LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Davis, IL
Rebecca L Rudolph
Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
Davis, IL 61019
Dealing with constant worry, anxiety, or self-doubt can feel like an uphill battle. Events from your past might be affecting your day-to-day life, causing you to carry unnecessary guilt, shame, or fear. Maybe you feel like, no matter what you do, you simply aren’t good enough. Or maybe you’ve reached the end of your rope with flashbacks, nightmares, sleep issues, or anxiety attacks. No matter if you suffer from anxiety that you can’t explain or are able to trace your challenges back to specific events in your past, I am here to help you navigate from hurt to healing.
Dealing with constant worry, anxiety, or self-doubt can feel like an uphill battle. Events from your past might be affecting your day-to-day life, causing you to carry unnecessary guilt, shame, or fear. Maybe you feel like, no matter what you do, you simply aren’t good enough. Or maybe you’ve reached the end of your rope with flashbacks, nightmares, sleep issues, or anxiety attacks. No matter if you suffer from anxiety that you can’t explain or are able to trace your challenges back to specific events in your past, I am here to help you navigate from hurt to healing.
Online Therapists
Matthew Amador
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60660 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a queer, Mexican-American, therapist who believes you are inherently awesome, and that sometimes our awesomeness needs to be recalibrated from time to time. Whether meeting individually, or as a part of a relationship/polycule, I value working towards opportunities for new growth and a better sense of self-awareness. I use an intersectional approach towards helping you reclaim agency in your life so that you can move forward courageously.
I’m a queer, Mexican-American, therapist who believes you are inherently awesome, and that sometimes our awesomeness needs to be recalibrated from time to time. Whether meeting individually, or as a part of a relationship/polycule, I value working towards opportunities for new growth and a better sense of self-awareness. I use an intersectional approach towards helping you reclaim agency in your life so that you can move forward courageously.
Dr. Louis Formica
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Counseling can strengthen your ability to recognize and make choices in your life that align with the person you want to be. I can help you cope with difficult emotions and develop a strong sense of self-compassion and acceptance. I am most passionate about addressing concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and sexual health. A significant portion of my career has been focused on serving LGBTQ+ people and communities, and I pay close attention to cultural factors and the ways in which they impact a person's vantage point in this world.
Counseling can strengthen your ability to recognize and make choices in your life that align with the person you want to be. I can help you cope with difficult emotions and develop a strong sense of self-compassion and acceptance. I am most passionate about addressing concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and sexual health. A significant portion of my career has been focused on serving LGBTQ+ people and communities, and I pay close attention to cultural factors and the ways in which they impact a person's vantage point in this world.
Vincent Cieslak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW, CADC, CDVP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Warrenville, IL 60555
I have specific expertise working with the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on relationship issues.
My career began providing direct service and resources to families of domestic violence, substance use, and homelessness. I am passionate about helping others discover the root of their challenges and encouraging change through an eclectic and trauma-informed approach. I believe we all have a purpose, and our lives are most fulfilled when we walk in that purpose.
I have specific expertise working with the LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on relationship issues.
My career began providing direct service and resources to families of domestic violence, substance use, and homelessness. I am passionate about helping others discover the root of their challenges and encouraging change through an eclectic and trauma-informed approach. I believe we all have a purpose, and our lives are most fulfilled when we walk in that purpose.
Deborah Dettman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60660
A lot of the women I work with are LGBTQ or allies.
Are you functional, even successful on the outside but deal with insecurities and worry that your problems are interfering with your happiness, work or relationships? You might have lingering impacts from things that happened in childhood or in toxic relationships. Most of my clients are women who are overthinkers and people- pleasers and suffer from being very self-critical. I think of our work as "recovery from everything." A lot of what is happening is the fears we have about things that are uncertain in life. The positive coping skills we work on are quite similar no matter what has caused you such high levels of anxiety.
A lot of the women I work with are LGBTQ or allies.
Are you functional, even successful on the outside but deal with insecurities and worry that your problems are interfering with your happiness, work or relationships? You might have lingering impacts from things that happened in childhood or in toxic relationships. Most of my clients are women who are overthinkers and people- pleasers and suffer from being very self-critical. I think of our work as "recovery from everything." A lot of what is happening is the fears we have about things that are uncertain in life. The positive coping skills we work on are quite similar no matter what has caused you such high levels of anxiety.
