LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Orland Hills, IL
I have a strong belief 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 compassionate internal process. I gently challenge habitual emotional responses that tend to limit the ability to self-soothe and to relate to others. Once a person is able to manage these struggles a bit better, he/she/they are able to achieve better emotional regulation toward personal growth, well-being and better relationships.
I have a strong belief 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 compassionate internal process. I gently challenge habitual emotional responses that tend to limit the ability to self-soothe and to relate to others. Once a person is able to manage these struggles a bit better, he/she/they are able to achieve better emotional regulation toward personal growth, well-being and better relationships.
Life can be a lot, and sometimes your brain has 37 tabs open and no one knows where the music is coming from. With over five years of clinical experience, I work with children, teens, homeschooled youth, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, and major life transitions.
Life can be a lot, and sometimes your brain has 37 tabs open and no one knows where the music is coming from. With over five years of clinical experience, I work with children, teens, homeschooled youth, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, relationships, and major life transitions.
I'm a licensed clinical counselor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and accepting. I use clinically researched and unique approaches to address the wide ranges of identity, emotional and thinking issues faced in traditional and modern times. My education, experiences, and personal background allow me to address the complexity of cases a client brings to sessions.
I'm a licensed clinical counselor who is experienced, knowledgeable, and accepting. I use clinically researched and unique approaches to address the wide ranges of identity, emotional and thinking issues faced in traditional and modern times. My education, experiences, and personal background allow me to address the complexity of cases a client brings to sessions.
Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective coping strategies to manage life challenges.
Hello! Hola! I’m Dr. Vanesa Cervantes, and I’m a Family and Child Psychologist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that every person has the potential to thrive and overcome challenges they may be currently facing. My treatment approach is collaborative, by working together we can develop healthy coping skills, strengthen your social and emotional health and empower you to understand and manage your emotions, behaviors, and social relationships. Through our work together you can expect to also learn effective coping strategies to manage life challenges.
With experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health and private practice, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Whether you're struggling with self-regulation, relationship issues, or other life concerns, I’m here to help you heal and grow.
With experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health and private practice, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs using a variety of therapeutic techniques. Whether you're struggling with self-regulation, relationship issues, or other life concerns, I’m here to help you heal and grow.
I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping people find solutions to life's challenges. I encourage people to change, while offering hope and acceptance. My approach is collaborative with a focus on my clients' strengths and goals. I use a variety of therapeutic methods, with an emphasis on attachment-based, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral therapies. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is essential to my therapy. I care about people and feel honored when clients share their lives with me.
I am a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping people find solutions to life's challenges. I encourage people to change, while offering hope and acceptance. My approach is collaborative with a focus on my clients' strengths and goals. I use a variety of therapeutic methods, with an emphasis on attachment-based, interpersonal, and cognitive behavioral therapies. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is essential to my therapy. I care about people and feel honored when clients share their lives with me.
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My areas of expertise include life-cycle LGBTQIA+ issues, gender and sexuality exploration, kink and polyamory, neurodiversity, and both individual and generational trauma.
Making the decision to begin therapy can oftentimes feel like an overwhelming task. Navigating this process in a world full of endless google searches and profile options; it can make seeking out identity affirming care an arduous and stressful process. I’m glad you’ve found me, and welcome: You are the expert of your own life and experiences here. I will honor your intersecting identities and the influence they have on how you understand yourself and navigate the world.
My areas of expertise include life-cycle LGBTQIA+ issues, gender and sexuality exploration, kink and polyamory, neurodiversity, and both individual and generational trauma.
Making the decision to begin therapy can oftentimes feel like an overwhelming task. Navigating this process in a world full of endless google searches and profile options; it can make seeking out identity affirming care an arduous and stressful process. I’m glad you’ve found me, and welcome: You are the expert of your own life and experiences here. I will honor your intersecting identities and the influence they have on how you understand yourself and navigate the world.
Queer, trans, and/or neurodivergent?
I specialize in trauma/shame recovery and self-discovery work. We’ll blend nervous-system skills with a trauma informed approach to stop intellectualizing everything, challenge faulty core beliefs, reduce avoidance patterns, and practice real-life boundaries. Expect tangible skill development, a collaborative pace, and steady, affirming accountability.
Queer, trans, and/or neurodivergent?
I specialize in trauma/shame recovery and self-discovery work. We’ll blend nervous-system skills with a trauma informed approach to stop intellectualizing everything, challenge faulty core beliefs, reduce avoidance patterns, and practice real-life boundaries. Expect tangible skill development, a collaborative pace, and steady, affirming accountability.
