Transgender Therapists in Illinois
I am especially aware of the trauma and discrimination that a transgender individual is susceptible to experiencing.
It is my honor to walk with you during this pivotal time in your journey. I work directly with individuals who are ready to get unstuck and work toward living their best life. As a 2Spirited Black man, I understand the multiple layers of oppression and the intersection of multicultural and spiritual backgrounds. It is my intention that you have a safe space to celebrate yourself and your own unique journey. I am intentional about supporting you as we create a pathway to a greater awareness of self. Join me in the journey towards deconstructing thought patterns that no longer serve you. Your best life awaits!
I am especially aware of the trauma and discrimination that a transgender individual is susceptible to experiencing.
It is my honor to walk with you during this pivotal time in your journey. I work directly with individuals who are ready to get unstuck and work toward living their best life. As a 2Spirited Black man, I understand the multiple layers of oppression and the intersection of multicultural and spiritual backgrounds. It is my intention that you have a safe space to celebrate yourself and your own unique journey. I am intentional about supporting you as we create a pathway to a greater awareness of self. Join me in the journey towards deconstructing thought patterns that no longer serve you. Your best life awaits!
I have a specialty in working with members of the LGBTQIA community. I consider and provide care that is specific to the needs of these individuals. I am able to provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy to these clients. I assist in linking clients to medical professionals, if necessary, for living an authentic life and affirming their gender identity. I have knowledge specific to issues of this population including sexual orientation and gender exploration, gender transition, gender dysphoria, relationship and sexual issues, and family/social issues.
I have a specialty in working with members of the LGBTQIA community. I consider and provide care that is specific to the needs of these individuals. I am able to provide individual, family, couples, and group therapy to these clients. I assist in linking clients to medical professionals, if necessary, for living an authentic life and affirming their gender identity. I have knowledge specific to issues of this population including sexual orientation and gender exploration, gender transition, gender dysphoria, relationship and sexual issues, and family/social issues.
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 have a passion for working with transgender/LGBQ+ people to address past traumas and build more fulfilling relationships and lives. I love helping people understand their identities and explore experiences with family both in the past and present. I have skills and experience in helping LGBTQ+ adults to explore their childhood experiences with family and process through any past traumatic experiences. I love exploring and processing through the challenges of being an LGBTQ+ parent/caregiver.
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 have a passion for working with transgender/LGBQ+ people to address past traumas and build more fulfilling relationships and lives. I love helping people understand their identities and explore experiences with family both in the past and present. I have skills and experience in helping LGBTQ+ adults to explore their childhood experiences with family and process through any past traumatic experiences. I love exploring and processing through the challenges of being an LGBTQ+ parent/caregiver.
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
My specializations include transgender/non-binary folks, sex therapy, LGBTQ population, trauma, sexual pain, PTSD, and kink/poly-affirming care.
As a Gender and Certified Sex Therapist, I work with folks like you feeling anxious and lost about a transition you're experiencing in sex, gender, sexual identity, or relationships. I'm here to help folks move from surviving to thriving.
Clock Inc: Lgbt+ Community Center
Counselor, MSEd, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Rock Island, IL 61201
I have worked with people, in individual and group counseling settings, who experience depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, self-harming, suicidal ideation, family conflict, relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem issues.
"No one is you, and that is your superpower." Reaching out for help can be challenging, but I am here to help you travel on your journey. I am willing, and will hopefully be lucky enough, to offer the support you may not have received. I listen, I observe, and I remain non-judgmental and accepting. Also, while I recognize and understand that everyone's experience are different, I am able to empathize, as I too belong to the LGBT+ community.
I have worked with people, in individual and group counseling settings, who experience depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, self-harming, suicidal ideation, family conflict, relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem issues.
"No one is you, and that is your superpower." Reaching out for help can be challenging, but I am here to help you travel on your journey. I am willing, and will hopefully be lucky enough, to offer the support you may not have received. I listen, I observe, and I remain non-judgmental and accepting. Also, while I recognize and understand that everyone's experience are different, I am able to empathize, as I too belong to the LGBT+ community.
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
My focus has always been to support and empower marginalized people, specifically: queer and transgender people, people of color, sex workers, folks living with housing insecurity, and those affected by the prison system. My aim is to develop trust and create a space with you, where you feel safe to be and explore who you are as you develop new insights and skills to achieve and maintain sustainable emotional wellness.
While I enjoy working with many individuals, my passion is the LGBTQIA2+ community (particularly transgender folks) providing a positive and affirming environment to explore identities and develop a strong sense of self. My approach is to help clients identify and utilize strengths while encouraging continued growth. I focus on assisting clients in setting attainable goals, improving communication, and learning skills to manage symptoms and decrease behaviors that may be harmful. I believe that identifying negative beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent someone from being where they want to be is an essential part of therapy.
While I enjoy working with many individuals, my passion is the LGBTQIA2+ community (particularly transgender folks) providing a positive and affirming environment to explore identities and develop a strong sense of self. My approach is to help clients identify and utilize strengths while encouraging continued growth. I focus on assisting clients in setting attainable goals, improving communication, and learning skills to manage symptoms and decrease behaviors that may be harmful. I believe that identifying negative beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent someone from being where they want to be is an essential part of therapy.
Offering In Person Sessions in Chicago and Virtual in California- As a queer transgender therapist, I believe there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to living our lives. The same goes for therapy - there isn't a "right way" to do it. In my practice, I am committed to helping individuals tap into their personal strengths and uncover a path that is meaningful and fulfilling. I trust that my clients are the experts on their own lives and have the skills and tools they need to navigate their problems. However, I'm here to provide support and guidance when they need it.
