Transgender Therapists in Chicago, IL
In so many areas of our lives, finding affirming care can be a difficult and exhausting process. For those of us who exist outside of normative understandings of gender, race, sexuality, and other identities, feeling fully seen and held in all of our multifaceted and interconnected expressions of self is a rare experience. As an individual, relationship, and sex therapist I strive to create a space where you can show up as your whole complex self. I focus on challenging narratives of what it means to be successful, worthy, valuable, and desirable and on making room for what feels good and true for you.
In so many areas of our lives, finding affirming care can be a difficult and exhausting process. For those of us who exist outside of normative understandings of gender, race, sexuality, and other identities, feeling fully seen and held in all of our multifaceted and interconnected expressions of self is a rare experience. As an individual, relationship, and sex therapist I strive to create a space where you can show up as your whole complex self. I focus on challenging narratives of what it means to be successful, worthy, valuable, and desirable and on making room for what feels good and true for you.
Room to Breathe is a group practice of therapists and yoga instructors who understand that your mental and physical health are interconnected.
Our therapists offer talk therapy for those interested in exploring and accessing their wellbeing and their personhood, difficulties and strengths through counseling sessions.
Our yoga instructors are psychologically-informed and offer trauma sensitive classes for people who are connecting with their bodies and wellbeing through the practices of yoga and meditation.
We’re here to support and address your goals holistically; that may be with therapy, yoga, or both.
Room to Breathe is a group practice of therapists and yoga instructors who understand that your mental and physical health are interconnected.
Our therapists offer talk therapy for those interested in exploring and accessing their wellbeing and their personhood, difficulties and strengths through counseling sessions.
Our yoga instructors are psychologically-informed and offer trauma sensitive classes for people who are connecting with their bodies and wellbeing through the practices of yoga and meditation.
We’re here to support and address your goals holistically; that may be with therapy, yoga, or both.
You are capable of change, of a life that works better for you. Maybe you are struggling with compulsive or intrusive thoughts, maybe you are in a cycle of coping that numbs pain but deepens isolation. Discover a space free of judgment that holds the most difficult parts of your experience with gentleness.
Therapy can help you make sense of your experience and find achievable ways to cope. Taking into account the whole person from neurodiversity to LGBTQ identity, I provide a queer-affirming, person-centered space to process painful memories, rebuild trust, and practice tools that make day-to-day life more manageable.
You are capable of change, of a life that works better for you. Maybe you are struggling with compulsive or intrusive thoughts, maybe you are in a cycle of coping that numbs pain but deepens isolation. Discover a space free of judgment that holds the most difficult parts of your experience with gentleness.
Therapy can help you make sense of your experience and find achievable ways to cope. Taking into account the whole person from neurodiversity to LGBTQ identity, I provide a queer-affirming, person-centered space to process painful memories, rebuild trust, and practice tools that make day-to-day life more manageable.
I've had the honor of working with queer, poly, and transgender folks for over four years.
So much of our identities, the things that we love, and parts of our bodies and brains are incongruent. But it’s these silly clashes, contradictions, and question marks of life that make us who we are.
My question to you; Who do you want to be?
I am an affirming and direct therapist, who’ll tell you how it is, and how it isn’t. I like to hold two truths; making space for understanding and accountability in session. With this mindset, we can show attention and care toward your experiences, while still leaving room for agency and growth.
I've had the honor of working with queer, poly, and transgender folks for over four years.
So much of our identities, the things that we love, and parts of our bodies and brains are incongruent. But it’s these silly clashes, contradictions, and question marks of life that make us who we are.
My question to you; Who do you want to be?
I am an affirming and direct therapist, who’ll tell you how it is, and how it isn’t. I like to hold two truths; making space for understanding and accountability in session. With this mindset, we can show attention and care toward your experiences, while still leaving room for agency and growth.
Authentic connections with other human beings are central to our personal growth, well-being, and liberation. Fear of judgement from others and harm caused by oppressive systems leave many adults socially isolated. I hope to help you interrupt this cycle, person-to-person. Therapy is about growth and connection through life's hurdles. My clinical work is feminist, collaborative, and relational. I am nonjudgmental, curious, and straightforward in the therapy room. I work primarily with LGBT+, neurodivergent, chronically ill/dynamically disabled, kinky, and poly clients.
Authentic connections with other human beings are central to our personal growth, well-being, and liberation. Fear of judgement from others and harm caused by oppressive systems leave many adults socially isolated. I hope to help you interrupt this cycle, person-to-person. Therapy is about growth and connection through life's hurdles. My clinical work is feminist, collaborative, and relational. I am nonjudgmental, curious, and straightforward in the therapy room. I work primarily with LGBT+, neurodivergent, chronically ill/dynamically disabled, kinky, and poly clients.
I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria.
I practice from a psychodynamic lens and occasionally draw from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as needed. Some sessions may feel playful and energizing and others may feel heavy and emotionally rich. No matter the case, I aim to create a warm and affirming space where you can show up as your most authentic self.
I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria.
