LGBTQ+ Therapists in Chicago, IL

I primarily specialize in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, change of life difficulties, and have strong experience working with LGBTQIA individuals. I find it really rewarding when we can chisel away at some of the automatic thoughts that may be clouding your experience or worsening your symptoms. I think it is important that the patient take the lead in therapy and utilize the time we have together in a way that makes sense to them based off of the difficulties they are experiencing. As such, I take a collaborative approach with my patients and welcome feedback that may make our work together more effective and enjoyable.

Whether you're exploring your identity, looking for support in stressful times, or recovering from trauma in your past, my priority is to help you develop long-lasting, effective skills to get you there. Your existing strengths, resilience, and creativity are the most effective tools you have, and I want to help you access them to build an individualized plan that provides lifelong results you can feel proud of!

Identity can be confusing and that’s ok. You don’t need to have everything figured out in order to live as your authentic self. I am an immigrant trans man and I understand the nuance of negotiating culture and queerness. I will gladly help you celebrate all of your identities in a way that feels correct to you. I know how important it is to create a safe, validating, and affirming environment for my clients and I strive to do so, taking into account the unique needs of every individual I work with.

My areas of specialization are working with individuals/couples/relationships who are in the LGBTQ + community who have experienced violence, such as sexual violence, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, family system-based violence, spiritual abuse, and community-based violence. I work with many different relationship structures from cisgender heterosexual monogamous couples and folx with more expansive relationship structures. My areas of specialization in working with relationship clients are high-conflict relationships, sexual dysfunction/dysregulation, infidelity, trust, safety, and stability.

Our quality of life improves dramatically as we learn to show up more authentically in our personal relationships. We can always cultivate more meaningful connections, whether in an intimate partnership, biological or chosen family, or friendships. I understand how creating change can feel daunting or overwhelming and is best navigated with intentionality and solid support. Actively collaborating with my clients, I ensure that together, we set clear and attainable goals and that each session moves you closer to achieving your vision. Change is Possible!

Have you been feeling anxious or sad? Do you ever feel stuck in your relationship with yourself or others? Whatever you have been feeling, I can imagine facing these feelings has been challenging, confusing, and scary. These feelings are not uncommon for those of us who experience or have experienced emotionally charged and vulnerable moments. To manage these feelings, many of us often ignore them, which can lead to them feeling intense and uncomfortable. Together we can learn to understand and manage your feelings, ultimately improving your relationship with yourself and others.

I am currently interning at Flourishing Affinity as a part of Roosevelt University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with the intention of graduating in Spring 2022. A large focus of my graduate studies has been LGBTQIA + issues. As a member of the queer community, I understand the importance of compassionate healthcare and I am passionate about providing identity affirming treatment. I also specialize in anxiety disorders, and depressive and mood disorders.

Therapy is a space for big feelings, hard conversations, and laughing at ourselves when we can. We like to form connections with folks that feel supportive, brave, and most of all, REAL. At Bespoke Healing, we know therapy is going well when we see folks begin to step out in new ways and take risks to develop deeper bonds. We find it fruitful to explore how past traumas show up in current relationships, and our therapists are active in session as part of our relational style. We also help folks befriend their bodies as an important resource.

I believe therapy serves two main functions: change and healing. Therapeutic change occurs when we take control of our lives and our stories. In therapy, I encourage you to incorporate your strengths into a larger conversation about who you are, who you want to be, and how you can get there. Where change comes from transformation; healing comes from liberation. Therapy provides liberation from individual wounds; however, therapy must also be a space for healing and liberation from the effects of systemic oppression.

You're frustrated with yourself because you can't stop overthinking. "What if I do something awkward? What if I say the wrong thing?" All this thinking leaves you exhausted, overwhelmed, and on a treadmill of just doing what others expect of you. You've heard the advice to "just be yourself," but you have no idea how to do that. And even though you're a good friend, it often feels like a one-way street, leaving you feeling invisible and lonely. Maybe you wonder if you can have the life you want, or maybe it's even hard to know what that is. You are just tired of being afraid to do something different.

I identify as a gender-nonconforming queer male. My work with all clients is informed by frameworks like antiracism, social justice, feminism, and anti-imperialism. I bring authenticity and genuine empathy to each client, pairing these with effective and approachable therapeutic interventions that research says work. I can help with micro-level goals like improving mood and reducing anxiety, on macro-level goals like recovering from trauma and coping with systemic oppression, and on relational goals like building intimacy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are my personal and professional values. I believe that Black Lives Matter.

My ideal client comes from many walks of life. They are children, teenagers, and adults and present with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, relationship and family problems, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), school problems, and oppositional-defiant disorder. They all share a common need to be heard, empowered, and guided on the path of recovery. I provide evidence-based treatments tailored to the needs of my clients. I focus on strengths and capabilities rather than "illness."

I am a relationship and sex therapist, and I believe that living authentically for self and community brings healing and joy. Such authenticity requires an exploration of sexual needs amidst robust boundary-making. I am a part of and love to work with folx in the LGBTQIA + community. My clinical interests include out-of-control sexual behavior, men's sexual health, and exploring the intersection of religion, spirituality, and sex. I also have a growing specialization in working with kink, BDSM, polyamory, and consensual non-monogamy.

Francesca specializes in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. They utilize a holistic approach when working with clients, with a focus on the mind-body connection. Francesca uses a cognitive behavioral perspective to help clients and families understand how our thoughts influence our emotions and behaviors. She has a passion for working with clients throughout the lifespan, families, and members of the LGBTQIA + community.