LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Western Springs, IL
Most come to therapy for relief from distress. While therapy can relieve this, it can also be the gateway to deeper self reflection & discovery that awakens new meaning in our lives. I strive to build a therapy that honors your unique preferences & personhood, focused on the power of exploring your own experiences, strengths, & values. I am passionate about challenging the systemic oppressions that do us harm, and creating compassionate practices of resistance in response. My specialties are in facilitating connection in relationship, cultivating radical self acceptance, & growing trust in both mind & body.
Most come to therapy for relief from distress. While therapy can relieve this, it can also be the gateway to deeper self reflection & discovery that awakens new meaning in our lives. I strive to build a therapy that honors your unique preferences & personhood, focused on the power of exploring your own experiences, strengths, & values. I am passionate about challenging the systemic oppressions that do us harm, and creating compassionate practices of resistance in response. My specialties are in facilitating connection in relationship, cultivating radical self acceptance, & growing trust in both mind & body.
My areas of interest in practice are specified but not limited to:
LGBTQ+
Complex, Relational, and Acute Trauma
Relationship Therapy with couples, partners, friends, and chosen family
Family of Origin Dynamics and Issues
Mood Disruption (anxiety, depression)
Grief and Loss
Sex and Sexuality
Life Changes
My approach is trauma-informed and centered around you as you’re the expert on your own life: sometimes that means being direct and active, other times it means slowing down and creating space to process. Either way, we’ll move at your pace. I use somatic based therapies (IFS, parts work, EMDR, and mindfulness) and a relational approach to foster healing.
My areas of interest in practice are specified but not limited to:
LGBTQ+
Complex, Relational, and Acute Trauma
Relationship Therapy with couples, partners, friends, and chosen family
Family of Origin Dynamics and Issues
Mood Disruption (anxiety, depression)
Grief and Loss
Sex and Sexuality
Life Changes
My approach is trauma-informed and centered around you as you’re the expert on your own life: sometimes that means being direct and active, other times it means slowing down and creating space to process. Either way, we’ll move at your pace. I use somatic based therapies (IFS, parts work, EMDR, and mindfulness) and a relational approach to foster healing.
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow
“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness." - Abraham Maslow
Hi, my name is Cecilia & I'm a bilingual trauma-informed(Spanish & English) clinical therapist with close to a decade of clinical experience. I work with adolescents (14 years of age and up) & adults who find themselves struggling with self esteem, disordered eating, ADHD, mood and/or anxiety concerns, as well as individuals going through life changes & transitions- such as college, family related, career shifts, & such.
I have a strengths & values driven therapeutic approach to empower clients to build and sustain a meaningful and authentic life. My goal is to help you build real and lasting change.
Hi, my name is Cecilia & I'm a bilingual trauma-informed(Spanish & English) clinical therapist with close to a decade of clinical experience. I work with adolescents (14 years of age and up) & adults who find themselves struggling with self esteem, disordered eating, ADHD, mood and/or anxiety concerns, as well as individuals going through life changes & transitions- such as college, family related, career shifts, & such.
I have a strengths & values driven therapeutic approach to empower clients to build and sustain a meaningful and authentic life. My goal is to help you build real and lasting change.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
Couples I work with often feel disconnected, misunderstood by one another, or caught in frustrating patterns. Some seek support around addiction, infidelity, or after a traumatic or overwhelming life experience. In our work together, you’ll learn practical skills to repair after conflict, restore closeness, and communicate clearly.
Individual clients may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated by patterns that feel hard to break. I support people who have experienced trauma, struggle in relationships, live with ongoing worry, or frequently feel on-edge.
Couples I work with often feel disconnected, misunderstood by one another, or caught in frustrating patterns. Some seek support around addiction, infidelity, or after a traumatic or overwhelming life experience. In our work together, you’ll learn practical skills to repair after conflict, restore closeness, and communicate clearly.
Individual clients may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or frustrated by patterns that feel hard to break. I support people who have experienced trauma, struggle in relationships, live with ongoing worry, or frequently feel on-edge.
Hi, I'm Christy! l am a self-care/self-love advocate working towards eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy.
I support people who strive to be emotionally safe and secure, but are buried under mental obstacles and external pressure. In our therapeutic work, I will support your journey, so you can build the best version of yourself, whatever that may look like for you.