I practice from a psychodynamic lens and occasionally draw from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as needed. Some sessions may feel playful and energizing and others may feel heavy and emotionally rich. No matter the case, I aim to create a warm and affirming space where you can show up as your most authentic self.
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.
Hello! My name is Emmy and thanks for taking a second to see if I am the right fit for you.
In life and in my work I center play, community, joy, and imagination. I believe in collective healing and liberation through these values and rely on them in session.
I’ve learned in my personal life and while being present to others that we can all benefit from a moment that is just for us to think about who we are and how we relate to the world. Figuring out yourself starts by having a safe place to fall, to express, to play, and to imagine. In session, you can expect me to affirm you, get curious with you and, at times, challenge you.
Hello! My name is Emmy and thanks for taking a second to see if I am the right fit for you.
In life and in my work I center play, community, joy, and imagination. I believe in collective healing and liberation through these values and rely on them in session.
I’ve learned in my personal life and while being present to others that we can all benefit from a moment that is just for us to think about who we are and how we relate to the world. Figuring out yourself starts by having a safe place to fall, to express, to play, and to imagine. In session, you can expect me to affirm you, get curious with you and, at times, challenge you.
In therapy, it feels essential to look at not only our own thoughts and emotions but also the expectations set by our environment. I utilize affirmative, trauma-informed, and relational lenses to encourage insight and explore assumptions impacting how we engage with the world around us. My clinical and research focuses relate to sexual identity, gender diversity and transition, and ethically non-monogamous relationships. Aside from these, I work often with anxiety, depression, communication, conflict management, boundaries, trauma, life transitions, discrimination, substance use, and premarital/marital counseling.
In therapy, it feels essential to look at not only our own thoughts and emotions but also the expectations set by our environment. I utilize affirmative, trauma-informed, and relational lenses to encourage insight and explore assumptions impacting how we engage with the world around us. My clinical and research focuses relate to sexual identity, gender diversity and transition, and ethically non-monogamous relationships. Aside from these, I work often with anxiety, depression, communication, conflict management, boundaries, trauma, life transitions, discrimination, substance use, and premarital/marital counseling.
Are you experiencing overwhelming anxiety? In uncertain times, it makes sense if you feel like you’re struggling in isolation right now. In times of crisis, it can be even more difficult to navigate day to day life when it is complicated by systemic racism, punitive systems and limiting social norms. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current living situation and relationship difficulties, counseling can help. I work with adults who are navigating the complexity of their identities in the most stressful circumstances.
Are you experiencing overwhelming anxiety? In uncertain times, it makes sense if you feel like you’re struggling in isolation right now. In times of crisis, it can be even more difficult to navigate day to day life when it is complicated by systemic racism, punitive systems and limiting social norms. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your current living situation and relationship difficulties, counseling can help. I work with adults who are navigating the complexity of their identities in the most stressful circumstances.
As a TGNC queer-identified clinician, I value social justice and the diverse experiences that each client brings into the therapeutic endeavor. I value showing up authentically, believing that it is foundational to a positive therapeutic alliance. With compassion and vulnerability, I center an integrated and trauma-informed approach to therapy.
As a TGNC queer-identified clinician, I value social justice and the diverse experiences that each client brings into the therapeutic endeavor. I value showing up authentically, believing that it is foundational to a positive therapeutic alliance. With compassion and vulnerability, I center an integrated and trauma-informed approach to therapy.
Everyone deserves a safe space where they feel seen, valued, and heard. To support you in the best way I can, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself whether we're meeting virtually or face-to-face.
No matter what concerns you bring with you, I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions by fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. I want you to feel comfortable showing up as your whole self no matter what that looks or sounds like.
Everyone deserves a safe space where they feel seen, valued, and heard. To support you in the best way I can, my aim is to create an environment where you can truly be yourself whether we're meeting virtually or face-to-face.
No matter what concerns you bring with you, I strive to bring warmth and ease into our sessions by fostering a conversational atmosphere where you don't have to watch your words. I want you to feel comfortable showing up as your whole self no matter what that looks or sounds like.
At times we may feel we are barely treading water in a storm. When life is this difficult, finding ways to cope and gain solid footing can often feel strenuous. You deserve space to slow down and have your story seen, heard, and understood. I would like to support your journal and collaborate with you in creating space to cultivate authentic curiosity in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I enjoy working with folks who express a deep curiosity to better understand themselves, the patterns that no longer service them, and are committed to learn how to heal their hearts, minds, & mind body connection.
At times we may feel we are barely treading water in a storm. When life is this difficult, finding ways to cope and gain solid footing can often feel strenuous. You deserve space to slow down and have your story seen, heard, and understood. I would like to support your journal and collaborate with you in creating space to cultivate authentic curiosity in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
I enjoy working with folks who express a deep curiosity to better understand themselves, the patterns that no longer service them, and are committed to learn how to heal their hearts, minds, & mind body connection.
I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), and gender identity..
