LGBTQ+ Therapists in Grayslake, IL
See all therapists in Grayslake
Megan Sayre
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S, WPATH P
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am available for public speaking engagements and regularly present on topics such as: sexual assault and teen dating violence, bullying prevention and intervention, depression identification and suicide prevention,
transgender
/
LGBTQIA
+ supports, developing mentoring programs, de-escalating conflict, eating disorders and body image, and social media and internet safety.
My strengths include working with adults and adolescents, developing rapport with resistant clients, and compassionate accountability. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques in my sessions. I am a relational therapist and focus on developing clients' strengths while also providing support for clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones. My treatment motto has become "It's through discomfort that we change." I will provide you with the education, compassion and support needed for you to face any fears or discomfort to become a healthier and happier person.

Carolynn Brusseau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have worked with clients aged 5 to 75 years with a range of concerns, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, chronic pain, trauma, and
LGBTQ
+ and gender identity issues.
Change can be a difficult yet exciting process. I work hard to provide a safe space where clients can explore their past and grow their potential. I use an integrated therapy approach that mixes elements of many different therapy styles to adapt treatment to your unique needs. I use an authentic and direct, yet gentle, approach to foster a relationship with you and value meeting you where you are with empathy, warmth, and acceptance. The relationships between he therapist and client is the most important foundation in successful therapy. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is tailored to the client’s likes and needs.
Counseling Center Of Grayslake
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
Welcome! At Counseling Center of Grayslake, we encourage short-term therapy for long-term results. Call us to set up individual, couple, or family counseling today. We can help.

Carol Paxton Cox
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
My primary goal is to help clients find the hope and courage to change and heal. I believe that all life circumstances, relationships, and experiences can lead to change and greater self-acceptance. Ultimately therapy helps clients cope with loss and use difficult life transitions to promote growth. In working with individuals, couples, families, and children, I have helped them cultivate resources and develop strengths from very challenging diagnoses and life circumstances. I have helped clients suffering from relationship conflicts, health crises, depression, trauma and loss issues, compulsive behaviors, and anxiety disorders.

Alana DeVaughn
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Looking to find peace and balance in your life? Alana DeVaughn has over 20 years experience in the counseling profession with extensive knowledge in individual, couples and family therapy. Alana provides you with a safe, empathetic environment to address your issues and help you improve your quality of life. Alana specializes in anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, and women's issues. Call today to take the first step in finding your inner peace.

Devon M Block
Counselor, NCC, LCPC
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I believe each individual deserves a safe place to process life transitions, frustrations, worries, fears, or sadness. As an empathetic and nonjudgmental clinician I know it can be challenging or frightening to enter into counseling and open up. I place emphasis on creating a safe place where children, adolescents, adults, and families can comfortably explore the nature of their issues.

North Shore Behavioral Medicine
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Therapy is a process of self discovery that enables you to recognize unhealthy patterns of behavior and learn effective coping strategies for optimal health and well-being. I provide a safe environment for psychotherapy through a warm, open communication style. I believe psychotherapy is a collaborative undertaking between patient and therapist; that listening, understanding and respecting each patient's unique story is necessary for optimal treatment.
Laurie A Benton
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Benton strives to engage clients in a collaborative therapeutic relationship that is empathic and attuned to their thoughts and feelings. She works to see the world through their lens. In this safe and accepting environment, clients are supported as they begin to explore the reasons that brought them to therapy. Dr. Benton guides clients as they gain insight and awareness to life patterns and themes. She encourages clients to give voice to their thoughts, feelings and reactions in hopes of interrupting painful cycles and creating a greater feeling of freedom, choice, flexibility, and empowerment.

Dr. Gabby Miniscalco
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
No one had a perfect childhood, including you! The needs that weren't filled for us as kids continue to leave voids in us. Maybe your anxiety, depression, unhealthy coping, relationship struggles and inner chaos are a sign of untreated emotional wounds. Unless we actively attempt to make sense of our reactions and behaviors, they will continue to control us. Our bodies and minds remember the pain from the past and react to that pain whenever something reminds us of it. Increasing our awareness of these connections can be eye-opening and can allow us to shift how we perceive ourselves and our relationships.

