LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Glenwood, IL
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, identity, and self-acceptance — including many within the LGBTQ+ community.
My approach is affirming, collaborative, and practical. Together we’ll explore the roots of anxiety, build emotional regulation skills, and strengthen your confidence in who you are. I help clients move beyond simply “coping” and toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and authentic in their daily lives.
I work with individuals navigating anxiety, identity, and self-acceptance — including many within the LGBTQ+ community.
My approach is affirming, collaborative, and practical. Together we’ll explore the roots of anxiety, build emotional regulation skills, and strengthen your confidence in who you are. I help clients move beyond simply “coping” and toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and authentic in their daily lives.
I bring my full, unapologetic self into the room: queer, fat, disabled, first-gen, neurodivergent, kink- and polyamory-affirming.
I prioritize authenticity, which means I swear, I laugh, I sit with the hard stuff, and I don’t pretend life is always neat or easy. Together, we’ll co-create space where you can bring your whole self—messy, brilliant, grieving, growing—and explore what healing means for you.
I bring my full, unapologetic self into the room: queer, fat, disabled, first-gen, neurodivergent, kink- and polyamory-affirming.
I prioritize authenticity, which means I swear, I laugh, I sit with the hard stuff, and I don’t pretend life is always neat or easy. Together, we’ll co-create space where you can bring your whole self—messy, brilliant, grieving, growing—and explore what healing means for you.
Life can feel heavy when sadness, anxiety, loss, or major transitions happen. My ideal client is someone who may feel stuck in cycles of worry, shame, guilt, or confusion and longs for relief, clarity, and purpose. They want to feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate difficult emotions or life changes. In therapy, we work to explore their story, honor their experiences, and create space for healing. Together, we move toward greater balance, self-awareness, and the confidence to live more intentionally.
Life can feel heavy when sadness, anxiety, loss, or major transitions happen. My ideal client is someone who may feel stuck in cycles of worry, shame, guilt, or confusion and longs for relief, clarity, and purpose. They want to feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate difficult emotions or life changes. In therapy, we work to explore their story, honor their experiences, and create space for healing. Together, we move toward greater balance, self-awareness, and the confidence to live more intentionally.
" My clients come from many backgrounds - they are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families - and are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, women’s issues, anger management, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, addiction issues, couples therapy, and working through LGBTQ+ issues.
I have specialties in women's issues, ADHD, mood disorders, and trauma / PTSD. I use a culturally sensitive approach and feel passionate about working with disadvantaged or marginalized clients. I also have the ability to draw on faith and spirituality and integrate that into the counseling experience to whatever extent my clients request that.
" My clients come from many backgrounds - they are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families - and are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, women’s issues, anger management, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, addiction issues, couples therapy, and working through LGBTQ+ issues.
I have specialties in women's issues, ADHD, mood disorders, and trauma / PTSD. I use a culturally sensitive approach and feel passionate about working with disadvantaged or marginalized clients. I also have the ability to draw on faith and spirituality and integrate that into the counseling experience to whatever extent my clients request that.
More Therapists Nearby
I am Latinx and both bilingual and bicultural that is inclusive to all genders, races, religions, cultures, and the LGBTQIA community.
I have nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I help individuals with history of trauma who struggle with symptoms of depression or anxiety. I work together with you to identify and determine what areas of your life to focus on, where to impart change and what goals can be set to facilitate your personal, emotional and relationship growth. I work with couples wanting to address reoccurring themes in their marriage and improve connection and communication. I am familiar with non-traditional love styles and my approach is kink-affirming and sex positive.
I am Latinx and both bilingual and bicultural that is inclusive to all genders, races, religions, cultures, and the LGBTQIA community.
I have nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I help individuals with history of trauma who struggle with symptoms of depression or anxiety. I work together with you to identify and determine what areas of your life to focus on, where to impart change and what goals can be set to facilitate your personal, emotional and relationship growth. I work with couples wanting to address reoccurring themes in their marriage and improve connection and communication. I am familiar with non-traditional love styles and my approach is kink-affirming and sex positive.
