauma, coping skills, and more. Nina believes that effective therapy is a soulful-healing process that takes time, patience, loyalty, self-love, and the openness to communicate. Nina feels that it is important to help empower patients by allowing them to express themselves in a way that makes them feel comfortable and safe.
My training includes practical experience in various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. I’ve completed extensive coursework in couples and family therapy, sex therapy, trauma, and addictions. At the core of my practice is a belief in the inherent resilience and capacity for change within every individual. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values.
My training includes practical experience in various therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Psychodynamic Therapy. I’ve completed extensive coursework in couples and family therapy, sex therapy, trauma, and addictions. At the core of my practice is a belief in the inherent resilience and capacity for change within every individual. My therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing on a range of evidence-based practices to create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values.
Jill Jensen, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empathetic space for individuals and families across Illinois. With a focus on understanding and honoring each client’s unique experiences, Jill helps create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to take steps toward their mental health goals. Serving children, teens, young adults, and adults, Jill supports clients facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and childhood behavior issues.
Jill Jensen, LCSW, provides a compassionate and empathetic space for individuals and families across Illinois. With a focus on understanding and honoring each client’s unique experiences, Jill helps create an environment where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to take steps toward their mental health goals. Serving children, teens, young adults, and adults, Jill supports clients facing various challenges, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, and childhood behavior issues.
Faye Williams Religious Trauma Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
3 Endorsed
River North, Chicago, IL 60611
I’m dedicated to supporting you in the process of reconnecting with your body. Somatic therapy combines a deep understanding of the body's wisdom with compassionate therapeutic guidance. Whether dealing with complex, political, or religious trauma, stress, or relational rupture, my approach is tailored to your personal needs, fostering transformative healing.
I’m dedicated to supporting you in the process of reconnecting with your body. Somatic therapy combines a deep understanding of the body's wisdom with compassionate therapeutic guidance. Whether dealing with complex, political, or religious trauma, stress, or relational rupture, my approach is tailored to your personal needs, fostering transformative healing.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
See more therapy options for River North, Chicago
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for River North, Chicago
- Dearborn Park
- Little Italy
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Near West Side
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- University Village
- West Loop
Nearby Searches for River North, Chicago
- Gold Coast
- Greektown
- Loop
- Near Eastside
- Near North Side
- Old Town
- Old Town Triangle
- Printers Row
- River West
- South Loop
- Streeterville
- West Loop
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.