Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Chicago, IL
As a relational therapist, I offer a calm and non-judgmental space for you to reconnect with yourself and your relationships. I bring my whole self—as a white, queer woman, wife, daughter/sister, entrepreneur, and clinician—into this work, contributing to how I connect with and support individuals, couples, and adult families who are navigating a wide range of relationship and life dynamics. Clinical topics include partnerships such as premarital, discernment, polycules/ENM/CNM, sex, conflict (Gottman level 3 trained); life transitions, family dynamics, AFAB/women's issues, hoarding, self-esteem, and identity development.
As a relational therapist, I offer a calm and non-judgmental space for you to reconnect with yourself and your relationships. I bring my whole self—as a white, queer woman, wife, daughter/sister, entrepreneur, and clinician—into this work, contributing to how I connect with and support individuals, couples, and adult families who are navigating a wide range of relationship and life dynamics. Clinical topics include partnerships such as premarital, discernment, polycules/ENM/CNM, sex, conflict (Gottman level 3 trained); life transitions, family dynamics, AFAB/women's issues, hoarding, self-esteem, and identity development.
I am passionate about supporting clients in navigating the turbulent inner and outer landscapes of the human experience. I seek to move away from the notion of a therapist as the expert, or “fixer,” and instead assume the role of trusted companion in the process of self-discovery. I believe in trusting the wisdom that each client brings with them into the therapeutic process, and that every client is the expert in their own inner world. I encourage clients to practice looking inwards when experiencing difficult seasons of life, which can feel drastically different than looking outwards for distractions, or ways to stay busy.
I am passionate about supporting clients in navigating the turbulent inner and outer landscapes of the human experience. I seek to move away from the notion of a therapist as the expert, or “fixer,” and instead assume the role of trusted companion in the process of self-discovery. I believe in trusting the wisdom that each client brings with them into the therapeutic process, and that every client is the expert in their own inner world. I encourage clients to practice looking inwards when experiencing difficult seasons of life, which can feel drastically different than looking outwards for distractions, or ways to stay busy.
At Evolve Wellness, we specialize in goal oriented, skills focused, action-based care. We provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for adults, teens, and couples. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or relationship challenges, our therapists provide a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered.
At Evolve Wellness, we specialize in goal oriented, skills focused, action-based care. We provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for adults, teens, and couples. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, depression, or relationship challenges, our therapists provide a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered.
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.
As a therapist, I believe you are the expert on your own life with innate strengths. Together, we will use those strengths and insights gained from our working relationship to assist with life's transitions - , relationships, identity, career shifts, and more. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can openly explore your experience and build meaning in the life you lead. Together, we’ll work towards finding the a healthy way forward that is aligned with what's most important to you.
As a therapist, I believe you are the expert on your own life with innate strengths. Together, we will use those strengths and insights gained from our working relationship to assist with life's transitions - , relationships, identity, career shifts, and more. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or relationship challenges, I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can openly explore your experience and build meaning in the life you lead. Together, we’ll work towards finding the a healthy way forward that is aligned with what's most important to you.
I believe in your natural capacity for growth and transformation. With warmth, empathy, and understanding, I’ll help you explore patterns that may be holding you back and support you in creating meaningful change. I bring experience in addressing sexual concerns and relationship challenges, offering a safe space to navigate these sensitive areas. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and a more fulfilling life. Your journey toward transformation can start here. Let’s explore taking the next step together.
I believe in your natural capacity for growth and transformation. With warmth, empathy, and understanding, I’ll help you explore patterns that may be holding you back and support you in creating meaningful change. I bring experience in addressing sexual concerns and relationship challenges, offering a safe space to navigate these sensitive areas. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, healing, and a more fulfilling life. Your journey toward transformation can start here. Let’s explore taking the next step together.
I enjoy working with people who are ready to explore their mental health, whatever that may be. I have worked with clients of all ages with many different diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc. It takes a lot of bravery to begin therapy and I enjoy providing information and education, teaching coping skills, or just providing a space to talk and explore whatever struggle my client may be encountering. I am also passionate about working with children and helping them grow their understanding of themselves and help their families learn how to best support them.
