LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Willow Springs, IL
I am LGBT, non-monogamous relationships, and kink friendly.
Life gives us challenges. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or just feeling stuck in life. However, we do not have to face these challenges alone. It is our job to help you identify and eliminate stresses, embrace your strengths, and work towards empowerment. Through collaboration, we together can create an individualized and comprehensive plan to help you create an identity of your own, integrate positive practices into your daily interactions, and grow to live a happy and healthy life.
I am LGBT, non-monogamous relationships, and kink friendly.
Life gives us challenges. These challenges can include anxiety, depression, difficulties in relationships, or just feeling stuck in life. However, we do not have to face these challenges alone. It is our job to help you identify and eliminate stresses, embrace your strengths, and work towards empowerment. Through collaboration, we together can create an individualized and comprehensive plan to help you create an identity of your own, integrate positive practices into your daily interactions, and grow to live a happy and healthy life.
In addition to my core specialties, trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ and neurodivergent care, I also work in more nuanced spaces.
I am a transmasculine counselor that clients explore their past and present, finding insight into how they've shaped their movements through the world. Some weeks we may talk about what is bothering you right now, finding coping mechanisms to get you through the present moment. Other weeks we may dig deeper, processing traumas, looking at patterns in relationships, or untangling complicated feelings of grief and shame. We will use this knowledge as a foundation for exploring who you are beneath the pressure to perform, please, or freeze.
In addition to my core specialties, trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ and neurodivergent care, I also work in more nuanced spaces.
I am a transmasculine counselor that clients explore their past and present, finding insight into how they've shaped their movements through the world. Some weeks we may talk about what is bothering you right now, finding coping mechanisms to get you through the present moment. Other weeks we may dig deeper, processing traumas, looking at patterns in relationships, or untangling complicated feelings of grief and shame. We will use this knowledge as a foundation for exploring who you are beneath the pressure to perform, please, or freeze.
Hello, my name is Sierra! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated with my Master’s Degree from Aurora University. I have experience working with both teen and adult clients with struggles ranging from anxiety and relationship conflict, to depression, grief and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. I am also a certified yoga instructor who aims to help clients reconnect to their body through mindful and somatic experiences such as yoga and breath work.
Hello, my name is Sierra! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who graduated with my Master’s Degree from Aurora University. I have experience working with both teen and adult clients with struggles ranging from anxiety and relationship conflict, to depression, grief and trauma. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns. I am also a certified yoga instructor who aims to help clients reconnect to their body through mindful and somatic experiences such as yoga and breath work.
The journey to healing can be overwhelming. By meeting my clients where they're at and taking time to build a strong therapeutic alliance, we can work toward you become the best version of yourself. I am an EMDR Certified clinician/Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association, and registered yoga instructor specializing in trauma and CPTSD. I firmly believe in our body and mind's innate ability to heal and am honored to guide my clients through this process.
The journey to healing can be overwhelming. By meeting my clients where they're at and taking time to build a strong therapeutic alliance, we can work toward you become the best version of yourself. I am an EMDR Certified clinician/Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association, and registered yoga instructor specializing in trauma and CPTSD. I firmly believe in our body and mind's innate ability to heal and am honored to guide my clients through this process.
“A healthy outside starts from the inside”-Robert Urich I view therapy as a collaborative process among individuals, couples, or families to enhance their strengths and overcome their limitations. My approach to counseling is to provide a safe, warm, and positive space to allow my clients to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. I utilize individual, person centered, mindfulness and cognitive therapy to achieve the goals we establish together. I counsel a diverse group of adolescents, teens, and adults.
“A healthy outside starts from the inside”-Robert Urich I view therapy as a collaborative process among individuals, couples, or families to enhance their strengths and overcome their limitations. My approach to counseling is to provide a safe, warm, and positive space to allow my clients to live healthy, happy, and productive lives. I utilize individual, person centered, mindfulness and cognitive therapy to achieve the goals we establish together. I counsel a diverse group of adolescents, teens, and adults.
While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
I also strive to validate and affirm the trauma and trauma symptoms that come with the experiences of living every day life. Every person comes into therapy with unique needs and goals, just as they come into therapy with unique strengths and skills.