I work with adult individuals and couples of all ages facing anxiety, depression, stress, isolation, meaninglessness, hopelessness, grief, and identity exploration, including neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQIA+ folx.
I’m here to meet you where you’re at. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, gentle awareness, and empathy. I offer a compassionate presence, inclusive care, and an affirming space for all identities. I collaborate with you to meet your personal wants, needs, and goals.
I work with adult individuals and couples of all ages facing anxiety, depression, stress, isolation, meaninglessness, hopelessness, grief, and identity exploration, including neurodivergent individuals, and LGBTQIA+ folx.
I’m here to meet you where you’re at. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, gentle awareness, and empathy. I offer a compassionate presence, inclusive care, and an affirming space for all identities. I collaborate with you to meet your personal wants, needs, and goals.
My areas of focus include LGBTQ issues, childhood trauma, attachment, body image, neurodivergence, relationship skills, and creative growth.
As an art therapist, I see the therapeutic space as an opportunity for joy & creativity in addition to addressing challenges. I work with a trauma-informed & intersectional lens, recognizing the socio-political influence on mental health. For children's therapy, I consult with parents regularly to strengthen confidence and support with therapeutic needs.
My areas of focus include LGBTQ issues, childhood trauma, attachment, body image, neurodivergence, relationship skills, and creative growth.
As an art therapist, I see the therapeutic space as an opportunity for joy & creativity in addition to addressing challenges. I work with a trauma-informed & intersectional lens, recognizing the socio-political influence on mental health. For children's therapy, I consult with parents regularly to strengthen confidence and support with therapeutic needs.
I love working with people who are a part of my community - trans, queer and BIPOC folks!
Words that come to mind when I think about healing are: witnessing, nurturing and integrating.
I love working with people who are a part of my community - trans, queer and BIPOC folks!
Words that come to mind when I think about healing are: witnessing, nurturing and integrating.
I have a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ and trans community as a LGBTQ+ therapist.
I have experience with PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, gender dysphoria and LGBTQ+ clients, clients on the autism spectrum, depression, and self esteem issues. I would love to use my skills, experience, and personal approach to help you begin the exciting process of therapy.
I have a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ and trans community as a LGBTQ+ therapist.
I have experience with PTSD, anxiety disorders, grief, gender dysphoria and LGBTQ+ clients, clients on the autism spectrum, depression, and self esteem issues. I would love to use my skills, experience, and personal approach to help you begin the exciting process of therapy.
I have experience working with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ related concerns, including transgender identity work.
Have you ever felt that the world is closing in on you? That you somehow never received the guidebook on how to 'do' life? If you've felt lost recently, do you know how to find yourself once more? Through treatment, we'll work together to find what exactly has been missing, why, and how to cultivate more of it. To feel more fulfilled, happy, less anxious, more regulated, whatever it is, let's figure it out together.
I have experience working with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, and LGBTQ+ related concerns, including transgender identity work.
Have you ever felt that the world is closing in on you? That you somehow never received the guidebook on how to 'do' life? If you've felt lost recently, do you know how to find yourself once more? Through treatment, we'll work together to find what exactly has been missing, why, and how to cultivate more of it. To feel more fulfilled, happy, less anxious, more regulated, whatever it is, let's figure it out together.
In the often confusing and painful sea of unwanted symptoms, something emerges from underneath that is often hard to make sense of. Dreams, slips of the tongue, and repeated relational patterns all point toward something moving within us that we did not know was there. When listening to you, I pay close attention to these unconscious messages, as well as to the reactions that arise within relationships, including our therapeutic one. I believe that only you can tell me what these signs mean to you and how they relate to your history. Together we can work to remember, make meaning of, and work through what's been forgotten.
In the often confusing and painful sea of unwanted symptoms, something emerges from underneath that is often hard to make sense of. Dreams, slips of the tongue, and repeated relational patterns all point toward something moving within us that we did not know was there. When listening to you, I pay close attention to these unconscious messages, as well as to the reactions that arise within relationships, including our therapeutic one. I believe that only you can tell me what these signs mean to you and how they relate to your history. Together we can work to remember, make meaning of, and work through what's been forgotten.
I work with individuals and couples seeking understanding and healing around trauma, PTSD, intergenerational stress, inner child healing, identity exploration, life transitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of growing up in diaspora and queer/trans experiences.