Brian Rzepczynski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DHS, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
Aurora, IL 60505 (Online Only)
An LGBT-safe office!.
If you're looking for a therapist who is well-trained in relationships and sex, and you want to take your love-life to the next level, then look no further! I work with individuals and couples, single or partnered, on relationship issues and sexual concerns. I help men and women of all sexual orientations learn how to establish and maintain long-term, healthy, fulfilling, and thriving relationships. Whether you're looking for dating coaching, relationship enrichment, or healing a troubled partnership, my mission is to help you achieve the type of relationship you've always wanted!
An LGBT-safe office!.
If you're looking for a therapist who is well-trained in relationships and sex, and you want to take your love-life to the next level, then look no further! I work with individuals and couples, single or partnered, on relationship issues and sexual concerns. I help men and women of all sexual orientations learn how to establish and maintain long-term, healthy, fulfilling, and thriving relationships. Whether you're looking for dating coaching, relationship enrichment, or healing a troubled partnership, my mission is to help you achieve the type of relationship you've always wanted!
Rae McDaniel: Queer Therapist
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, CST
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60647
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
Nico Gianni
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Homer Glen, IL 60491
How often do you get to share what's on your mind without fears of judgment, damage to relationships, or raising concern? For many, therapy offers freedom from these fears for the first time in their life. Whether you're having concerns about work, school, relationships, or the state of the world, we can process them together. I believe that you are the expert of your own story. For many of us in the LGBTQIA+, Kink, and CNM communities, there is an understandable need to find affirming care. In my practice, I strongly believe you shouldn't have to explain the basics of your identities to your therapist.
How often do you get to share what's on your mind without fears of judgment, damage to relationships, or raising concern? For many, therapy offers freedom from these fears for the first time in their life. Whether you're having concerns about work, school, relationships, or the state of the world, we can process them together. I believe that you are the expert of your own story. For many of us in the LGBTQIA+, Kink, and CNM communities, there is an understandable need to find affirming care. In my practice, I strongly believe you shouldn't have to explain the basics of your identities to your therapist.
Barry Shaeffer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657 (Online Only)
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
My life’s work is strengthening the LGBTQ community from the inside out. I do this by working with gay and queer men to live the lives they desire. What often holds us back are layers of expectations and belief systems that we take on from society, our families, and others. When these systemic messages conflict with our authentic selves, this creates a dissonance that often results in anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. This isn’t something that is broken or bad in us. Quite the opposite, it’s our authentic selves yearning to be expressed!
Robert Lloyd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201 (Online Only)
I enjoy working with queer identity, communication, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, anxiety, sexuality and sexual issues, caretakers, and life transitions.
Are you feeling lost? In need of some healing? Therapy is a space for us to find the best versions of ourselves. If you want to discover more about yourself and your strengths and are open to new perspectives, it may be time for your therapeutic journey to begin.
I enjoy working with queer identity, communication, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, anxiety, sexuality and sexual issues, caretakers, and life transitions.
Are you feeling lost? In need of some healing? Therapy is a space for us to find the best versions of ourselves. If you want to discover more about yourself and your strengths and are open to new perspectives, it may be time for your therapeutic journey to begin.
Dr. Colin Ennis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60657
In addition to the specialties listed below, I focus on all members of the LGBTQ+ communities and all of the issues they face in striving for pride, relationships, and fulfillment while navigating the world.
We’re born with innate needs to grow, connect, and find purpose. Our lives shapes how we go about getting these needs met. If we're successful in this, we often feel content and fulfilled. However, sometimes life intervenes in ways that prevent us from successfully getting these needs met and leaves us stuck and suffering. Often, we need help from a supportive professional to help us focus productively on our problems, ease our immediate distress with direction solutions, and help us develop the insights and skills needed for long term growth and fulfillment. I'll work closely with you to help you achieve your specific goals.
In addition to the specialties listed below, I focus on all members of the LGBTQ+ communities and all of the issues they face in striving for pride, relationships, and fulfillment while navigating the world.