I can offer you a space where you don’t have to pretend, perform, or have things figured out ahead of time. A safe environment where we can slow things down to review and understand what’s been happening with you. Without judgment or pressure to “fix” yourself. I primarily use research-based learning theories to assist individuals in modifying their behavior
I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by depression, grief, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma (PTSD), and gender identity..
I can offer you a space where you don’t have to pretend, perform, or have things figured out ahead of time. A safe environment where we can slow things down to review and understand what’s been happening with you. Without judgment or pressure to “fix” yourself. I primarily use research-based learning theories to assist individuals in modifying their behavior
As a working class member of the transgender community, I know how harmful it can be to live in a world that feels like it was built against you.
My approach to therapy is person-centered, meaning specific to your needs, experiences, and environment. I embrace neurodivergence and will always endeavor to support you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Our work will be trauma-informed, with a focus on harm reduction and the mind-body relationship.
As a working class member of the transgender community, I know how harmful it can be to live in a world that feels like it was built against you.
My approach to therapy is person-centered, meaning specific to your needs, experiences, and environment. I embrace neurodivergence and will always endeavor to support you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. Our work will be trauma-informed, with a focus on harm reduction and the mind-body relationship.
I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, transgender individuals, and individuals who are outside the gender binary.
My ideal client is someone who is feeling stuck in their life and who is looking for the tools and support to make changes. I believe that sadness and hardship are as much a part of the human experience as happiness and joy. Our pain becomes suffering when we try to push it away or avoid experiencing it all together. Therapy is the process of accepting the self as it is in a mix of strengths and weaknesses and finding the willingness to experience the present moment. Connection with values allows us to make mindful choices in our behavior.
I specialize in working with neurodiverse individuals, transgender individuals, and individuals who are outside the gender binary.
My ideal client is someone who is feeling stuck in their life and who is looking for the tools and support to make changes. I believe that sadness and hardship are as much a part of the human experience as happiness and joy. Our pain becomes suffering when we try to push it away or avoid experiencing it all together. Therapy is the process of accepting the self as it is in a mix of strengths and weaknesses and finding the willingness to experience the present moment. Connection with values allows us to make mindful choices in our behavior.
Whether you're exploring your identity, recovering from trauma, or simply looking for support, 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 a plan for lifelong results you can feel proud of! I also offer neurodivergent-affirming adult ADHD diagnostic testing.
Whether you're exploring your identity, recovering from trauma, or simply looking for support, 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 a plan for lifelong results you can feel proud of! I also offer neurodivergent-affirming adult ADHD diagnostic testing.
My ideal client would be someone who is seeking support with neurodivergence, gender identity exploration and dysphoria, those who are polyamorous and/or have ethical nonmonogamy dynamics, and individuals who may need support with managing trauma via cognitive processing.
I'm a nonbinary, queer psychotherapist from the south. My experience has been primarily LGBTQIA affirming therapy, trauma focused interventions, and person-centered approaches. My background includes a decade of community organizing and social work, focused through the lens of social justice, anti-racism, harm reduction, and queer affirming frameworks.
My ideal client would be someone who is seeking support with neurodivergence, gender identity exploration and dysphoria, those who are polyamorous and/or have ethical nonmonogamy dynamics, and individuals who may need support with managing trauma via cognitive processing.
I'm a nonbinary, queer psychotherapist from the south. My experience has been primarily LGBTQIA affirming therapy, trauma focused interventions, and person-centered approaches. My background includes a decade of community organizing and social work, focused through the lens of social justice, anti-racism, harm reduction, and queer affirming frameworks.
I have experience with PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, gender dysphoria and LGBTQ+ clients, clients on the autism spectrum, depression, and self esteem issues.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to explore and process their emotions, experiences, and work towards growth. I believe that everyone is the author of their own story and the expert on their own life and I help to guide and foster the change process.
I have experience with PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, gender dysphoria and LGBTQ+ clients, clients on the autism spectrum, depression, and self esteem issues.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults to explore and process their emotions, experiences, and work towards growth. I believe that everyone is the author of their own story and the expert on their own life and I help to guide and foster the change process.
I am a mental health professional who believes strongly in a collaborative approach to treatment and client-centric work. I view my role as a facilitator for change, and emphasize staying aligned with your personal values, experiences, roles, and identity. Topical conversations can often go deeper, linking consistent patterns to values or long term goals, and points of intersection can be valuable moments of insight. Other tenants of my practice include trauma-responsive interventions, neurodivergent affirming care, Queer, Kink, and Poly-aware practice, identity development work, and a systemic perspective on mental health care.
I am a mental health professional who believes strongly in a collaborative approach to treatment and client-centric work. I view my role as a facilitator for change, and emphasize staying aligned with your personal values, experiences, roles, and identity. Topical conversations can often go deeper, linking consistent patterns to values or long term goals, and points of intersection can be valuable moments of insight. Other tenants of my practice include trauma-responsive interventions, neurodivergent affirming care, Queer, Kink, and Poly-aware practice, identity development work, and a systemic perspective on mental health care.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Brookfield
- Cicero
- Elmwood Park
- Forest Park
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Lincolnwood
- Norridge
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
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.