Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Chicago, IL
You are finding yourself in the same argument and leaving it every time feeling unheard. Connection and satisfaction are starting to dwindle and it is time to change that cycle. Learn how to communicate to truly understand each other, not to have the last word. Discover your needs and get that emotional and physical connection back strong again. Sex therapy is incorporated for those needing help with exploration, trauma recovery, addiction or dysfunction. Your trauma or upbring could be negatively impacting how you move within your relationship EMDR and/or trauma therapy can be used to address this.
You are finding yourself in the same argument and leaving it every time feeling unheard. Connection and satisfaction are starting to dwindle and it is time to change that cycle. Learn how to communicate to truly understand each other, not to have the last word. Discover your needs and get that emotional and physical connection back strong again. Sex therapy is incorporated for those needing help with exploration, trauma recovery, addiction or dysfunction. Your trauma or upbring could be negatively impacting how you move within your relationship EMDR and/or trauma therapy can be used to address this.
Let's face it - life can be tough. Despite all the comforts and conveniences we have, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to find balance and happiness. Together, we can work on building your resilience, acceptance, and flexibility, so you can better navigate life's ups and downs. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationships, manage stress and anxiety, or just find a more authentic way of being, I'm here to help. My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and tailored to your unique needs and strengths. People aren't one-sized fits all, so why should therapy be?
Let's face it - life can be tough. Despite all the comforts and conveniences we have, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to find balance and happiness. Together, we can work on building your resilience, acceptance, and flexibility, so you can better navigate life's ups and downs. Whether you're looking to strengthen your relationships, manage stress and anxiety, or just find a more authentic way of being, I'm here to help. My approach to therapy is collaborative, non-judgmental, and tailored to your unique needs and strengths. People aren't one-sized fits all, so why should therapy be?
I am a queer therapist with personal and professional experience providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative care and support for people with various experiences of sexuality and gender exploration, transition and expression. I work to honor the complexities of each person’s own identity intersection and am HAES aligned. I have experience working with a variety of types and expressions of trauma including PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, disordered eating, relational issues and more. I provide relationship therapy extending to romantic, platonic, polyamorous, aromantic and/or asexual partnerships.
I am a queer therapist with personal and professional experience providing LGBTQIA+ affirmative care and support for people with various experiences of sexuality and gender exploration, transition and expression. I work to honor the complexities of each person’s own identity intersection and am HAES aligned. I have experience working with a variety of types and expressions of trauma including PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, disordered eating, relational issues and more. I provide relationship therapy extending to romantic, platonic, polyamorous, aromantic and/or asexual partnerships.
Dr. Watkins is a Clinical Psychologist who's profession experience includes psycho-diagnostic assessment and counseling of children, adolescents and adults in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, marital guidance, sexuality, juvenile delinquency and phase of life transitions. Dr. Watkins practices from a client-centered framework, focusing on genuineness and unconditional positive regard for clients, with the belief that all persons are capable of functioning at their full, yet personal, potential. Dr. Watkins has served as an Investigator on clinical trials in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
Dr. Watkins is a Clinical Psychologist who's profession experience includes psycho-diagnostic assessment and counseling of children, adolescents and adults in the areas of trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, marital guidance, sexuality, juvenile delinquency and phase of life transitions. Dr. Watkins practices from a client-centered framework, focusing on genuineness and unconditional positive regard for clients, with the belief that all persons are capable of functioning at their full, yet personal, potential. Dr. Watkins has served as an Investigator on clinical trials in the areas of Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.
I am committed to offering sex, kink, and poly-affirming services.
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
I am committed to offering sex, kink, and poly-affirming services.
I believe that therapeutic growth begins with cultivating a genuine, collaborative relationship in which clients feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to. Therapy can be a space for one to explore their inner and outer worlds and gain insight into their emotions, early familial relationships, challenging patterns, current relationships with others, or desires for change. I use an integrative approach tailored to each individual - I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I have been trained in psychodynamic, relational, liberation psychology, and parts work, and draw from evidence-based interventions.
Painful past experiences and current life stressors can equally challenge our sense of self and our connections with others. Often without realizing it, we continue to operate from old patterns long after they have stopped serving us.
As a relational therapist and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy practitioner, I engage clients in a process of (re)connecting with self through building an embodied awareness of experience. Our relationship will serve as the foundation for this body-based talk therapy approach, which supports establishing new patterns, developing a stronger sense of self, deepening relationships, and healing from trauma.
Painful past experiences and current life stressors can equally challenge our sense of self and our connections with others. Often without realizing it, we continue to operate from old patterns long after they have stopped serving us.
As a relational therapist and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy practitioner, I engage clients in a process of (re)connecting with self through building an embodied awareness of experience. Our relationship will serve as the foundation for this body-based talk therapy approach, which supports establishing new patterns, developing a stronger sense of self, deepening relationships, and healing from trauma.
My goal is to empower and support you as you regain independence & balance in your life. You can feel confident knowing that you will be met with respect, collaboration, and compassion in each session. My treatment approach combines elements from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic orientations through a trauma-informed lens. We will identify & explore the mind-body connection, the lasting impacts of past experiences, and unhelpful patterns that may be inhibiting your growth. We will work to expand your toolbox for managing difficult emotions and find productive ways of adapting when stressful situations arise.
