LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Oak Forest, IL
From my own personal journey, I have a passion for working with those confronting uncertainties around their sense of identity and how they express themselves. These uncertainties may be from issues related to gender identity and sexuality, difficulties with body image, or feeling lost in the transitional stages of life. I deeply value understanding the unique background of every individual and how the intersectionality of various identities impacts the equally unique nature of everyone's lived experiences. I believe this understanding is the key to developing an effective approach to finding and living as our most authentic selves.
From my own personal journey, I have a passion for working with those confronting uncertainties around their sense of identity and how they express themselves. These uncertainties may be from issues related to gender identity and sexuality, difficulties with body image, or feeling lost in the transitional stages of life. I deeply value understanding the unique background of every individual and how the intersectionality of various identities impacts the equally unique nature of everyone's lived experiences. I believe this understanding is the key to developing an effective approach to finding and living as our most authentic selves.
I am LGBTQ+ affirming.
Hi! I'm Mary and I realllly like my job. I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck. This may look like people pleasing, anxiety, OCD, or knowing your problem, but not knowing how to fix it. Many of my client's have been labeled as too self aware, intellectualizes, or over thinkers. No one wants to be trapped by their own mind. It can lead to us avoiding, withdrawing from others, or just missing out on life.
I am LGBTQ+ affirming.
Hi! I'm Mary and I realllly like my job. I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck. This may look like people pleasing, anxiety, OCD, or knowing your problem, but not knowing how to fix it. Many of my client's have been labeled as too self aware, intellectualizes, or over thinkers. No one wants to be trapped by their own mind. It can lead to us avoiding, withdrawing from others, or just missing out on life.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I provide a calming atmosphere for my clients to feel safe to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Counseling is most effective when there is a good human connection between therapist and client. Deciding to receive counseling is a source of strength to address things that affect an individual(s) from having an enjoyable life. My strengths as a counselor lies in my accessibility, follow through, patience and clinical skills. Collaboration with other services providers ensure continuity of care for clients.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with individuals, couples and families. I provide a calming atmosphere for my clients to feel safe to share their innermost thoughts and feelings. Counseling is most effective when there is a good human connection between therapist and client. Deciding to receive counseling is a source of strength to address things that affect an individual(s) from having an enjoyable life. My strengths as a counselor lies in my accessibility, follow through, patience and clinical skills. Collaboration with other services providers ensure continuity of care for clients.
Well, hello you! Here at Aura Onyx Counseling & Wellness, my team and I help individuals navigate the heavy weight of trauma, burnout, and high-functioning anxiety so they can step fully into what's next in their story. I personally make deep clinical work palatable (mostly through warmth and humor) so that you can feel completely at home in the process, no matter where you are in your therapeutic journey. Whether you need support to unpack past trauma histories, navigate current issues, or just to discover what's next for you in your story, this is your first step.
Well, hello you! Here at Aura Onyx Counseling & Wellness, my team and I help individuals navigate the heavy weight of trauma, burnout, and high-functioning anxiety so they can step fully into what's next in their story. I personally make deep clinical work palatable (mostly through warmth and humor) so that you can feel completely at home in the process, no matter where you are in your therapeutic journey. Whether you need support to unpack past trauma histories, navigate current issues, or just to discover what's next for you in your story, this is your first step.
Are you looking for a safe, nonjudgmental space to heal? Are you struggling to set boundaries? Wanting to make a change but unsure where to start? Are you navigating recovery from substance use, gambling, or other challenges? Have past traumas—whether from childhood or adulthood—affected your current relationships?
If so, you're not alone. I would like to commend you for taking this first step toward healing.
Are you looking for a safe, nonjudgmental space to heal? Are you struggling to set boundaries? Wanting to make a change but unsure where to start? Are you navigating recovery from substance use, gambling, or other challenges? Have past traumas—whether from childhood or adulthood—affected your current relationships?
If so, you're not alone. I would like to commend you for taking this first step toward healing.