I use a trauma-responsive, relational approach that centers you as the expert on your own life. My work is interactive and integrates Somatic Experiencing, psychodynamic methods, CBT, and DBT to support insight, emotional regulation, and mind-body connection. I offer therapy in English and Macedonian.
I work with individuals and couples seeking understanding and healing around trauma, PTSD, intergenerational stress, inner child healing, identity exploration, life transitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and the pressures of growing up in diaspora and queer/trans experiences.
I use a trauma-responsive, relational approach that centers you as the expert on your own life. My work is interactive and integrates Somatic Experiencing, psychodynamic methods, CBT, and DBT to support insight, emotional regulation, and mind-body connection. I offer therapy in English and Macedonian.
As a trans-female, I work with the LGBTQ and Polyamorous community as well.
I believe that you are not broken because you’re not a person that needs to be fixed in the first place. You only needed to be respected and understood. I uphold that a nervous system implies the existence of a loving system. People often think I’m helping them overcome anguish when really I’m helping them experience how to love again despite their pain. Some days we will talk, vibe, and think out loud. Which is great! On other days we will establish what being “done” with therapy looks like and how you want to get there.
My usual clientele include adults, couples, male, female, non-binary, weirdos, normies, lovers, and haters.
As a trans-female, I work with the LGBTQ and Polyamorous community as well.
I believe that you are not broken because you’re not a person that needs to be fixed in the first place. You only needed to be respected and understood. I uphold that a nervous system implies the existence of a loving system. People often think I’m helping them overcome anguish when really I’m helping them experience how to love again despite their pain. Some days we will talk, vibe, and think out loud. Which is great! On other days we will establish what being “done” with therapy looks like and how you want to get there.
My usual clientele include adults, couples, male, female, non-binary, weirdos, normies, lovers, and haters.
I specialize with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey, and that it's going to be important for you to find the right kind of support. I am someone who is going to be curious about your life story and where you're trying to get to now. I know that life can have a way of presenting struggles we don't know what to do with, and my top priority as a therapist is to help create a space where anyone I work with feels genuinely supported.
I specialize with the LGBTQIA+ community.
I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey, and that it's going to be important for you to find the right kind of support. I am someone who is going to be curious about your life story and where you're trying to get to now. I know that life can have a way of presenting struggles we don't know what to do with, and my top priority as a therapist is to help create a space where anyone I work with feels genuinely supported.
I work with trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people navigating a wide range of experiences: identity exploration at any stage of life, gender dysphoria and euphoria, social and medical transition, minority stress, internalized transphobia, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and the particular challenges that come with being visibly queer or gender-diverse in the world.
If you're trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming, you already know what it's like to walk into a room and wonder whether you'll have to do the work of educating your provider before you can even get to the reason you came. That exhaustion is real and it's not yours to carry in therapy.
I'm Edith, a trans woman and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago. I provide gender-affirming therapy for trans and gender nonconforming people. This is a space where your identity is not a presenting problem. It's the starting point for the rest of your work.
I am currently accepting new clients for online sessions.
I work with trans, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people navigating a wide range of experiences: identity exploration at any stage of life, gender dysphoria and euphoria, social and medical transition, minority stress, internalized transphobia, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and the particular challenges that come with being visibly queer or gender-diverse in the world.
If you're trans, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming, you already know what it's like to walk into a room and wonder whether you'll have to do the work of educating your provider before you can even get to the reason you came. That exhaustion is real and it's not yours to carry in therapy.
I'm Edith, a trans woman and Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago. I provide gender-affirming therapy for trans and gender nonconforming people. This is a space where your identity is not a presenting problem. It's the starting point for the rest of your work.
I am currently accepting new clients for online sessions.
I am a proud advocate for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities and strive to create a therapeutic environment where every person feels respected, valued, and safe to explore their authentic self.
I create a safe, affirming space for individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist, I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship concerns, and LGBTQIA+ care. My approach is compassionate, culturally responsive, and tailored to help clients build resilience and lasting change.
I am a proud advocate for LGBTQIA+ and marginalized communities and strive to create a therapeutic environment where every person feels respected, valued, and safe to explore their authentic self.
I create a safe, affirming space for individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist, I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship concerns, and LGBTQIA+ care. My approach is compassionate, culturally responsive, and tailored to help clients build resilience and lasting change.
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!
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Orland Hills
- Country Club Hills
- Flossmoor
- Frankfort
- Hazel Crest
- Matteson
- Midlothian
- Mokena
- Oak Forest
- Orland Park
- Palos Heights
- Palos Park
- 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.