You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or the lasting weight of depression that leaves you feeling unseen or disconnected. At times, it might feel like you are giving so much to others while quietly carrying your own pain. Therapy can provide a supportive space to move beyond these patterns and begin building a more grounded, fulfilling life.
You may be struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or the lasting weight of depression that leaves you feeling unseen or disconnected. At times, it might feel like you are giving so much to others while quietly carrying your own pain. Therapy can provide a supportive space to move beyond these patterns and begin building a more grounded, fulfilling life.
Elevation Individual and Family Therapy, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Homewood, IL 60430
Even "superwoman" or "the strong one" of the family needs someone to lean on or talk to. At Elevation Individual and Family Therapy (EIFT), we are here to support you and help you reach your goals as you navigate through life's journey. We have a team of therapists are experts in addressing a variety of issues, such as family communication, emotional challenges, women-related issues, depression, anxiety, and youth counseling. No matter what difficulties or challenges you or your child might be facing, there are solutions and we are here to help! Visit our website www.elevationtherapy.org to see each of our therapists' specialties.
Even "superwoman" or "the strong one" of the family needs someone to lean on or talk to. At Elevation Individual and Family Therapy (EIFT), we are here to support you and help you reach your goals as you navigate through life's journey. We have a team of therapists are experts in addressing a variety of issues, such as family communication, emotional challenges, women-related issues, depression, anxiety, and youth counseling. No matter what difficulties or challenges you or your child might be facing, there are solutions and we are here to help! Visit our website www.elevationtherapy.org to see each of our therapists' specialties.
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans and their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany & New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
I have learned much from working with people of multicultural backgrounds, as well as the LGBT community, Veterans and their partners, cancer patients and their family, and more.
Welcoming couples clients! Relationship problems are common, and you have taken a courageous step by seeking therapy. As one of the few psychologists specializing in couple therapy, I have supported hundreds of couples by providing effective, evidence-based treatments that scientific research has shown to bring significant and lasting improvement. My own research on relationships has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and featured here in Psychology Today, international media outlets such as Business Insider Germany & New York Times Best Seller Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
Celeste has over twenty years’ experience helping people cope with emotional pain and improve the way they navigate relationships. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance use disorders. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Celeste ensures that therapy occurs in a supportive and nurturing environment that is sensitive to client concerns around issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender dysphoria. Celeste uses she/her pronouns and lives with her wife and three Portuguese Podengo rescue dogs (Bruna, Rex, and Foxy are all pictured below).
Celeste has over twenty years’ experience helping people cope with emotional pain and improve the way they navigate relationships. She specializes in treating depression and anxiety; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and substance use disorders. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Celeste ensures that therapy occurs in a supportive and nurturing environment that is sensitive to client concerns around issues of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender dysphoria. Celeste uses she/her pronouns and lives with her wife and three Portuguese Podengo rescue dogs (Bruna, Rex, and Foxy are all pictured below).
As a member of the queer community, I'm passionate about working with LGBTQ+ folks navigating the challenges of showing up authentically in a world.
My approach is collaborative, affirming, depth-oriented, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Rather than giving you advice, I ask carefully chosen questions designed to help you challenge disempowering beliefs, reconnect with your motivations, and shift the way you relate to yourself and others.
As a member of the queer community, I'm passionate about working with LGBTQ+ folks navigating the challenges of showing up authentically in a world.
My approach is collaborative, affirming, depth-oriented, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Rather than giving you advice, I ask carefully chosen questions designed to help you challenge disempowering beliefs, reconnect with your motivations, and shift the way you relate to yourself and others.
We’re all out here trying to “do life” the best we can with what we have. But we’re not always equipped to know what “best” is, or what we “have.” What most of us are working with are strategies and patterns that we keep repeating, even when they don’t serve us anymore. And nothing changes. Our experiences, depression, anxiety, grief (to name a few), continue to overwhelm us.