There are times when life can be extremely overwhelming, unpredictable or just absolutely terrifying. If you’ve gotten to this point in your journey We would like to honor your courage and bravery because reaching out for help can’t be easy. Thanks for taking the time to honor yourself and recognizing that your experience is valuable and deserves to be shared.
There are times when life can be extremely overwhelming, unpredictable or just absolutely terrifying. If you’ve gotten to this point in your journey We would like to honor your courage and bravery because reaching out for help can’t be easy. Thanks for taking the time to honor yourself and recognizing that your experience is valuable and deserves to be shared.
I value the human heart, soul, and spirit. I am a seasoned psychotherapist with 25 years of clinical practice. I am aware that we all experience times of darkness, and deep sorrow. We all experience anxiety, and struggle with certain life transitions. We heal by way of sharing our stories, feelings, and experiences. I care deeply about each of my clients, and I look forward to watching each person grow to their fullest potential. I will listen with a compassionate heart, and I have a genuine interest in each person that I work with.
I value the human heart, soul, and spirit. I am a seasoned psychotherapist with 25 years of clinical practice. I am aware that we all experience times of darkness, and deep sorrow. We all experience anxiety, and struggle with certain life transitions. We heal by way of sharing our stories, feelings, and experiences. I care deeply about each of my clients, and I look forward to watching each person grow to their fullest potential. I will listen with a compassionate heart, and I have a genuine interest in each person that I work with.
Navigating life's toughest moments alone can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next step. Whether, you're healing from complex trauma, grappling with anxiety or depression, or struggling with self-esteem and relationship challenges, you deserve a space where your unique story is truly heard. You want to break free from what is holding you back and build a fulfilling, balanced life filled with confidence and hope. Together, we will focus on your goals and create a path toward healing and self-discovery that fits your pace and needs.
Navigating life's toughest moments alone can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of your next step. Whether, you're healing from complex trauma, grappling with anxiety or depression, or struggling with self-esteem and relationship challenges, you deserve a space where your unique story is truly heard. You want to break free from what is holding you back and build a fulfilling, balanced life filled with confidence and hope. Together, we will focus on your goals and create a path toward healing and self-discovery that fits your pace and needs.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH,
THE TOUGH GET GOING
You may not feel tough right now, but deep down you know you have the strength to tackle the problems you are facing. These problems may be extraordinary stressors, life transitions, combat fatigue, post-partum depression, unexpected/expected loss of close relationships, trauma, abuse, or relationship problems. I can be part of the team that assists you in strengthening the resources that you have inside.
RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES
CAN BE LIKE DOMINOS
Families and couples are linked. If part of that link is broke or off balance, other members involved can be affected.
WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH,
THE TOUGH GET GOING
You may not feel tough right now, but deep down you know you have the strength to tackle the problems you are facing. These problems may be extraordinary stressors, life transitions, combat fatigue, post-partum depression, unexpected/expected loss of close relationships, trauma, abuse, or relationship problems. I can be part of the team that assists you in strengthening the resources that you have inside.
RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES
CAN BE LIKE DOMINOS
Families and couples are linked. If part of that link is broke or off balance, other members involved can be affected.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Tinley Park understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
Accepting new patients! Whether you are new to therapy or looking to start again, Great Lakes Psychology Group - Tinley Park understands that starting therapy can be overwhelming. That’s why we simplified the process with Find My Therapist. Get started by telling us about yourself, your location, and your insurance. Once you find your best-fit therapist, pick a time that works for you and book an appointment instantly through their calendar. Find My Therapist aims to make your journey as stress-free as possible, so you can start feeling better sooner.
I specialize in treating lesbian, gay and transgendered clients and the myriad issues that accompany their lives.
I believe people often become stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior just because they have not learned another way. Many clients have strengths and abilities they have overlooked. These are the gems we will discover to aid empowerment, growth and achievement of life goals. Effective communication and coping skills are incorporated into treatment giving clients the tools to make positive changes. Therapy often includes alternative modalities such as guided visualization,writing, art and relaxation techniques. Each client is honored as an individual, with therapy adapted to their specific needs and comfort levels.
