Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Evanston, IL
I was an activist long before I was a therapist, and I bridge these approaches in my work. Chicago parents, queers, spoonies, feminists, sex workers, polyfolx and weirdos of all stripes: I got you. I use Talk Therapy, EMDR & Mindfulness to help people heal from trauma and bring joy into their lives.
I was an activist long before I was a therapist, and I bridge these approaches in my work. Chicago parents, queers, spoonies, feminists, sex workers, polyfolx and weirdos of all stripes: I got you. I use Talk Therapy, EMDR & Mindfulness to help people heal from trauma and bring joy into their lives.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore patterns in your life and relationships without judgment. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, humor and affirmation and work collaboratively with you toward self-reflection, self-compassion, and growth. My goal in individual and relationship therapy is to support you to learn more about yourself in the world— what’s shaped you, how you connect to others, and what stands in the way of where you’d like to be. I want you to feel safe to explore what brings you to therapy, and to feel held as you develop new insights and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Therapy can be an opportunity to explore patterns in your life and relationships without judgment. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, humor and affirmation and work collaboratively with you toward self-reflection, self-compassion, and growth. My goal in individual and relationship therapy is to support you to learn more about yourself in the world— what’s shaped you, how you connect to others, and what stands in the way of where you’d like to be. I want you to feel safe to explore what brings you to therapy, and to feel held as you develop new insights and tools to navigate life’s challenges.
I help people struggling with issues with relationships, anxiety, mood, grief, trauma, and neurodivergence. I believe healing comes from mutually empowering relationships and connection to one’s identities. As a queer and neurodivergent clinician, I enjoy working with folks exploring their intersecting identities. My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative. In our work together, I will emphasize transparency and authenticity as we bring awareness to the different aspects of your experiences and struggles. My practice is guided by curiosity and nonjudgment and my style is deeply introspective with a sense of playfulness.
I help people struggling with issues with relationships, anxiety, mood, grief, trauma, and neurodivergence. I believe healing comes from mutually empowering relationships and connection to one’s identities. As a queer and neurodivergent clinician, I enjoy working with folks exploring their intersecting identities. My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative. In our work together, I will emphasize transparency and authenticity as we bring awareness to the different aspects of your experiences and struggles. My practice is guided by curiosity and nonjudgment and my style is deeply introspective with a sense of playfulness.
When life feels like a knotted ball of yarn, sometimes we need help finding a thread to grab. As a therapist, I support my clients in finding that thread. I work with clients and couples who are experiencing work challenges, disability, life transitions, OCD, anxiety and depression. Couples often will come to me when they are feeling afraid and lonely in their relationships, like they are walking on eggshells. As your couples’ therapist I will work in supporting you to share with each other vulnerably and fully.
When life feels like a knotted ball of yarn, sometimes we need help finding a thread to grab. As a therapist, I support my clients in finding that thread. I work with clients and couples who are experiencing work challenges, disability, life transitions, OCD, anxiety and depression. Couples often will come to me when they are feeling afraid and lonely in their relationships, like they are walking on eggshells. As your couples’ therapist I will work in supporting you to share with each other vulnerably and fully.
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.
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.
As a results oriented clinician, I welcome clients across the lifespan for individual, couples, and family therapy. My specialization is working with clients facing depression, trauma, grief and loss, infertility, self-esteem, mood and motivational challenges. My approach to psychotherapy is insight based integrated with other methods to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Additionally, my interests expand to family psychology, supporting clients through separation and divorce as well as parent-child therapeutic reintegration and reunification therapy.
As a results oriented clinician, I welcome clients across the lifespan for individual, couples, and family therapy. My specialization is working with clients facing depression, trauma, grief and loss, infertility, self-esteem, mood and motivational challenges. My approach to psychotherapy is insight based integrated with other methods to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Additionally, my interests expand to family psychology, supporting clients through separation and divorce as well as parent-child therapeutic reintegration and reunification therapy.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself as PTSD and Complex PTSD, various types of depression and anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself as PTSD and Complex PTSD, various types of depression and anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
Erin Johnston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I use a collaborative model, where sessions feel like two people having a conversation in my living room, versus a stereotypical doctor/patient interaction. I don't view your issues as coming from an abnormal psychopathology, but instead as a reaction to living in a stressful, complex, and contradictory world. I seek to understand your issues in the context of your unique experience rather than viewing you as having something wrong or being broken. My focus is on what you need from me....I take my lead from you.
I use a collaborative model, where sessions feel like two people having a conversation in my living room, versus a stereotypical doctor/patient interaction. I don't view your issues as coming from an abnormal psychopathology, but instead as a reaction to living in a stressful, complex, and contradictory world. I seek to understand your issues in the context of your unique experience rather than viewing you as having something wrong or being broken. My focus is on what you need from me....I take my lead from you.
The clients who are the best fit for my clinical approach tend to be people who want to build a stronger sense of self, learn how to center their own needs and set boundaries, and are open to inner child healing. The clients I work with want to change their relationship with themselves to be more compassionate and nurturing. They are recovering people pleasers, people who want to learn how to be more assertive, often have unresolved trauma, and are ready to break cycles in order to establish new patterns. They seek support from me to discuss dating, relationships, sex, childhood traumas, identity, and healing from abuse and neglect.