My goal is to empower and support you as you regain independence & balance in your life. You can feel confident knowing that you will be met with respect, collaboration, and compassion in each session. My treatment approach combines elements from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic orientations through a trauma-informed lens. We will identify & explore the mind-body connection, the lasting impacts of past experiences, and unhelpful patterns that may be inhibiting your growth. We will work to expand your toolbox for managing difficult emotions and find productive ways of adapting when stressful situations arise.
Therapy is a wonderful way to practice self-care and it is not just for those in crisis. I have experience working with adults experiencing identity development, existential issues, depression, anxiety, life changes, and distress related to relationships and family.
Therapy is a wonderful way to practice self-care and it is not just for those in crisis. I have experience working with adults experiencing identity development, existential issues, depression, anxiety, life changes, and distress related to relationships and family.
Therapy with me is long-term and set up to maintain self-care and self compassion. I support individuals through life’s transitions. Whether you find yourself navigating career changes, relationship or friendship distress, identity shifts, or the weight of perfectionism, I am here to sit with you. I also work with eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem struggles, creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space to better understand your relationship with yourself and others. I integrate DBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches into our sessions.
Therapy with me is long-term and set up to maintain self-care and self compassion. I support individuals through life’s transitions. Whether you find yourself navigating career changes, relationship or friendship distress, identity shifts, or the weight of perfectionism, I am here to sit with you. I also work with eating disorders, body image concerns, and self-esteem struggles, creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space to better understand your relationship with yourself and others. I integrate DBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches into our sessions.
Do you struggle to complete your productive tasks no matter how much effort you put in? Or perhaps regardless of how you try to explain your brain to your partner, they just can’t understand?
Neurodiversity and communication. Whether you are neurotypical, neurodiverse, or a neurosurgeon, understanding and being understood can be challenging and frustrating. That’s where I can help.
I work with: anxiety + stress, life transitions, relationships (dating, pre-marital, marriage, peers), multicultural experiences, family dynamics, sexuality + identity, LGBTQIA+, sexual struggles, and am Gottman Level 1 trained.
Do you struggle to complete your productive tasks no matter how much effort you put in? Or perhaps regardless of how you try to explain your brain to your partner, they just can’t understand?
Neurodiversity and communication. Whether you are neurotypical, neurodiverse, or a neurosurgeon, understanding and being understood can be challenging and frustrating. That’s where I can help.
I work with: anxiety + stress, life transitions, relationships (dating, pre-marital, marriage, peers), multicultural experiences, family dynamics, sexuality + identity, LGBTQIA+, sexual struggles, and am Gottman Level 1 trained.
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.
In my individual and relationship therapy, I center complex trauma, attachment and communication styles and their impact on the quality of life, family, relationships, sex, love and kink. I run a number of therapy groups focused on navigating trauma (cPTSD), relationships and the world, while being neurodivergent, queer and trans, from a systems lens.
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.
In my individual and relationship therapy, I center complex trauma, attachment and communication styles and their impact on the quality of life, family, relationships, sex, love and kink. I run a number of therapy groups focused on navigating trauma (cPTSD), relationships and the world, while being neurodivergent, queer and trans, from a systems lens.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
When we are able to truly understand ourselves and our relationships, we can build a life of genuine meaning and connection. Many people enter into therapy only to find themselves gaining small amounts of insight that produce little or no changes in their life. My therapeutic methods produce results that not only change the way we feel about ourselves in the world but change our behaviors. I am respectful of the fact that everyone's pace and tolerance to different interventions varies. My work is reflective of the care and respect I have for each and every client as individuals.
I believe in the enriching and transformative power of an authentically validating therapeutic relationship, one that is secure and trusting. My sincere goal is to create a connection with you that is collaborative, accepting, exploratory, honest and safe. Therapy has the ability to awaken us to be fully present in life. It helps us to know our stories, our patterns, our desires, our full and whole selves more deeply. This awareness inspires and creates growth, healing and change.
I believe in the enriching and transformative power of an authentically validating therapeutic relationship, one that is secure and trusting. My sincere goal is to create a connection with you that is collaborative, accepting, exploratory, honest and safe. Therapy has the ability to awaken us to be fully present in life. It helps us to know our stories, our patterns, our desires, our full and whole selves more deeply. This awareness inspires and creates growth, healing and change.
Perhaps you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless. But you're also feeling ready for change, which is why you're here. It's common to feel like our thoughts and emotions are in a confusing and tangled knot, whether we have experienced trauma, challenging family dynamics, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health challenges. What I can do is help you untangle the knot one thread at a time, make sense of these parts, and understand their origins and connections. Most importantly, together we can start to weave a new pattern that suits you, so you feel empowered to live an authentic and fulfilling life.
Perhaps you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless. But you're also feeling ready for change, which is why you're here. It's common to feel like our thoughts and emotions are in a confusing and tangled knot, whether we have experienced trauma, challenging family dynamics, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, and/or other mental health challenges. What I can do is help you untangle the knot one thread at a time, make sense of these parts, and understand their origins and connections. Most importantly, together we can start to weave a new pattern that suits you, so you feel empowered to live an authentic and fulfilling life.