I specialize in treating lesbian, gay and transgendered clients and the myriad issues that accompany their lives.
I believe people often become stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior just because they have not learned another way. Many clients have strengths and abilities they have overlooked. These are the gems we will discover to aid empowerment, growth and achievement of life goals. Effective communication and coping skills are incorporated into treatment giving clients the tools to make positive changes. Therapy often includes alternative modalities such as guided visualization,writing, art and relaxation techniques. Each client is honored as an individual, with therapy adapted to their specific needs and comfort levels.
Danielle
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, RN, LCPC, CADC
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
We all have the capacity within us to effect positive change in our lives, but sometimes we get “stuck” in vicious cycles. In these times we may need additional guidance and support in order to get through some of the things life has thrown our way. If you are here, it means you are at least considering making those changes. I utilize an integrative, harm-reduction approach which draws on the unique strengths of each individual as the key to narrating their own healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients, but specialize in adult and young adult populations.
We all have the capacity within us to effect positive change in our lives, but sometimes we get “stuck” in vicious cycles. In these times we may need additional guidance and support in order to get through some of the things life has thrown our way. If you are here, it means you are at least considering making those changes. I utilize an integrative, harm-reduction approach which draws on the unique strengths of each individual as the key to narrating their own healing process. I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients, but specialize in adult and young adult populations.
Are you a mom that is always trying to do it all and going to bed feeling like you did nothing at all? Are you a parent trying to understand their child, teen or young adult’s mental health struggles and life experiences better? Have you tried talk therapy in the past and it just never felt right? I am here to help you become the best version of yourself so you can have more energy and time to spend with your kids, family and doing things you love.
Are you a mom that is always trying to do it all and going to bed feeling like you did nothing at all? Are you a parent trying to understand their child, teen or young adult’s mental health struggles and life experiences better? Have you tried talk therapy in the past and it just never felt right? I am here to help you become the best version of yourself so you can have more energy and time to spend with your kids, family and doing things you love.
More Therapists Nearby
As a queer trans therapist, I'm passionate about working with trans and queer clients.
Individuals and relationships are dynamic; you may have received messages from people in the world that have you questioning parts of yourself. Integrating authentic, complex parts of yourself can help you feel more full and move you towards meaning and vitality. I provide a warm grounded environment to help you explore your unique experiences and identities with self-compassion and curiosity, even if what you are feeling is overwhelming or hard to talk about.
As a queer trans therapist, I'm passionate about working with trans and queer clients.
Individuals and relationships are dynamic; you may have received messages from people in the world that have you questioning parts of yourself. Integrating authentic, complex parts of yourself can help you feel more full and move you towards meaning and vitality. I provide a warm grounded environment to help you explore your unique experiences and identities with self-compassion and curiosity, even if what you are feeling is overwhelming or hard to talk about.
As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed.
Couples: Lasting partnership requires having shared vision and compatible mindsets. Moe Ari helps clients build a solid foundation by teaching clients specific relationship skills for long term success. As a relationship expert, Moe helps couples develop highly specific plans to target their areas of growth and create radical healing in their partnership.
As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed.
Couples: Lasting partnership requires having shared vision and compatible mindsets. Moe Ari helps clients build a solid foundation by teaching clients specific relationship skills for long term success. As a relationship expert, Moe helps couples develop highly specific plans to target their areas of growth and create radical healing in their partnership.
You may be a child, adult, or family looking for support with: feeling stuck in addiction, compulsive behaviors, mood disruptions, or patterns you can’t break; feeling failed or misunderstood by other therapies or higher levels of care; anxiety, resentment, or confusion about your identity or your life; experience of trauma or struggling at school or at home; a neurodiverse child who is struggling; feeling disconnected from purpose or direction; feeling exhausted, stuck, or unsure if anything will actually help. My approach is relational, and focused on helping you feel comfortable enough to do deeper work.