The clients who are the best fit for my clinical approach tend to be people who want to build a stronger sense of self, learn how to center their own needs and set boundaries, and are open to inner child healing. The clients I work with want to change their relationship with themselves to be more compassionate and nurturing. They are recovering people pleasers, people who want to learn how to be more assertive, often have unresolved trauma, and are ready to break cycles in order to establish new patterns. They seek support from me to discuss dating, relationships, sex, childhood traumas, identity, and healing from abuse and neglect.
I am passionate about working collaboratively with my clients on their unique mental health goals. As a clinical social worker at a community mental health agency, I have experience working with folks struggling with their relationship with substances, complex trauma backgrounds, and more. I am committed to meeting my clients where they are at and working together to help overcome life's challenges. I embrace my queer identity, and I enjoy working with folks who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are looking for a clinician who is aware of the specific challenges and intersectional issues we face within our community.
I am passionate about working collaboratively with my clients on their unique mental health goals. As a clinical social worker at a community mental health agency, I have experience working with folks struggling with their relationship with substances, complex trauma backgrounds, and more. I am committed to meeting my clients where they are at and working together to help overcome life's challenges. I embrace my queer identity, and I enjoy working with folks who identify as LGBTQIA+ and are looking for a clinician who is aware of the specific challenges and intersectional issues we face within our community.
I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction issues (substance abuse), troubled teens, school failure, LGBTQ+, and trauma and identity issues. As a lifelong allied and friend to the LGBTQ+ community, I work very hard to remain current to concerns that are specific to marginalized communities. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I will work with you to think outside of the box and build strength through our therapeutic relationship.
I work with individuals, couples, and families struggling with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction issues (substance abuse), troubled teens, school failure, LGBTQ+, and trauma and identity issues. As a lifelong allied and friend to the LGBTQ+ community, I work very hard to remain current to concerns that are specific to marginalized communities. I tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. I will work with you to think outside of the box and build strength through our therapeutic relationship.
15 Second Videos
Hi there! My name is Ashley Poprilo, PsyD and I'm a licensed psychologist in the state of Illinois. I'm so glad that you've taken the first step on your journey to wellness! I know that the decision to find support can often be the hardest, and I'm happy that your search allowed us to cross paths! My passion lies in community health and providing mental health support for people who would otherwise struggle to find a good therapist. I recognize that at times, it can be hard to ask for help and I want to honor that bravery by joining you on the journey to living authentically.
Hi there! My name is Ashley Poprilo, PsyD and I'm a licensed psychologist in the state of Illinois. I'm so glad that you've taken the first step on your journey to wellness! I know that the decision to find support can often be the hardest, and I'm happy that your search allowed us to cross paths! My passion lies in community health and providing mental health support for people who would otherwise struggle to find a good therapist. I recognize that at times, it can be hard to ask for help and I want to honor that bravery by joining you on the journey to living authentically.
I work with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing any traumas, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and grief. In particular, I enjoy working with young adults and adolescents who want to work through trauma, anxiety, and/or are questioning their sexuality. I have experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults of all ages; specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with couples and families to feel connected, gain perspective and work on communication skills.
I work with individuals who have experienced or are experiencing any traumas, anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, and grief. In particular, I enjoy working with young adults and adolescents who want to work through trauma, anxiety, and/or are questioning their sexuality. I have experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults of all ages; specifically targeting LGBTQIA+ issues, anxiety, depression, grief, complex trauma, and various life transitions. I also enjoy working with couples and families to feel connected, gain perspective and work on communication skills.
Dr.Waseberg is therapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals struggle with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, agoraphobia, bipolar/borderline, alcohol/drugs, addiction,etc.He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy.The drive of his clinical experience comes not only from longtime practicing counseling in private practice and inpatient residential's, but also from his experience as a former clinical director of Partial Hospitalization-PHP and Intensive Outpatient-IOP.
Dr.Waseberg is therapist and professor of counseling psychology. He helps individuals struggle with relationships, trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, grief, abandonment, anger, OCD, social anxiety, phobia, agoraphobia, bipolar/borderline, alcohol/drugs, addiction,etc.He digs deep into the roots of your underlying issues in a safe non-judgmental space with empathy.The drive of his clinical experience comes not only from longtime practicing counseling in private practice and inpatient residential's, but also from his experience as a former clinical director of Partial Hospitalization-PHP and Intensive Outpatient-IOP.
Annie Novotny
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAATC, LCPC, ATR-BC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
I collaborate with participants to plan creative solutions and positive coping behaviors in order to address a wide variety of experiences, including: anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem and self-worth, stress, symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, being in relationship with a trauma survivor, substance use/ abuse, self-care, and addressing negative coping behaviors. I have worked extensively with survivors of sexual violence, people who have experienced domestic violence, combat Veterans, and other survivors of complex trauma.