I enjoy working with people who are ready to explore their mental health, whatever that may be. I have worked with clients of all ages with many different diagnoses: Anxiety, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, etc. It takes a lot of bravery to begin therapy and I enjoy providing information and education, teaching coping skills, or just providing a space to talk and explore whatever struggle my client may be encountering. I am also passionate about working with children and helping them grow their understanding of themselves and help their families learn how to best support them.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
You’ve worked hard to build a life that looks stable, but inside, you’re wrestling with a voice that isn't yours—the inner critic planted by an emotionally misattuned parent, an abusive partner, or a demeaning boss. Despite your success, imposter syndrome tells you you’re just one mistake away from being "found out." You’re stuck in a cycle of over-functioning and survival mode, trying to outrun the doubt. One moment you’re keyed up and anxious; the next, you’re numb and checked out. I help women break these deeply ingrained relationship patterns and heal the wounds of emotional abuse so they can finally trust their own voice again.
My practice prioritizes women. I am passionate about working with all who identify as creatives, caregivers, mothers, and childless cat ladies. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and relational from both a trauma informed and feminist orientation. I believe that we are all resilient, each of us has unique strengths. I work with my clients to build on these strengths, increase their insight, and develop the trust needed for personal growth. I do this by providing a safe space in which you may process your experiences, express your feelings, challenge unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop self-awareness.
My practice prioritizes women. I am passionate about working with all who identify as creatives, caregivers, mothers, and childless cat ladies. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and relational from both a trauma informed and feminist orientation. I believe that we are all resilient, each of us has unique strengths. I work with my clients to build on these strengths, increase their insight, and develop the trust needed for personal growth. I do this by providing a safe space in which you may process your experiences, express your feelings, challenge unhealthy relationship patterns, and develop self-awareness.
Over time, we have all developed coping strategies that have gotten us to today, yet many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, complacent, or even having accepted unhappiness. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will work together to add new skills to your repertoire, while learning more about how behaviors and previous experiences show up in your day to day life. Although I use in a variety of specific techniques and interventions, much of our work together rests on the idea that that although challenges are a natural part of life, we move towards healing naturally when we feel understood by others and by ourselves.
Over time, we have all developed coping strategies that have gotten us to today, yet many of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, complacent, or even having accepted unhappiness. Through the therapeutic relationship, we will work together to add new skills to your repertoire, while learning more about how behaviors and previous experiences show up in your day to day life. Although I use in a variety of specific techniques and interventions, much of our work together rests on the idea that that although challenges are a natural part of life, we move towards healing naturally when we feel understood by others and by ourselves.
Often times our small wins and progress gets overshadowed by life’s stressors and chaos. In the space I provide for clients, we will always acknowledge and identify all wins and strengths in hopes to build up self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to move towards goals you may have, as well as developing a healthier thought process. If you’re looking for a space free of judgment, a space to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (all while sharing some good laughs!), I encourage you to take the first step towards investing into your mental health. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Often times our small wins and progress gets overshadowed by life’s stressors and chaos. In the space I provide for clients, we will always acknowledge and identify all wins and strengths in hopes to build up self-esteem, confidence, and motivation to move towards goals you may have, as well as developing a healthier thought process. If you’re looking for a space free of judgment, a space to make sense of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (all while sharing some good laughs!), I encourage you to take the first step towards investing into your mental health. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
My name is Emily Deaver and I am a warm, compassionate counselor who believes in a holistic and integrative approach that meets your unique needs and the needs of your family. I specialize in working with young people utilizing a multifaceted, developmentally appropriate plan to address a wide range of challenges. I work in partnership with my clients to increase healthy coping mechanisms and to improve their overall quality of life.
My name is Emily Deaver and I am a warm, compassionate counselor who believes in a holistic and integrative approach that meets your unique needs and the needs of your family. I specialize in working with young people utilizing a multifaceted, developmentally appropriate plan to address a wide range of challenges. I work in partnership with my clients to increase healthy coping mechanisms and to improve their overall quality of life.
I support people working through the impacts of complex trauma and emotional neglect, exploring relationships and identity, and navigating life transitions. My experience aligns with anxiety, depression, broken-heartedness, expansive relationships, adhd, disordered eating, self-perception, dissociation, and avoidance.
I support people working through the impacts of complex trauma and emotional neglect, exploring relationships and identity, and navigating life transitions. My experience aligns with anxiety, depression, broken-heartedness, expansive relationships, adhd, disordered eating, self-perception, dissociation, and avoidance.