We’re born with innate needs to grow, connect, and find purpose. Our lives shapes how we go about getting these needs met. If we're successful in this, we often feel content and fulfilled. However, sometimes life intervenes in ways that prevent us from successfully getting these needs met and leaves us stuck and suffering. Often, we need help from a supportive professional to help us focus productively on our problems, ease our immediate distress with direction solutions, and help us develop the insights and skills needed for long term growth and fulfillment. I'll work closely with you to help you achieve your specific goals.
Eric Mascara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60607
My practice is fully remote with no in-person option. I work with adults facing diverse obstacles, including anxiety, depression, grief, gender and sexuality exploration, and life transitions. I am knowledgeable and affirming around LGBTQIA+ identities and relationships. Through a psychodynamic approach, I will support you on your journey of understanding the root causes of your challenges while identifying solutions to take concrete steps toward life changes.
My practice is fully remote with no in-person option. I work with adults facing diverse obstacles, including anxiety, depression, grief, gender and sexuality exploration, and life transitions. I am knowledgeable and affirming around LGBTQIA+ identities and relationships. Through a psychodynamic approach, I will support you on your journey of understanding the root causes of your challenges while identifying solutions to take concrete steps toward life changes.
Tony Couturier
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60622
Waitlist for new clients
My approach to therapy is integrative and is relationally focused. My lens is existential and focused on finding meaning in what seems to be an increasingly chaotic, meaningless world of information overload, technology, climate change, and social unrest. I believe that mental health goes beyond alleviating symptoms and that we have the capacity to experience greater joy, creativity, meaning, and fulfilling relationships in life. I have interest and experience working with those who identify as LGBTQ+, first-generation college students, and issues of grief, trauma, burnout, loneliness, isolation, career and life transitions.
My approach to therapy is integrative and is relationally focused. My lens is existential and focused on finding meaning in what seems to be an increasingly chaotic, meaningless world of information overload, technology, climate change, and social unrest. I believe that mental health goes beyond alleviating symptoms and that we have the capacity to experience greater joy, creativity, meaning, and fulfilling relationships in life. I have interest and experience working with those who identify as LGBTQ+, first-generation college students, and issues of grief, trauma, burnout, loneliness, isolation, career and life transitions.
John Hughes
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC, MPA, PACT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60661
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with clients from diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and members of the LGBTQ community and welcome all clients.
I approach my clinical work with an emphasis on relationships, attachment and the importance of multi-cultural and relational approaches. I understand the value of knowing where a client comes from and where they have been in order to collaboratively develop interventions and approaches that are safe, effective and familiar. I believe that in order to truly help clients they, and I, must understand the context in which they live and learn and that the work we do in the clinical room must be transferable to their everyday life. Many of my clients are seeking guidance on how to engage in and maintain healthy relationships.
I enjoy working with clients from diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds and members of the LGBTQ community and welcome all clients.
I approach my clinical work with an emphasis on relationships, attachment and the importance of multi-cultural and relational approaches. I understand the value of knowing where a client comes from and where they have been in order to collaboratively develop interventions and approaches that are safe, effective and familiar. I believe that in order to truly help clients they, and I, must understand the context in which they live and learn and that the work we do in the clinical room must be transferable to their everyday life. Many of my clients are seeking guidance on how to engage in and maintain healthy relationships.
Eric Geweniger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals and relationships of all identities with specialization in developmental/attachment trauma, queer folx, kinksters and leather folx, and young adults.
The path back to groundedness and rejuvenation is a little different for each of us. We've been through a difficult past few years, and so many of us are burnt out or disillusioned by the state of the world and the challenges of finding genuine connection - especially for those of us who are marginalized for being our authentic selves. Having a space to process our feelings and offload stress can be a turning point for many of us toward meaningful change and deeper awareness of ourselves as we navigate life's challenges. Together, we can find your path and walk it together.
I work with individuals and relationships of all identities with specialization in developmental/attachment trauma, queer folx, kinksters and leather folx, and young adults.