You may be a child, adult, or family looking for support with: feeling stuck in addiction, compulsive behaviors, mood disruptions, or patterns you can’t break; feeling failed or misunderstood by other therapies or higher levels of care; anxiety, resentment, or confusion about your identity or your life; experience of trauma or struggling at school or at home; a neurodiverse child who is struggling; feeling disconnected from purpose or direction; feeling exhausted, stuck, or unsure if anything will actually help. My approach is relational, and focused on helping you feel comfortable enough to do deeper work.
While I work with all kinds of people, I specialize in working with adults, teens, and couples that identify as Artists/creatives, Transgender, LGBTQIA+, Trauma survivors, and/or those whom have trauma-related lived experiences with Religion/Spirituality.
Each person I have the honor of working with allows me into their life in a unique way that I value, and consistently strive to gain greater humility from. Being Seen & Heard without judgement, and feeling truly cared for, is essential to building relational trust. That is why I prioritize the establishment of a safe, affirming, and honestly inclusive space for exploring your mind through the lens of your sense of Self and lived experiences. As your therapy progresses, it is my intention that you find freedom in both mourning the past, and being in the present.
While I work with all kinds of people, I specialize in working with adults, teens, and couples that identify as Artists/creatives, Transgender, LGBTQIA+, Trauma survivors, and/or those whom have trauma-related lived experiences with Religion/Spirituality.
Each person I have the honor of working with allows me into their life in a unique way that I value, and consistently strive to gain greater humility from. Being Seen & Heard without judgement, and feeling truly cared for, is essential to building relational trust. That is why I prioritize the establishment of a safe, affirming, and honestly inclusive space for exploring your mind through the lens of your sense of Self and lived experiences. As your therapy progresses, it is my intention that you find freedom in both mourning the past, and being in the present.
I've seen, heard and personally experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist when you hold marginalized identities. It's an honor for me to be able to provide a unique space for folks like us! I believe that understanding how our culture, gender, society, family, etc. inform our identities allows people to ditch the concepts or social expectations that don’t fit and pursue the ones that feel truly authentic. Let's show up as we are and get some solid work done!
I've seen, heard and personally experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist when you hold marginalized identities. It's an honor for me to be able to provide a unique space for folks like us! I believe that understanding how our culture, gender, society, family, etc. inform our identities allows people to ditch the concepts or social expectations that don’t fit and pursue the ones that feel truly authentic. Let's show up as we are and get some solid work done!
I love working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community.
I offer a non-judgmental space and a collaborative approach. I firmly believe that each person deserves the right to explore themselves in a way that works for them. I believe that each person should be recognized for their individuality and I offer an approach that honors that.
I love working with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community.
I offer a non-judgmental space and a collaborative approach. I firmly believe that each person deserves the right to explore themselves in a way that works for them. I believe that each person should be recognized for their individuality and I offer an approach that honors that.
I have specific experience supporting queer and trans BIPOC communities that have been shaped by race, gender, sexuality, power, or institutional harm.
Much of our work focuses on patterns shaped by early attachment, lived experience, and unspoken dynamics that continue to influence how you relate to yourself and others. We'll pay close attention to what unfolds between us in the room, including moments of connection, rupture, and repair, as these experiences often hold important pathways toward healing.
I have specific experience supporting queer and trans BIPOC communities that have been shaped by race, gender, sexuality, power, or institutional harm.
Much of our work focuses on patterns shaped by early attachment, lived experience, and unspoken dynamics that continue to influence how you relate to yourself and others. We'll pay close attention to what unfolds between us in the room, including moments of connection, rupture, and repair, as these experiences often hold important pathways toward healing.
See more therapy options for Oak Forest
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Oak Forest
- Alsip
- Blue Island
- Country Club Hills
- Flossmoor
- Harvey
- Hazel Crest
- Homewood
- Midlothian
- Orland Hills
- Orland Park
- Palos Heights
- Tinley Park
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.