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.
I specialize in supporting people with marginalized sexualities and relationships, including kink/BDSM, polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and general concerns with sex / sexual desire.
My approach to therapy is person-centered: I see us as equal collaborators in the healing process. I believe the therapeutic relationship in and of itself is the most powerful healing tool we have. Within that relationship, I also use mindfulness, depth, and harm-reduction interventions to help you gain insight and pursue a more authentic life.
I specialize in supporting people with marginalized sexualities and relationships, including kink/BDSM, polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, and general concerns with sex / sexual desire.
My approach to therapy is person-centered: I see us as equal collaborators in the healing process. I believe the therapeutic relationship in and of itself is the most powerful healing tool we have. Within that relationship, I also use mindfulness, depth, and harm-reduction interventions to help you gain insight and pursue a more authentic life.
I am passionate about helping others grow to their fullest potential, navigate through personal challenges, easing emotional burdens, and empowering clients to achieve a healthier mind. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and genders and work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, family conflict, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidality, challenges with self-esteem, and stress. I also work with all individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and individuals who have experienced complex trauma.
I am passionate about helping others grow to their fullest potential, navigate through personal challenges, easing emotional burdens, and empowering clients to achieve a healthier mind. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and genders and work with those experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, family conflict, relationship issues, self-harm, suicidality, challenges with self-esteem, and stress. I also work with all individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and individuals who have experienced complex trauma.
That ache of never quite landing: cultural homes that don't claim you, sexual shadows stealing your presence (trauma echoes, compulsion grips, desire droughts), rigid boxes cracking under fluid truths. You're code-switching masculinities, balancing polycule flames, or decoding vet stoicism into vulnerability—exhausted by performance, craving blueprints for pleasure that fit your actual shape.
What if one conversation mapped the way?
That ache of never quite landing: cultural homes that don't claim you, sexual shadows stealing your presence (trauma echoes, compulsion grips, desire droughts), rigid boxes cracking under fluid truths. You're code-switching masculinities, balancing polycule flames, or decoding vet stoicism into vulnerability—exhausted by performance, craving blueprints for pleasure that fit your actual shape.
What if one conversation mapped the way?
I am affirming, sex and kink positive, and experienced in helping navigate poly & non-monogamous relationships.
My therapeutic approach is largely shaped by principles of liberatory movements such as Disability Justice and Healing Justice. I utilize techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic theory. My main goal is to make sure my clients feel affirmed and empowered in their identities to navigate their environments.
I am affirming, sex and kink positive, and experienced in helping navigate poly & non-monogamous relationships.
My therapeutic approach is largely shaped by principles of liberatory movements such as Disability Justice and Healing Justice. I utilize techniques from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Psychodynamic theory. My main goal is to make sure my clients feel affirmed and empowered in their identities to navigate their environments.
For my clients, some aspect of who they are does not align with the expectations of them, bringing up anxiety, depression, and other stressors. Clients bring in issues related to masculinity, communication, relationships, identity, self-esteem, and polyamory. They may also feel limited or overwhelmed by larger issues outside of their control, such as the environment, capitalism, or other oppressive structures. They want to live more confidently but don't know how to do it on their own. Together we'll create a space to open up and dig deep. I will help you understand the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
For my clients, some aspect of who they are does not align with the expectations of them, bringing up anxiety, depression, and other stressors. Clients bring in issues related to masculinity, communication, relationships, identity, self-esteem, and polyamory. They may also feel limited or overwhelmed by larger issues outside of their control, such as the environment, capitalism, or other oppressive structures. They want to live more confidently but don't know how to do it on their own. Together we'll create a space to open up and dig deep. I will help you understand the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.
You're the expert of your own life, and your story deserves to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identity. In therapy, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and how you can navigate the world authentically, while centering your inherent capacity and resilience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, including those related to school, work, and relationships, as well as those seeking to initiate change.
You're the expert of your own life, and your story deserves to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identity. In therapy, we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and motivations, and how you can navigate the world authentically, while centering your inherent capacity and resilience. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, including those related to school, work, and relationships, as well as those seeking to initiate change.
See more therapy options for Chicago
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