While I have experience ranging from counseling people living with varying degrees of mental illness, to refugees from conflict zones, and survivors of Queer hate motivated violence.
I also strive to validate and affirm the trauma and trauma symptoms that come with the experiences of living every day life. Every person comes into therapy with unique needs and goals, just as they come into therapy with unique strengths and skills.
More Therapists Nearby
I have experience working with adolescents and adults within the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing complex trauma, depression, anxiety, dissociation, and gender dysphoria.
Our authentic connections to one another sustain us as human beings. Often past harms and invalidation make us further disconnected from ourselves and each other. By moving beyond binaries created and sustained by capitalism and other constructs of oppression, I pathologize systems and not people. I work to create an environment that affirms a person’s complex humanity with a sense of compassion that is free from judgment or imposed expectations. When we establish secure, honest, and affirming relationships, we have the ability to embrace our full selves and the numerous possibilities of transformation.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults within the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing complex trauma, depression, anxiety, dissociation, and gender dysphoria.
Our authentic connections to one another sustain us as human beings. Often past harms and invalidation make us further disconnected from ourselves and each other. By moving beyond binaries created and sustained by capitalism and other constructs of oppression, I pathologize systems and not people. I work to create an environment that affirms a person’s complex humanity with a sense of compassion that is free from judgment or imposed expectations. When we establish secure, honest, and affirming relationships, we have the ability to embrace our full selves and the numerous possibilities of transformation.
I have skills and experience in helping LGBTQ+ adults to explore their childhood experiences with family and process through any past traumatic experiences.
I have extensive experience working with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations over the last 10 years and training working with developmental and sexual trauma, specifically. I can also help adults and families understand and navigate the complicated systems legal and medical systems that impact TGD populations.
I have skills and experience in helping LGBTQ+ adults to explore their childhood experiences with family and process through any past traumatic experiences.
I have extensive experience working with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations over the last 10 years and training working with developmental and sexual trauma, specifically. I can also help adults and families understand and navigate the complicated systems legal and medical systems that impact TGD populations.
I believe that healing is done through social support, collaboration, empathy, and creativity. I blend both talk therapy with art making to facilitate emotional expression, learn new skills, and build compassion for self and others. You don't have to be an artist to do art therapy! My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and seen.
I believe that healing is done through social support, collaboration, empathy, and creativity. I blend both talk therapy with art making to facilitate emotional expression, learn new skills, and build compassion for self and others. You don't have to be an artist to do art therapy! My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard and seen.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community.
I am certified in trauma-CBT and trained in Internal Family Systems and sex therapy. I specialize in working with folks with complex trauma.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community.
I am certified in trauma-CBT and trained in Internal Family Systems and sex therapy. I specialize in working with folks with complex trauma.
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.
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.
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.
I'm a witty transgender EMDRIA-Certified Therapist and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapist who works with LGBTQ+ adults navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and OCD.
I begin with a thorough assessment so we can custom-fit your treatment plan. Think of it as therapy couture! Both EMDR and ERP are structured and evidence-based treatment protocols for addressing mental health concerns in a way talk therapy cannot. Every intervention is chosen intentionally, based on your unique history, symptoms, and goals.
I'm a witty transgender EMDRIA-Certified Therapist and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapist who works with LGBTQ+ adults navigating complex trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and OCD.
I begin with a thorough assessment so we can custom-fit your treatment plan. Think of it as therapy couture! Both EMDR and ERP are structured and evidence-based treatment protocols for addressing mental health concerns in a way talk therapy cannot. Every intervention is chosen intentionally, based on your unique history, symptoms, and goals.
From children to adults, I work with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and LGBTQ+-related concerns, and I see this authentic connection as a space that models and embodies boundaries, accountability, care, repair, play, and joy.
I see our body as a source of self-knowledge and use somatic approaches to locate safety and regulation. As a person-centered therapist, I draw from multiple modalities including psychodynamic, feminist, cognitive behavioral, acceptance & commitment, attachment, and internal family systems. I encourage creative and expressive approaches to healing.