Deb Norton
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
Are you stuck? Depressed, anxious, manic or drinking too much? Has your world become a difficult place for you to manage? Yeah, I get it. Life can be a lot these days. But I’m here for you. I will listen to you and hear you. I will be the support system you need right now. I’m Cognitive Behaviorist, so I will help you look at things differently, challenge your thoughts and improve your life. I'm Clinically Licensed and Board Certified. So give me a call. You deserve to feel heard! >And check out my reviews at www.healthgrades.com< because choosing a therapist is a big deal. See my website: www.debnorton.com

David Gray
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
Are you in a place where you have done all you can, but are still unable to make the necessary positive changes you would like? Often times you may feel as if you have done everything possible, but change is still out of reach. I am a firm believer in the thought that all the skills necessary for change already lie within you, but could use the help of another to bring forth that change. By working together I believe that I can help you to acknowledge your dominate positive attributes in order to facilitate that much needed change.

Libertyville Counseling Group
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, LCPC, LPC
Verified
Verified
We are a multi-disciplinary group private practice located in Libertyville, Illinois. We have highly trained clinicians with many years of experience and a genuine passion for our work. Our many specialties range from managing every day stress to coping with trauma, loss, emotional disorders and behavioral problems in children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.

Gurnee Counseling Center
Verified
Verified
Our goal is simple. To offer people a center that is dedicated to the wellness of the mind, body and spirit. We are focused on solutions that build healthy skills to last a lifetime.

Youth & Family Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified
Verified
Youth & Family Counseling (YFC) is a family friendly counseling center located in Libertyville. We provide individual, couple, and family therapy services to children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Our mission is to help people from all walks of life heal from trauma, cope with difficult life transitions, and reach their full potential. Our therapists have an extensive range of clinical backgrounds and areas of expertise. All are compassionate professionals who are committed to helping their clients achieve their treatment goals.

Stephanie Ardagh LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Type 73
Verified
Verified
North Star Counseling Group was founded on the idea that all people will find themselves in need of guidance and support at some point in their life. Various concerns can lead a person to counseling services. Stephanie Ardagh, LCSW works with children ages 3-18. She is experienced in addressing issues of: self esteem, self injury, body image, school refusal, adjustment to divorce and loss, social skills, and significant behavior disorders. Stephanie sees parents as a valuable resource and ally when working with children. She works well with other providers, such as school personnel, to get to know her clients and their unique needs.

Lisa Alexoff
Counselor, MS, LCPC, NCC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated? Trying to move forward on your journey, but getting derailed, sidetracked or stuck? I believe we all have the power within us to bring about the change we wish for in our lives, we may just need someone to help us tap into our inner wisdom and strength. I work with others as they find the best ways to recognize, accept and overcome any roadblocks to creating the life they want. Whether you are dealing with a personal growth, parenting issue, medical problem, ADHD or anxiety, we will create a judgement free zone where your strengths are valued, unhelpful patterns are replaced and you are empowered!

Katherine Henoch
Counselor, MA, LCPC
Verified
Verified
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor I work with adults and adolescents facing a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, and identity exploration. My approach is based on honoring each person's individual strengths and vulnerabilities.

Robin Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Therapy is a brave step towards improving overall wellness. Individuals, couples, and families that are interested in working to increase their well being should read on. If your life has become overwhelming, your relationships difficult to manage, or if you are experiencing less satisfaction at work or home, then therapy may be a positive step to alleviate your current difficulties. Those who want to reduce the pain and frustration associated with depression, anxiety, adjustment to change, self doubt, and anger are appropriate candidates for psychotherapy. Therapy has the potential to improve your quality of life personally and within important relationships.

Sara Knauz
Counselor, LCPC
Verified
Verified
Helping restore a sense of balance and self-worth to my client’s lives is my passion. My experience has spanned over 14 years, with a strong foundation in child and adolescent pathology. My philosophy is to work collaboratively in goal development and attainment, to highlight the connection among faulty thinking, feelings, and ineffective coping patterns and promote healthy changes. Through empowerment to challenge these factors, comes a renewed sense of confidence, strengths, and effective skills to manage life’s stressors and relationships.

Maria Cristina Castro
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC
Verified
Verified
If you could give a newborn advice, what would it be? My advice would be to feel. I believe most of the time people struggle to flourish in their life because we fear our own feelings and stories. We, as a society, have been made to believe our feelings, emotions, and thoughts have positive and negative essence. We are told our stories are not important but we all have our own stories and each of us deserve a time and space to have our stories heard.
See more therapy options for
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.