LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Homewood, IL
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 help POC & LGBTQ+ adults who’ve spent years in survival mode, disconnected from their true selves due to trauma, expectations, or past wounds.
Do you find yourself stuck on repeat, carrying pain from the past that won’t fade? Are you ready to stop only surviving and start living more fully?
I believe we all have a “B-Side, ”the raw, unfiltered part of us that holds our real stories. While the A-side is polished for the world, the B-side carries the deeper emotions, experiences, and wounds we often keep hidden. But just like in music, those B-sides hold the real artistry and truth. Therapy is where we tune into that side together. In a warm, judgment-free space, you set the pace, and I help you process the tough parts without pressure - just truth, healing, and humor.
I help POC & LGBTQ+ adults who’ve spent years in survival mode, disconnected from their true selves due to trauma, expectations, or past wounds.
Do you find yourself stuck on repeat, carrying pain from the past that won’t fade? Are you ready to stop only surviving and start living more fully?
I believe we all have a “B-Side, ”the raw, unfiltered part of us that holds our real stories. While the A-side is polished for the world, the B-side carries the deeper emotions, experiences, and wounds we often keep hidden. But just like in music, those B-sides hold the real artistry and truth. Therapy is where we tune into that side together. In a warm, judgment-free space, you set the pace, and I help you process the tough parts without pressure - just truth, healing, and humor.
I see adult clients who may be dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family problems, life stage issues, chronic illness, or grief. As we explore your situation, we will learn more about the current problem, and how it is similar to or different from experiences you have had in the past. Your usual ways of solving problems may not be working now. As we reflect on your characteristic responses to people and situations, we will consider changes you can make that will help you get more of what you are looking for in your life.
I see adult clients who may be dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, family problems, life stage issues, chronic illness, or grief. As we explore your situation, we will learn more about the current problem, and how it is similar to or different from experiences you have had in the past. Your usual ways of solving problems may not be working now. As we reflect on your characteristic responses to people and situations, we will consider changes you can make that will help you get more of what you are looking for in your life.
If you’re LGBTQ+, this space is affirming by default, not something you have to establish.
You already know the pattern. You can name it, describe it, probably trace exactly where it started. You’ve read the books, done the journaling, maybe even said the insight out loud in a past therapy session. None of that has been enough to actually change what happens the next time you’re in it: the same argument on repeat, the same reaction you hate having, the same relationship dynamic showing up with a different person. You’re not here to be told you’re self-aware. You’re here because self-awareness alone hasn’t moved you.
If you’re LGBTQ+, this space is affirming by default, not something you have to establish.
You already know the pattern. You can name it, describe it, probably trace exactly where it started. You’ve read the books, done the journaling, maybe even said the insight out loud in a past therapy session. None of that has been enough to actually change what happens the next time you’re in it: the same argument on repeat, the same reaction you hate having, the same relationship dynamic showing up with a different person. You’re not here to be told you’re self-aware. You’re here because self-awareness alone hasn’t moved you.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQ+ support, behavioral challenges, and relationship or family issues.
At Elevation Individual and Family Therapy (EIFT), our mission is simple: To help others rise to new heights. We want to help others improve the quality of their lives and truly live a life that is intentional and fulfilling! From improving self-esteem, to tackling anxiety and depression, we are experts in addressing life's biggest challenges.
My specialties include depression, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQ+ support, behavioral challenges, and relationship or family issues.
At Elevation Individual and Family Therapy (EIFT), our mission is simple: To help others rise to new heights. We want to help others improve the quality of their lives and truly live a life that is intentional and fulfilling! From improving self-esteem, to tackling anxiety and depression, we are experts in addressing life's biggest challenges.
I have a strong belief in the human spirit, and that individuals inherently possess the ability to make very powerful changes in their lives. I help to provide effective tools for transforming negative self-talk into a more motivating and inspiring internal process. I gently challenge habitual emotional reactions that tend to hijack a person's ability to think clearly. Once a person is able to manage these struggles a bit better, he/she/they are able to achieve better emotional regulation and make optimal choices toward personal growth and well-being.
I have a strong belief in the human spirit, and that individuals inherently possess the ability to make very powerful changes in their lives. I help to provide effective tools for transforming negative self-talk into a more motivating and inspiring internal process. I gently challenge habitual emotional reactions that tend to hijack a person's ability to think clearly. Once a person is able to manage these struggles a bit better, he/she/they are able to achieve better emotional regulation and make optimal choices toward personal growth and well-being.
Have you been struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety or panic attacks? Or are you tired of people using you or struggling to get motivated? I provide compassionate care while providing the tools and information to help you heal. Other challenges like drugs/alcohol, bipolar disorder; or if you're not sure what the problem is but need help and support, I will work with you to help you live a better, healthier life. My extensive experience also includes helping children, teens and adults impacted by foster care, have been adopted, are birth parents, or who are adoptive/ foster parents.