I know firsthand, and from my work as a clinician, that investing in mental health and wellness is worth it. You are worthy of having a safe space to process, cry, laugh, and heal.
Hi, I'm Christy! l am a self-care/self-love advocate working towards eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and therapy.
I support people who strive to be emotionally safe and secure, but are buried under mental obstacles and external pressure. In our therapeutic work, I will support your journey, so you can build the best version of yourself, whatever that may look like for you.
I know firsthand, and from my work as a clinician, that investing in mental health and wellness is worth it. You are worthy of having a safe space to process, cry, laugh, and heal.
My focus is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive environment where individuals feel empowered to overcome challenges and build meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, women's mental health concerns, and multicultural issues. As a bilingual therapist fluent in Spanish, I am passionate about serving diverse communities and creating a space where every client feels understood, respected, and valued. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.
My focus is to provide a supportive, culturally responsive environment where individuals feel empowered to overcome challenges and build meaningful, lasting change. I specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, depression, women's mental health concerns, and multicultural issues. As a bilingual therapist fluent in Spanish, I am passionate about serving diverse communities and creating a space where every client feels understood, respected, and valued. My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.
Kris Maynard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am also open to LGBTQ+ clients who are looking for individual therapy as well as couples/family therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families coping with a variety of issues. My passion is seeing people find their own potential and realize they are the masters of their own change, healing and happiness. I practice from a belief that often people become stuck in overwhelming problems from their past; current life stressors; or fears of the future and change. My goal is to help you move forward and be able to have new skills to take with you to apply as needed as you move on with your life.
I am also open to LGBTQ+ clients who are looking for individual therapy as well as couples/family therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families coping with a variety of issues. My passion is seeing people find their own potential and realize they are the masters of their own change, healing and happiness. I practice from a belief that often people become stuck in overwhelming problems from their past; current life stressors; or fears of the future and change. My goal is to help you move forward and be able to have new skills to take with you to apply as needed as you move on with your life.
LGBTQ+, Rachel is a neurodivergent LCSW with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and Trauma—including depression, suicidality, anxiety/social anxiety and panic attacks, agoraphobia, substance use, and chronic illness/pain.
Modalities include, but are not limited to Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, NARM, and EMDR
LGBTQ+, Rachel is a neurodivergent LCSW with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating Autism, ADHD, and Trauma—including depression, suicidality, anxiety/social anxiety and panic attacks, agoraphobia, substance use, and chronic illness/pain.
Modalities include, but are not limited to Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, NARM, and EMDR
I specialize in maternal mental health with a focus on the prevention, assessment and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I work with mothers and fathers who are struggling with adjustment to parenthood, infertility, birth trauma, NICU experiences and medical complications related to pregnancy and child birth.
I also enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues and difficult life transitions.
Another area of clinical interest is addressing compassion fatigue and burnout among clinicians and staff in health care settings.
I specialize in maternal mental health with a focus on the prevention, assessment and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. I work with mothers and fathers who are struggling with adjustment to parenthood, infertility, birth trauma, NICU experiences and medical complications related to pregnancy and child birth.
I also enjoy working with individuals across the lifespan who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues and difficult life transitions.
Another area of clinical interest is addressing compassion fatigue and burnout among clinicians and staff in health care settings.
Are you exhausted from repeating the same patterns? Constantly questioning your own reactions to situations? Or maybe you're carrying trauma that still lives in your body and don't know how to feel 'unstuck'?
Therapy can help you move from survival to stability.
I work with adults navigating relational trauma, intimate partner violence, substance use, and complex relationship dynamics. Many are functioning on the outside but internally managing anxiety, shame, hypervigilance, or selfdoubt. Together, we slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and build practical, sustainable change.
Are you exhausted from repeating the same patterns? Constantly questioning your own reactions to situations? Or maybe you're carrying trauma that still lives in your body and don't know how to feel 'unstuck'?
Therapy can help you move from survival to stability.
I work with adults navigating relational trauma, intimate partner violence, substance use, and complex relationship dynamics. Many are functioning on the outside but internally managing anxiety, shame, hypervigilance, or selfdoubt. Together, we slow things down enough to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and build practical, sustainable change.