The path back to groundedness and rejuvenation is a little different for each of us. We've been through a difficult past few years, and so many of us are burnt out or disillusioned by the state of the world and the challenges of finding genuine connection - especially for those of us who are marginalized for being our authentic selves. Having a space to process our feelings and offload stress can be a turning point for many of us toward meaningful change and deeper awareness of ourselves as we navigate life's challenges. Together, we can find your path and walk it together.
Alex Ragsdale
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60602
Waitlist for new clients
I am queer, sex-positive, fat-positive, and trauma-informed.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, conflict resolution, and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.
I am queer, sex-positive, fat-positive, and trauma-informed.
As a relational therapist, I focus on supporting and witnessing clients in finding healing, connection, conflict resolution, and repair to ultimately build a life and relationships that honor their values and imagination. Therapy is an opportunity for liberation from dominant social narratives that don’t work for us as individuals or in our relationships, and I recognize the intergenerational and ongoing trauma of struggling against those dominant narratives. All relationships can benefit from this lens – whether they're romantic, platonic, brand new, long-term, with others, or with parts of yourself.
Matthew Joseph Lieser
MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I specialize in reconciling faith and sexuality to heal past wounds, EMDR and trauma, men's issues, self-esteem, existentialism, LGBTQ, anxiety and depression.
Building trust comes from telling your story in a safe space. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential. I see my role as your therapist to provide a space of care and concern coupled with providing real insights that can help you grow and face challenges.
I specialize in reconciling faith and sexuality to heal past wounds, EMDR and trauma, men's issues, self-esteem, existentialism, LGBTQ, anxiety and depression.
Building trust comes from telling your story in a safe space. Together we can create a therapeutic alliance that is conducive towards self discovery, growth, and fulfilling your potential. I see my role as your therapist to provide a space of care and concern coupled with providing real insights that can help you grow and face challenges.
Collective Insight
Psychologist, PsyD, MSCP, MS, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
I am a licensed Clinical and Prescribing Psychologist who specializes in providing culturally competent mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on individuals who identify as sexual, racial, and gender minorities.
I am passionate about using evidence-based practices to help all clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulty with gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, career transitions, healthy living, work-life balance, stress management, and general mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability, etc.). I believe that it is vital for people to trust the therapeutic space and know that it is safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I work with clients to help them identify goals of treatment that are align
I am a licensed Clinical and Prescribing Psychologist who specializes in providing culturally competent mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on individuals who identify as sexual, racial, and gender minorities.
I am passionate about using evidence-based practices to help all clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing difficulty with gender identity, sexuality/sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, career transitions, healthy living, work-life balance, stress management, and general mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, mood instability, etc.). I believe that it is vital for people to trust the therapeutic space and know that it is safe, welcoming, and free of judgment. I work with clients to help them identify goals of treatment that are align
Rachel Pallmeyer
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613
My therapy practice is person-centered, relational and informed by intersectional feminist and queer approaches.
As the expert of your own experience, you deserve to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identities. Everyone faces challenges and obstacles in the world. 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.
My therapy practice is person-centered, relational and informed by intersectional feminist and queer approaches.
As the expert of your own experience, you deserve to be listened to and understood. I intend to hold space for all aspects of your unique identities. Everyone faces challenges and obstacles in the world. 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.
Dale Roberson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60613 (Online Only)
Entering therapy is about developing a collaborative relationship between client and therapist. With that in mind, I make every effort to engage clients by first getting to know them and their needs; for change to occur for clients, they need to believe their therapist is trustworthy, sincere, and compassionate. I am experienced in supporting those navigating identity (gender, race, nationality, etc.), LGBTQIA+-related issues, fetish/kink/leather, polyamory/consensual non-monogamy, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, phase-of-life issues, emotion dysregulation, and relationship issues.
Entering therapy is about developing a collaborative relationship between client and therapist. With that in mind, I make every effort to engage clients by first getting to know them and their needs; for change to occur for clients, they need to believe their therapist is trustworthy, sincere, and compassionate. I am experienced in supporting those navigating identity (gender, race, nationality, etc.), LGBTQIA+-related issues, fetish/kink/leather, polyamory/consensual non-monogamy, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, ADHD, phase-of-life issues, emotion dysregulation, and relationship issues.
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Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Davis
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Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.