Have you been struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety or panic attacks? Or are you tired of people using you or struggling to get motivated? I provide compassionate care while providing the tools and information to help you heal. Other challenges like drugs/alcohol, bipolar disorder; or if you're not sure what the problem is but need help and support, I will work with you to help you live a better, healthier life. My extensive experience also includes helping children, teens and adults impacted by foster care, have been adopted, are birth parents, or who are adoptive/ foster parents.
It is not sadness exactly. It is more like flatness. You wake up and the day is already heavy before it starts. You go through the motions, the work, the obligations, the conversations where you say you are fine, and somewhere in all of it you are bracing. Bracing against the nothing, against the weight of existing in a body that has stopped feeling like yours. You have been pretending for so long that you are not sure anyone would recognize the real version of you anymore. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. Something genuine is wrong, and the exhaustion of carrying it quietly, day after day, is its own kind of pain.
It is not sadness exactly. It is more like flatness. You wake up and the day is already heavy before it starts. You go through the motions, the work, the obligations, the conversations where you say you are fine, and somewhere in all of it you are bracing. Bracing against the nothing, against the weight of existing in a body that has stopped feeling like yours. You have been pretending for so long that you are not sure anyone would recognize the real version of you anymore. You are not dramatic. You are not weak. Something genuine is wrong, and the exhaustion of carrying it quietly, day after day, is its own kind of pain.
Are you finding that as you reach midlife relationships and daily pressures feel more challenging than ever? Do you sometimes feel disconnected from the person you used to be, or notice yourself comparing your achievements and happiness to others your age? I understand how these feelings of insecurity and self-doubt can become overwhelming, especially during this stage of life. I can support you in rediscovering your confidence and sense of self-worth, so you can enjoy this chapter fully—without needing external validation from others.
Are you finding that as you reach midlife relationships and daily pressures feel more challenging than ever? Do you sometimes feel disconnected from the person you used to be, or notice yourself comparing your achievements and happiness to others your age? I understand how these feelings of insecurity and self-doubt can become overwhelming, especially during this stage of life. I can support you in rediscovering your confidence and sense of self-worth, so you can enjoy this chapter fully—without needing external validation from others.
I specialize in providing care to members of the LGBTQ+ community and those questioning their identities.
I work with clients from diverse backgrounds including gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, and faith/spirituality. I work to provide customized and culturally appropriate treatment approaches based on collaboration and integrity. I acknowledge the barriers inherent in seeking out and receiving mental health care and work to utilize my expertise to create an accessible standard of care. I approach therapy from the standpoint of exploring social contexts and the impact of social messages on individual mental health and collective relationships.
I specialize in providing care to members of the LGBTQ+ community and those questioning their identities.
I work with clients from diverse backgrounds including gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, and faith/spirituality. I work to provide customized and culturally appropriate treatment approaches based on collaboration and integrity. I acknowledge the barriers inherent in seeking out and receiving mental health care and work to utilize my expertise to create an accessible standard of care. I approach therapy from the standpoint of exploring social contexts and the impact of social messages on individual mental health and collective relationships.
Life's journey can present challenges that feel overwhelming, and at times, we may find ourselves seeking support and understanding. Navigating emotions can be complex. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself freely. Together, we'll explore your feelings, helping you gain insights and a deeper understanding of your emotional landscape. I specialize in trauma informed care for African American, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups. With 15 years of experience in the field, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.
Life's journey can present challenges that feel overwhelming, and at times, we may find ourselves seeking support and understanding. Navigating emotions can be complex. I provide a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can express yourself freely. Together, we'll explore your feelings, helping you gain insights and a deeper understanding of your emotional landscape. I specialize in trauma informed care for African American, BIPOC, and other marginalized groups. With 15 years of experience in the field, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy.
Counseling with me is affirming and interactive. You will learn to identify and release problematic beliefs and behaviors, that have become barriers to your wellbeing. You will gain new perspectives and acceptance to help you heal, while discovering insights to the power and strength within you.
Counseling with me is affirming and interactive. You will learn to identify and release problematic beliefs and behaviors, that have become barriers to your wellbeing. You will gain new perspectives and acceptance to help you heal, while discovering insights to the power and strength within you.
As an MSW intern, I bring a diverse background of professional and lived experiences into my work with clients. I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe, supportive space where they can explore growth, healing, and change at their own pace.
As an MSW intern, I bring a diverse background of professional and lived experiences into my work with clients. I believe in meeting people where they are and creating a safe, supportive space where they can explore growth, healing, and change at their own pace.
I am accepting Telehealth clients only at this time. My goal in therapy is for you to discover a new skill set so you can become a better version of you. We will work together to achieve your needs. I have master’s degree in Community Counseling and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL and WA state. My specialties range from anxiety disorders, grief, life transitions to relationships and family conflict.
I am accepting Telehealth clients only at this time. My goal in therapy is for you to discover a new skill set so you can become a better version of you. We will work together to achieve your needs. I have master’s degree in Community Counseling and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) in IL and WA state. My specialties range from anxiety disorders, grief, life transitions to relationships and family conflict.