You may have been feeling not good enough. We often let outside influences control much of our lives and get us stuck in unhealthy thinking patterns. Have you got caught in the comparison trap? Don't worry, you are not alone. All of us have the inner strength to heal our emotional wounds. You scrolled, read self help books, and watch YouTube videos and now you are ready to take some action. I am here to support you on this journey.
You may have been feeling not good enough. We often let outside influences control much of our lives and get us stuck in unhealthy thinking patterns. Have you got caught in the comparison trap? Don't worry, you are not alone. All of us have the inner strength to heal our emotional wounds. You scrolled, read self help books, and watch YouTube videos and now you are ready to take some action. I am here to support you on this journey.
We all deserve a space that is exclusively ours. A non-judgmental, accepting, and healing space where we can transform our minds, feelings, and experiences. A space to reflect and grow. I provide holistic therapy that is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is eclectic - I incorporate various treatment modalities and approaches into my work (mindfulness, CBT, DBT, etc.) and provide anti-oppressive, anti-racist and culturally responsive therapy. The identities you carry are seen, valued, and celebrated. I consider all aspects of your life, including the systems and environments that impact us.
We all deserve a space that is exclusively ours. A non-judgmental, accepting, and healing space where we can transform our minds, feelings, and experiences. A space to reflect and grow. I provide holistic therapy that is person-centered, strength-based, and trauma-informed. My approach to therapy is eclectic - I incorporate various treatment modalities and approaches into my work (mindfulness, CBT, DBT, etc.) and provide anti-oppressive, anti-racist and culturally responsive therapy. The identities you carry are seen, valued, and celebrated. I consider all aspects of your life, including the systems and environments that impact us.
Center for Effective Artistry
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MA
Chicago, IL 60640
Do you find yourself overwhelmed in a world that's not designed for you? Stop designing your life around the world. Design your life around you. The Center for Effective Artistry specializes in working with clients exploring neurodivergence, ADHD, ASD, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, queerness, gender, race, religion, climate grief, and substance use. Our clients are tired of having therapists give them an "answer" that doesn't work. We offer an approach that is unique to each of our fantastic clients. As leaders in the neurodiversity movement, we think outside of the box, and aim to improve the field of mental health.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed in a world that's not designed for you? Stop designing your life around the world. Design your life around you. The Center for Effective Artistry specializes in working with clients exploring neurodivergence, ADHD, ASD, AuDHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma, queerness, gender, race, religion, climate grief, and substance use. Our clients are tired of having therapists give them an "answer" that doesn't work. We offer an approach that is unique to each of our fantastic clients. As leaders in the neurodiversity movement, we think outside of the box, and aim to improve the field of mental health.
My therapeutic style combines validation, investigation, and a collaborative strengths-based approach. Together, we'll explore your internal experiences and emotions, using tools like breathing exercises, practicing self-affirmations to promote growth, and building capacity to feed each of your emotions. All in all, I take the approach that we are not here to “get rid of our emotions” but rather build a partnership with them. To walk through life with them rather than against them. If this journey sounds promising then I think I could be the therapist for you!
My therapeutic style combines validation, investigation, and a collaborative strengths-based approach. Together, we'll explore your internal experiences and emotions, using tools like breathing exercises, practicing self-affirmations to promote growth, and building capacity to feed each of your emotions. All in all, I take the approach that we are not here to “get rid of our emotions” but rather build a partnership with them. To walk through life with them rather than against them. If this journey sounds promising then I think I could be the therapist for you!
I have experience working with adult women, men, nonbinary individuals, LGBTQA+ community, those who are a part of the Kink community, identify as non-monogamous/polyamorous, and partnered individuals.
Are you feeling unheard, misunderstood, struggling to find your footing in this world? Navigating this thing we call life can be a daunting process. Starting therapy can be a difficult decision and my desire in this work is to meet you where you are and build trust as we embark on this journey together. In my work, I seek to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore the many layers of yourself. I am honored to participate in the journey of you authoring your own story, one that fully encapsulates the complex person whom you are.
I have experience working with adult women, men, nonbinary individuals, LGBTQA+ community, those who are a part of the Kink community, identify as non-monogamous/polyamorous, and partnered individuals.
Are you feeling unheard, misunderstood, struggling to find your footing in this world? Navigating this thing we call life can be a daunting process. Starting therapy can be a difficult decision and my desire in this work is to meet you where you are and build trust as we embark on this journey together. In my work, I seek to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore the many layers of yourself. I am honored to participate in the journey of you authoring your own story, one that fully encapsulates the complex person whom you are.
I create an affirming, collaborative space where clients of all ages feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with individuals navigating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, complex trauma, grief, and identity exploration. I am especially passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming care and helping clients process the impact of systemic and institutional oppression.
I create an affirming, collaborative space where clients of all ages feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I work with individuals navigating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, complex trauma, grief, and identity exploration. I am especially passionate about LGBTQ+ affirming care and helping clients process the impact of systemic and institutional oppression.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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