I collaborate with participants to plan creative solutions and positive coping behaviors in order to address a wide variety of experiences, including: anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem and self-worth, stress, symptoms related to post-traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, being in relationship with a trauma survivor, substance use/ abuse, self-care, and addressing negative coping behaviors. I have worked extensively with survivors of sexual violence, people who have experienced domestic violence, combat Veterans, and other survivors of complex trauma.
I utilize a growth-oriented approach to empower people to problem solve and make changes to pursue the life they envision. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies are used in my practice, with an emphasis on the use of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, to equip people with the skills needed to overcome life’s stressors and challenges. In dialectics, we acknowledge the opposing sides of each experience and work together to synthesize the two. I prioritize developing a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that will meet you where you are at in your journey, and will come alongside you to cultivate your strengths.
I utilize a growth-oriented approach to empower people to problem solve and make changes to pursue the life they envision. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) strategies are used in my practice, with an emphasis on the use of trauma-sensitive mindfulness, to equip people with the skills needed to overcome life’s stressors and challenges. In dialectics, we acknowledge the opposing sides of each experience and work together to synthesize the two. I prioritize developing a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship that will meet you where you are at in your journey, and will come alongside you to cultivate your strengths.
Arielle Zimmerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer and neurodivergent affirming therapist, I am passionate about working with folks whose experience is shaped by feeling "different"- due to sexuality, gender, ADHD/Autism, or relationship orientation. Many of my clients experience interpersonal challenges including social anxiety, people-pleasing, and fears of rejection. I am here to provide gentle feedback about the ways you can be kinder to yourself and practice firm but flexible boundaries.
As a queer and neurodivergent affirming therapist, I am passionate about working with folks whose experience is shaped by feeling "different"- due to sexuality, gender, ADHD/Autism, or relationship orientation. Many of my clients experience interpersonal challenges including social anxiety, people-pleasing, and fears of rejection. I am here to provide gentle feedback about the ways you can be kinder to yourself and practice firm but flexible boundaries.
Courtney Thompson Lsw Psy.d. Candidate
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
Living in a city as big as Chicago offers many opportunities yet it can sometimes feel overwhelming, lonely, and even isolating. Are you hiding certain pieces of yourself from your friends or family to avoid conflict or to fit in? You might feel like no one knows the real you. You’ve noticed a shift in how you deal with stress. Maybe it’s coming out as increased drinking, binging or restricting food, or turning to other coping behaviors. Or maybe you’re in recovery but other parts of your life continue to feel unmanageable which feels frustrating. You no longer need to feel trapped. Change is possible and hope can be found.
Living in a city as big as Chicago offers many opportunities yet it can sometimes feel overwhelming, lonely, and even isolating. Are you hiding certain pieces of yourself from your friends or family to avoid conflict or to fit in? You might feel like no one knows the real you. You’ve noticed a shift in how you deal with stress. Maybe it’s coming out as increased drinking, binging or restricting food, or turning to other coping behaviors. Or maybe you’re in recovery but other parts of your life continue to feel unmanageable which feels frustrating. You no longer need to feel trapped. Change is possible and hope can be found.
I understand the wrenching, sickening feeling you get in your stomach when life keeps hitting you with stressors over and over again. We can fix that and I can help you feel better as fast as possible. I conduct virtual therapy sessions with adults in both Illinois and California and I have the training and expertise to address your mental health issues, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, men's issues, college-related challenges, and so much more. If you're looking for immediate relief and are ready to make serious changes to overcome life's difficulties, then let's work together.
I understand the wrenching, sickening feeling you get in your stomach when life keeps hitting you with stressors over and over again. We can fix that and I can help you feel better as fast as possible. I conduct virtual therapy sessions with adults in both Illinois and California and I have the training and expertise to address your mental health issues, whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, men's issues, college-related challenges, and so much more. If you're looking for immediate relief and are ready to make serious changes to overcome life's difficulties, then let's work together.
KJ Hardy,she/her
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201
As we enter this new season we can find ourselves struggling with shorter days of sun, the holidays approaching, and life throwing challenges our way. You may feel stuck or overwhelmed, and this is when therapy can be of tremendous help to you! Let's work together and shift your feelings and thoughts that can lead you toward making changes in your life that get you to thriving! I work with people coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, inaction, and a lack of connection. Often times folks have spent years of wondering 'what's wrong with me' or 'why can't I be happy'? I want to help you with these questions. Let's begin before 2025!
As we enter this new season we can find ourselves struggling with shorter days of sun, the holidays approaching, and life throwing challenges our way. You may feel stuck or overwhelmed, and this is when therapy can be of tremendous help to you! Let's work together and shift your feelings and thoughts that can lead you toward making changes in your life that get you to thriving! I work with people coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, inaction, and a lack of connection. Often times folks have spent years of wondering 'what's wrong with me' or 'why can't I be happy'? I want to help you with these questions. Let's begin before 2025!
See more therapy options for Evanston
Nearby Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists Searches for Evanston
- Glenview
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- Lincoln Park
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