From children to adults, I work with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, and LGBTQ+-related concerns, and I see this authentic connection as a space that models and embodies boundaries, accountability, care, repair, play, and joy.
I see our body as a source of self-knowledge and use somatic approaches to locate safety and regulation. As a person-centered therapist, I draw from multiple modalities including psychodynamic, feminist, cognitive behavioral, acceptance & commitment, attachment, and internal family systems. I encourage creative and expressive approaches to healing.
If you've felt lost, frustrated or feel no one quite "gets you", you are welcome here. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
If you've felt lost, frustrated or feel no one quite "gets you", you are welcome here. As a trauma informed and DBT focused therapist, I believe in the power shame reduction can have in peoples lives, alongside building concrete skills, and unlearning narratives that no longer serve us. I often see clients who may feel at odds with themselves and want to adapt or grow their ability to handle distress. Although change can be uncomfortable, I work alongside clients to rediscover personal strengths and help find a "core" or "root" that may have felt lost or distant. I commend you for stepping into vulnerability.
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ teens and adults, trauma processing, depression, anxiety, grief, DID, PTSD, and with relationship and family issues.
A typical session with me varies depending on the person and their needs. I enjoy integrating previous conversations and current happenings to make sure the client addresses what they need to, and what they feel comfortable with that day. I plan to meet you where you are and go by your agenda. I prefer to use the first appointment to build rapport and trust. I like to set goals during the second session to get an idea of what it is you are looking for in therapy. These goals can always evolve or change as we move through therapy as needed. You are the expert on your experience, I am here to hold the tools and help you build!
I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ teens and adults, trauma processing, depression, anxiety, grief, DID, PTSD, and with relationship and family issues.
A typical session with me varies depending on the person and their needs. I enjoy integrating previous conversations and current happenings to make sure the client addresses what they need to, and what they feel comfortable with that day. I plan to meet you where you are and go by your agenda. I prefer to use the first appointment to build rapport and trust. I like to set goals during the second session to get an idea of what it is you are looking for in therapy. These goals can always evolve or change as we move through therapy as needed. You are the expert on your experience, I am here to hold the tools and help you build!
I also support LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse clients.
I specialize in: PTSD, complex trauma, Autism, anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ concerns, immigrant/refugee mental health, displacement, belonging, shame, and relationship patterns.
My style is: collaborative, relational, feminist, anti-oppressive, and grounded in helping clients feel understood while creating meaningful change.
I also support LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse clients.
I specialize in: PTSD, complex trauma, Autism, anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ concerns, immigrant/refugee mental health, displacement, belonging, shame, and relationship patterns.
My style is: collaborative, relational, feminist, anti-oppressive, and grounded in helping clients feel understood while creating meaningful change.
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 specialize in affirming therapy for LGBTQIA, trans, gender-expansive, and neurodivergent adults, including those navigating ADHD, autism, masking, and burnout.
If you're exhausted from masking, overthinking, or feeling like you have to edit parts of yourself to fit in, you're in the right place. Maybe you're anxious, burned out, struggling in relationships, carrying the weight of past experiences, or simply tired of trying so hard to be understood. I work especially well with LGBTQIA2S+, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive adults, as well as neurodivergent adults, including people with ADHD or autism. You don't have to spend therapy explaining who you are before you can talk about what actually brought you here.
I specialize in affirming therapy for LGBTQIA, trans, gender-expansive, and neurodivergent adults, including those navigating ADHD, autism, masking, and burnout.
If you're exhausted from masking, overthinking, or feeling like you have to edit parts of yourself to fit in, you're in the right place. Maybe you're anxious, burned out, struggling in relationships, carrying the weight of past experiences, or simply tired of trying so hard to be understood. I work especially well with LGBTQIA2S+, trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive adults, as well as neurodivergent adults, including people with ADHD or autism. You don't have to spend therapy explaining who you are before you can talk about what actually brought you here.
See more therapy options for Willow Springs
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Willow Springs
- Bridgeview
- Burr Ridge
- Clarendon Hills
- Darien
- Hinsdale
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- Oak Brook
- Palos Hills
- Western Springs
- Westmont
- 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.