Many parents feel helpless when their kids are acting out of control or regressing in their development. And, an increasing number of kids are struggling with their mental health and parents feel frustrated because they don’t always know how to help. But it doesn't have to stay that way. I provide transformative child counseling so kids can find relief from mental struggles and I work to equip parents with tools to make meaningful connections with the kiddos for a lifetime.
Many parents feel helpless when their kids are acting out of control or regressing in their development. And, an increasing number of kids are struggling with their mental health and parents feel frustrated because they don’t always know how to help. But it doesn't have to stay that way. I provide transformative child counseling so kids can find relief from mental struggles and I work to equip parents with tools to make meaningful connections with the kiddos for a lifetime.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I provide client-centered, integrative therapy that considers the whole person in a warm and empathetic environment. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a special interest in trauma recovery, attachment dynamics, and self-exploration. I’m passionate about helping clients process past experiences, build healthier relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I provide client-centered, integrative therapy that considers the whole person in a warm and empathetic environment. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors, with a special interest in trauma recovery, attachment dynamics, and self-exploration. I’m passionate about helping clients process past experiences, build healthier relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Our emotional health and well-being play a large role in the choices we make. If you find that issues such as anxiety and depression are consuming your life, psychotherapy can help you to take control over your feelings, and ultimately allow you to have more positive experiences.
Our emotional health and well-being play a large role in the choices we make. If you find that issues such as anxiety and depression are consuming your life, psychotherapy can help you to take control over your feelings, and ultimately allow you to have more positive experiences.
I provide individual counseling to late adolescents and adults, with a special interest in adjustment and periods of transition. My clinical focus is on issues of mood and depression, stress and anxiety, adjustment to life transitions, relationship distress, grief, self-esteem and identity issues, self-harm, and trauma-related issues. I begin with a person-centered approach - believing in each person's potential - and utilize strategies appropriate to each client's unique situation, including CBT, family dynamics, relationship building, relaxation methods, DBT, and narrative therapy.
I provide individual counseling to late adolescents and adults, with a special interest in adjustment and periods of transition. My clinical focus is on issues of mood and depression, stress and anxiety, adjustment to life transitions, relationship distress, grief, self-esteem and identity issues, self-harm, and trauma-related issues. I begin with a person-centered approach - believing in each person's potential - and utilize strategies appropriate to each client's unique situation, including CBT, family dynamics, relationship building, relaxation methods, DBT, and narrative therapy.
I am a good fit for clients of adolescent age through adulthood with a variety of presenting issues. I especially like working with neurodivergent clients (e.g. ADHD, Autism) and appreciate clients who keep an open mind have the motivation to implement positive changes. I like to meet individuals where they are and then work collaboratiely to explore personal strengths, identity, and other goals at a pace that is appropriate for the individual.
I am a good fit for clients of adolescent age through adulthood with a variety of presenting issues. I especially like working with neurodivergent clients (e.g. ADHD, Autism) and appreciate clients who keep an open mind have the motivation to implement positive changes. I like to meet individuals where they are and then work collaboratiely to explore personal strengths, identity, and other goals at a pace that is appropriate for the individual.
Welcome to taking the next step toward feeling better. If you struggle with feeling not good enough, feeling down or finding it difficult to manage life’s challenges, I would be honored to support you in reconnecting with your strengths and creating lasting change. For over 25 years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families. I hold certifications in anxiety and integrative mental health, allowing us to explore factors that may influence your mental well-being and that may be overlooked by traditional therapy approaches. It is my hope that our work will translate to you feeling more balanced and how you want to live.
Welcome to taking the next step toward feeling better. If you struggle with feeling not good enough, feeling down or finding it difficult to manage life’s challenges, I would be honored to support you in reconnecting with your strengths and creating lasting change. For over 25 years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families. I hold certifications in anxiety and integrative mental health, allowing us to explore factors that may influence your mental well-being and that may be overlooked by traditional therapy approaches. It is my hope that our work will translate to you feeling more balanced and how you want to live.
See more therapy options for Western Springs
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Western Springs
- Brookfield
- Burr Ridge
- Clarendon Hills
- Hinsdale
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- Oak Brook
- Riverside
- Westchester
- Westmont
- Willow Springs
- Willowbrook
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.