We’re all out here trying to “do life” the best we can with what we have. But we’re not always equipped to know what “best” is, or what we “have.” What most of us are working with are strategies and patterns that we keep repeating, even when they don’t serve us anymore. And nothing changes. Our experiences, depression, anxiety, grief (to name a few), continue to overwhelm us.
I work with adults who are navigating issues of identity, relationships, trauma and other life transitions. Whether you’re seeking support in navigating past wounds, building confidence in yourself and your desires, boldly claiming your identity or preparing to say the hard things out loud, I’m here to offer a collaborative, supportive container to explore what matters most to you. My work emphasizes healing that can be practiced and embodied, without an expectation of perfection. I'll encourage you to lean into who you are and who you're becoming, with freedom to try things on and see what fits.
I work with adults who are navigating issues of identity, relationships, trauma and other life transitions. Whether you’re seeking support in navigating past wounds, building confidence in yourself and your desires, boldly claiming your identity or preparing to say the hard things out loud, I’m here to offer a collaborative, supportive container to explore what matters most to you. My work emphasizes healing that can be practiced and embodied, without an expectation of perfection. I'll encourage you to lean into who you are and who you're becoming, with freedom to try things on and see what fits.
Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. While I am formally trained in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, I integrate behavioral techniques for a well rounded and evidence based approach. I believe in building a depth of knowledge of the self in addition to finding skills to improve resilience.
Not every storm is visible, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Whether it's the whirlwind of ADHD, the quiet complexities of autism, or the relentless loop of anxious thoughts, I help individuals navigate what others often don’t see. I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients and those managing anxiety, with a deep commitment to honoring each person’s unique wiring. While I am formally trained in psychoanalytic/psychodynamic therapy, I integrate behavioral techniques for a well rounded and evidence based approach. I believe in building a depth of knowledge of the self in addition to finding skills to improve resilience.
Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world, formed by past experiences, often have an unwanted impact on our our present behavior, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Taking steps toward profound healing and self-discovery is a brave task, complicated by the difficulty of finding someone who will walk alongside you during your journey. I am passionate about working with people who are wanting to go deeper as we explore and befriend parts of self which were previously hidden. I aim to create and maintain a supportive environment in which transformation is possible.
Our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world, formed by past experiences, often have an unwanted impact on our our present behavior, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Taking steps toward profound healing and self-discovery is a brave task, complicated by the difficulty of finding someone who will walk alongside you during your journey. I am passionate about working with people who are wanting to go deeper as we explore and befriend parts of self which were previously hidden. I aim to create and maintain a supportive environment in which transformation is possible.
I especially love working with lesbian women and women questioning sexual orientation.
Are you the woman who seems to have her act together but deep down you have a serious case of imposter syndrome? Maybe you're navigating big changes in work and relationships or grieving losses. It's draining dealing with all the uncertainty. Old patterns tend to surface. You may be managing stress with alcohol, food, or toxic relationships in ways that leave you ashamed. Keeping up appearances is too much. Are you ready to stop suffering alone? You want to understand what's driving these patterns, decide what you actually want your life to look like, and make real changes. You don't want endless talk therapy-you want results.
I especially love working with lesbian women and women questioning sexual orientation.
Are you the woman who seems to have her act together but deep down you have a serious case of imposter syndrome? Maybe you're navigating big changes in work and relationships or grieving losses. It's draining dealing with all the uncertainty. Old patterns tend to surface. You may be managing stress with alcohol, food, or toxic relationships in ways that leave you ashamed. Keeping up appearances is too much. Are you ready to stop suffering alone? You want to understand what's driving these patterns, decide what you actually want your life to look like, and make real changes. You don't want endless talk therapy-you want results.