Something shifted and you are not sure when it happened. The life you built is still here, the relationships, the routines, the roles you have played for decades. But the person standing inside all of it feels different. Older in ways that have nothing to do with the number. The body moves differently. The mirror shows someone you are still getting used to. The children are grown. The career is winding down, or already has. And in the space where the next chapter is supposed to be, there is more quiet than you expected. Not peace, exactly. Just quiet. And underneath it, a question you have not said out loud yet: who am I now?
Something shifted and you are not sure when it happened. The life you built is still here, the relationships, the routines, the roles you have played for decades. But the person standing inside all of it feels different. Older in ways that have nothing to do with the number. The body moves differently. The mirror shows someone you are still getting used to. The children are grown. The career is winding down, or already has. And in the space where the next chapter is supposed to be, there is more quiet than you expected. Not peace, exactly. Just quiet. And underneath it, a question you have not said out loud yet: who am I now?
I specialize in working with college-aged adults and professionals who are navigating major life transitions. Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you manage challenges such as career burnout, adjusting from college to full-time work, or balancing the demands of job and family life.
It takes courage to recognize when life feels overwhelming and to seek support. My approach is strengths-based, grounded in the belief that you already possess the inner resources to set meaningful goals and create lasting change.
When you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be glad to connect.
I specialize in working with college-aged adults and professionals who are navigating major life transitions. Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you manage challenges such as career burnout, adjusting from college to full-time work, or balancing the demands of job and family life.
It takes courage to recognize when life feels overwhelming and to seek support. My approach is strengths-based, grounded in the belief that you already possess the inner resources to set meaningful goals and create lasting change.
When you’re ready to take the next step, I’d be glad to connect.
I offer a place where your voice will be heard. A compassionate and confidential atmosphere to discuss personal concerns. I specialize in therapeutic assistance to anyone, from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life (families, individuals, children and teens) who are encountering adjustment problems or experiencing psychological emotional distress, such as loss, grief, sexual trauma and crisis, depression, anxiety and PTSD.
I offer a place where your voice will be heard. A compassionate and confidential atmosphere to discuss personal concerns. I specialize in therapeutic assistance to anyone, from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life (families, individuals, children and teens) who are encountering adjustment problems or experiencing psychological emotional distress, such as loss, grief, sexual trauma and crisis, depression, anxiety and PTSD.
You feel lost. Entirely alone in your struggles, like no one can understand what you’re going through. You desperately wish you had a better handle on things and feel like a failure for your shortcomings. But this problem isn’t unique. The experience is so common that there are memes about it. Everyone struggles; it’s perfectly normal. Of course, knowing that doesn’t make those thoughts and feelings go away. But that’s where we come in.
You feel lost. Entirely alone in your struggles, like no one can understand what you’re going through. You desperately wish you had a better handle on things and feel like a failure for your shortcomings. But this problem isn’t unique. The experience is so common that there are memes about it. Everyone struggles; it’s perfectly normal. Of course, knowing that doesn’t make those thoughts and feelings go away. But that’s where we come in.
Dealing with your “stuff” can leave you feeling exhausted, unseen, and like you’re carrying the weight of the world all alone. Believe me, I get it. I invite you to put that weight down and allow me to see all of who you are, including the things other people don't see. You shouldn't feel alone in this. So, if you are experiencing life transitions, interpersonal/relational issues, couples' conflict, stress, anxiety, depression, or complex and multigenerational trauma, please reach out as these are issues that I'm adept at understanding. I can help you carry the burden.
Dealing with your “stuff” can leave you feeling exhausted, unseen, and like you’re carrying the weight of the world all alone. Believe me, I get it. I invite you to put that weight down and allow me to see all of who you are, including the things other people don't see. You shouldn't feel alone in this. So, if you are experiencing life transitions, interpersonal/relational issues, couples' conflict, stress, anxiety, depression, or complex and multigenerational trauma, please reach out as these are issues that I'm adept at understanding. I can help you carry the burden.
You can see it happening and you do not know how to reach them. Your child is struggling, shutting down, acting out, pulling away, carrying something they cannot put into words. Inside, there is a whirlwind they have no map for. You are doing everything you can and it still feels like not enough. The family is stretched. The tension sits in every room. And underneath the worry is a question you are almost afraid to ask: what if this gets worse before it gets better? You are not looking for someone to fix your child. You are looking for someone who gets it, who meets your family where it is and walks with you through this together.
You can see it happening and you do not know how to reach them. Your child is struggling, shutting down, acting out, pulling away, carrying something they cannot put into words. Inside, there is a whirlwind they have no map for. You are doing everything you can and it still feels like not enough. The family is stretched. The tension sits in every room. And underneath the worry is a question you are almost afraid to ask: what if this gets worse before it gets better? You are not looking for someone to fix your child. You are looking for someone who gets it, who meets your family where it is and walks with you through this together.
See more therapy options for Homewood
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Homewood
- Chicago Heights
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- Flossmoor
- Glenwood
- Hazel Crest
- Lynwood
- Matteson
- Midlothian
- Oak Forest
- Olympia Fields
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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.