LGBTQ+ Therapists in Naperville, IL

I believe in the power of radical empathy. So many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain in their lives or they feel the crushing weight of expectations from themselves and others around them. I have been honored to witness people I have worked with find their voice and build their strength to overcome barriers in their lives. I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when things begin to feel easy again, and walk with you for all the moments in between.

I strive to find solutions that are "Skills Over Pills". I am passionate about helping preteens, teens, and adults that are struggling to better themselves. It can be scary to feel that you are “behind others” in work, school, or relationships but I can help you refocus on the positive aspects of yourself and what you are truly capable of. I have experience with LGBTQ +, anxiety, depression, life changes, and trauma. I have worked with individuals, groups, and in hospital settings. I also taught parenting classes and have experience with career counseling. All of my experience is focused on guiding others along their journey.

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Illinois and Florida (telehealth only). I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Aurora University in 2006 and my Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work from Aurora University in 2010. I have been working in the field since 2006 in various settings including community mental health centers, residential/group homes, homeless shelters, and hospitals. I specializes in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, parenting difficulties, crisis intervention, and LGBT issues. I work with clients across the life span in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Matt became a therapist because of his desire to serve in a helping profession, and interest in the field of psychology. He draws his inspiration from his own family’s struggles with mental health and prefers working with young adults, particularly those who are seeking help with issues related to the LGBTQ + community or processing spiritual issues/questions. In therapy, he strives to strike a balance between the person-centered/narrative approach and the evidence-based approach of CBT/ACT. Matt believes in empowering his clients and helping them understand themselves as the experts of their own journey.

Are you tired of explaining your identity to your therapist? Are you looking to be affirmed and counseled based upon your needs (not the therapists)? I am taking new appointments! I am a gender therapist who is WPATH trained and focuses on working with the LGBTQIA population. approach is realistic, yet nurturing, and rooted in neuropsychology and the mind-body connection. I use an empathetic, warm style and infuse humor where I can. I work with clients in the present moment, drawing on past experiences and relationships to build personal insight. I am trained to write gender confirming letters of support.

Many adults face anxiety, trauma, chronic illness or long-COVID, and seek a life free from the limitations these challenges bring. These are my specialty! I also work with persons in the LGBTQ + community, of which I am a member. I also teach a contemplative writing technique that can be used as a spiritual or mindfulness practice in support of the healing process. Though I have an M.S. in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology, I am also a visual artist and received my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Art.

Julia Bauer, LCSW, whole heartily believes therapy should be collaborative and unique to each individual. She offers a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental approach and creates a safe space for clients to heal and feel heard. Julia provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families, She enjoys working with young children and adults of all ages, and is specifically interested in helping with the LGBTQIA population, anxiety, depression, trauma, women's issues, infertility, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief.

Hi there! I am a forensic psychotherapist in practice with Naperville Counseling Center. I aim to provide support and encouragement as individuals work on their mental health. Building a strong rapport with clients is essential, and I love developing a healthy connection with each client. I enjoy integrating humor into therapy to break up some of the heaviness emotional processing can be. Coming from a forensic background, I have experience working with intense areas of need, support, and planning.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor whose work focuses mainly on adolescents and young adults. I believe in working collaboratively with clients to reach their goals, enhancing the strengths and skills my clients currently hold while developing new ways of coping. I provide a space for LGBTQ -affirming, trauma-informed care using empathy, open communication, humor, and intentional relationship building to foster meaningful conversations in the therapy room.

I bring a body-based approach to navigating the challenges that life brings your way. As a dance/movement therapist and licensed professional counselor, I merge the felt experience with cognitive processing to support full integration in your healing process. We know that the body remembers all it has ever experienced. Let's give your body, brain, and heart the opportunity to work together to help you heal. I will support you in building the skills, insight, and ability to face whatever challenges come your way.

Do you ever feel that past experiences have affected you deeply, fundamentally altering the way you perceive yourself and the world around you? Are you often misunderstood or trapped in your emotions? Our past experiences can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. To protect ourselves, our brains create barriers, but these barriers can also disconnect us from ourselves and others, hindering personal growth and disrupting relationships. These thoughts and emotions can feel overwhelming, robbing us of the connections and joy we desire in life.

I am an involved counselor who provides feedback and interacts with her clients to promote total wellness. Clients may work short term or long term as we contract for what is best currently. Many clients are surprized that the process is so interactive and useful. Some take notes. My job is to help ground you as you work through your issues, providing clarity and insight. My philosophy is that the therapy belongs to the client. I have 25 years of experience in individual and marital work and am also a Divorce Mediator and a Postal Service mediator. Phone sessions available.

I enjoy working with clients grappling with disordered eating and body image issues. As someone with lived experience of once having an eating disorder, I understand the complex challenges of discovering what is best for your body while being immersed in societal pressures. It is easy to live life in extremes of all or nothing. Finding balance and nuance in life can be challenging, especially if that means creating boundaries and embracing the word "no". In my work, I hold space for all of the messiness that life can bring.

ONLINE, Queer -Affirming, Multicultural Counseling. The therapist you NEED is not necessarily the one you WANT. Prior to becoming a Therapist and a Professor at Northern Illinois University, I was a homeless, drug-addicted (crack/heroin), sex-trafficking victim. Now I'm sure that probably sounds like a lot of information to reveal about myself but the truth is that I am a living example of how therapy, and hard work, can change your destiny and significantly improve the quality of your life. One of my secrets? Well, it's living your life authentically! Let me help show you how.

I am queer identified and love helping the QUEER community find authenticity, have better relationships, and aim higher in life. I've helped hundreds of people build better lives, and I’ve done the work for myself. I bring my education, expertise, and life experience to our sessions.

My ideal client is anyone willing to come to counseling and be open to the process! Regardless of where a client may be starting from or what they’re hoping to accomplish, I believe that anyone who is willing to show up and engage in the therapeutic process can benefit, and I am happy to guide and support them on their journey. I believe I would be an especially good fit for those clients who want to learn more about themselves and the “why” behind their feelings, behaviors, and thoughts; hope to develop a deeper, more genuine connection with themselves and others; and can appreciate some gentle challenging when appropriate.

I am passionate about fostering clients' resiliency. Through a holistic-based approach, working to ensure that clients have the tools to handle strong emotions that might arise from conflict and trauma. Relationships with family, friends, and intimate partners can cause complex emotions to arise. Working to reframe your relationship with others and yourself is the foundation of a fulfilling life.