I'm drawn to clients who long for their lives to change, and those with traumatic histories of feeling like they're "too much," "not enough," or like they don't matter. These histories often manifest as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-defeating, intense emotions, perfectionism, relationship issues, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and dependencies. I am passionate about creating loving, deep relationships with clients that encourage taking risks and learning new ways of relating to oneself. As a mixed race, non-binary, abolitionist therapist, I aim to make intentional space for LGBTQIA2S, BIPOC, chronically ill / disabled folks.
I'm drawn to clients who long for their lives to change, and those with traumatic histories of feeling like they're "too much," "not enough," or like they don't matter. These histories often manifest as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-defeating, intense emotions, perfectionism, relationship issues, suicidal ideation, self-injury, and dependencies. I am passionate about creating loving, deep relationships with clients that encourage taking risks and learning new ways of relating to oneself. As a mixed race, non-binary, abolitionist therapist, I aim to make intentional space for LGBTQIA2S, BIPOC, chronically ill / disabled folks.
I am professionally curious and goofy by nature, and I have been told that humor is one of the medicines that I bring into the clinical space. I have been a practicing holistic trauma therapist for the last 10 years and my approach is person-centered and relational. I work with folks who may be feeling sad, stuck, or overwhelmed in their current lives and are ready to explore change.
I am professionally curious and goofy by nature, and I have been told that humor is one of the medicines that I bring into the clinical space. I have been a practicing holistic trauma therapist for the last 10 years and my approach is person-centered and relational. I work with folks who may be feeling sad, stuck, or overwhelmed in their current lives and are ready to explore change.
Are you feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or hopeless? Do you desire to find purpose, direction, or simply understand yourself better? Many of our feelings and thoughts are outside of our awareness and continue to influence our everyday choices. Left unattended, these feelings and thoughts can come out in unhealthy ways – often resulting in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or low self-esteem. As a result, we can feel powerless to change our current circumstances and end up self-sabotaging what we want out of life.
Are you feeling unfulfilled, stressed, or hopeless? Do you desire to find purpose, direction, or simply understand yourself better? Many of our feelings and thoughts are outside of our awareness and continue to influence our everyday choices. Left unattended, these feelings and thoughts can come out in unhealthy ways – often resulting in depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and/or low self-esteem. As a result, we can feel powerless to change our current circumstances and end up self-sabotaging what we want out of life.
I listen intuitively — 100% judgment free, with unconditional support.
We'll uncover the root of what's troubling you, explore new perspectives, and create more effective thought patterns - increasing confidence and ease.
This is done by integrating both evidence based practices and mind-body approaches, which tends to bring clients RELIEF and CLARITY. Sessions provide analysis, insight, understanding, deep reflection and opportunity.
I listen intuitively — 100% judgment free, with unconditional support.
We'll uncover the root of what's troubling you, explore new perspectives, and create more effective thought patterns - increasing confidence and ease.
This is done by integrating both evidence based practices and mind-body approaches, which tends to bring clients RELIEF and CLARITY. Sessions provide analysis, insight, understanding, deep reflection and opportunity.
I am a queer mental health professional who uses trauma-informed care to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all clients of any background.
I take a client-centered, anti-harm approach using my training in psychoanalysis. I find it the most helpful to explore attachment trauma and stress responses in the nervous system. The mind and body are connected, and exploring healing beyond talk therapy can provide so much insight to the person's identity and their needs.
I am a queer mental health professional who uses trauma-informed care to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all clients of any background.
I take a client-centered, anti-harm approach using my training in psychoanalysis. I find it the most helpful to explore attachment trauma and stress responses in the nervous system. The mind and body are connected, and exploring healing beyond talk therapy can provide so much insight to the person's identity and their needs.
See more therapy options for Glenwood
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Glenwood
- Calumet City
- Chicago Heights
- Country Club Hills
- Dolton
- Flossmoor
- Hazel Crest
- Homewood
- Lansing
- Lynwood
- Olympia Fields
- Park Forest
- South Holland
LGBTQ+ Therapists
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.