Offering In Person Sessions in Chicago and Virtual in California- As a queer transgender therapist, I believe there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to living our lives. The same goes for therapy - there isn't a "right way" to do it. In my practice, I am committed to helping individuals tap into their personal strengths and uncover a path that is meaningful and fulfilling. I trust that my clients are the experts on their own lives and have the skills and tools they need to navigate their problems. However, I'm here to provide support and guidance when they need it.
I use body-based, experiential approaches to treating issues with desire, arousal, and orgasm, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, pelvic pain, trans-affirming sex/ gender dysphoria, chronic pain/disability that inhibits sexual intimacy, sexual performance anxiety, and sexual trauma and shame that is triggered during intimacy.
Sex is a foundational part of the human experience, and for many, it's also a complicated one. Our connection to both gender and sexuality are shaped by many influences like family, religion, culture, personal and intergenerational traumas, and systems of oppression that teach us negative narratives about certain bodies, identities, and relationship structures. You might be looking for someone who can help you explore, heal, or untangle your relationship to your gender or sexuality without heterosexist, cis-normative, or monogamous biases.
I use body-based, experiential approaches to treating issues with desire, arousal, and orgasm, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, pelvic pain, trans-affirming sex/ gender dysphoria, chronic pain/disability that inhibits sexual intimacy, sexual performance anxiety, and sexual trauma and shame that is triggered during intimacy.
Sex is a foundational part of the human experience, and for many, it's also a complicated one. Our connection to both gender and sexuality are shaped by many influences like family, religion, culture, personal and intergenerational traumas, and systems of oppression that teach us negative narratives about certain bodies, identities, and relationship structures. You might be looking for someone who can help you explore, heal, or untangle your relationship to your gender or sexuality without heterosexist, cis-normative, or monogamous biases.
I believe therapy is a powerful, collaborative process that can help us improve our internal landscape and lead to fulfilling lives aligned with our values. As a queer, transgender woman, I know that not all therapeutic spaces live up to this ideal, and too often, they can cause more harm. I am passionate about creating a therapeutic space that is affirming, strengths-based, and safe. I believe in meeting everyone without judgment but with empathy and unconditional positive regard.
I believe therapy is a powerful, collaborative process that can help us improve our internal landscape and lead to fulfilling lives aligned with our values. As a queer, transgender woman, I know that not all therapeutic spaces live up to this ideal, and too often, they can cause more harm. I am passionate about creating a therapeutic space that is affirming, strengths-based, and safe. I believe in meeting everyone without judgment but with empathy and unconditional positive regard.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
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Iliana Michelle Connor
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
As a therapist I believe the most important thing I can emphasize in the relationship is autonomy. Addressing the shortcomings of the profession in the past I seek to create a collaborative environment where you as the client understand where our work is going and that it can be addressed at any time. I have an interest working with clients dealing with trauma, clients from the LGBTQ population (in particular the transgender and transgender non-binary experience) and couples. I hope to provide clarity and a greater understanding of your emotional world and what options you have to become the person you wish to be.
As a therapist I believe the most important thing I can emphasize in the relationship is autonomy. Addressing the shortcomings of the profession in the past I seek to create a collaborative environment where you as the client understand where our work is going and that it can be addressed at any time. I have an interest working with clients dealing with trauma, clients from the LGBTQ population (in particular the transgender and transgender non-binary experience) and couples. I hope to provide clarity and a greater understanding of your emotional world and what options you have to become the person you wish to be.
I dedicate my practice to treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorder/alcohol use disorder, trauma and PTSD, LGBTQ conception/parenting, and transgender & non-binary identity exploration.
Finding a therapist can sometimes feel impossible, but finding a good fit can make all the difference. It is important to both feel heard and seen, especially during the vulnerable process of sharing you experiences and emotions. I provide a non-judgmental space with a emphasis on holistic and person-centered care. Which means you can expect a collaborative experience. I will meet you where you are at and help you decide where you want to go.
I dedicate my practice to treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorder/alcohol use disorder, trauma and PTSD, LGBTQ conception/parenting, and transgender & non-binary identity exploration.
Finding a therapist can sometimes feel impossible, but finding a good fit can make all the difference. It is important to both feel heard and seen, especially during the vulnerable process of sharing you experiences and emotions. I provide a non-judgmental space with a emphasis on holistic and person-centered care. Which means you can expect a collaborative experience. I will meet you where you are at and help you decide where you want to go.
Moe A Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60615
Waitlist for new clients
Transgender or Non-binary people: As a transgender non-binary soul, Moe Ari is highly attuned to the needs of Gender Expansive people.
If you are looking for an accountability partner in support of your relationships, then this is your sign. If you are a single person who wants support in growing your self-love and accountability, while exploring how to navigate lasting partnership, this is also your sign! Moe Ari is a highly skilled relationship expert with almost a decade of experience helping couples to revitalize their relationships. As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. Moe Ari, blends therapy with coaching to help clients create success in their relationships, minds, bodies, and spirits.
Transgender or Non-binary people: As a transgender non-binary soul, Moe Ari is highly attuned to the needs of Gender Expansive people.
If you are looking for an accountability partner in support of your relationships, then this is your sign. If you are a single person who wants support in growing your self-love and accountability, while exploring how to navigate lasting partnership, this is also your sign! Moe Ari is a highly skilled relationship expert with almost a decade of experience helping couples to revitalize their relationships. As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. Moe Ari, blends therapy with coaching to help clients create success in their relationships, minds, bodies, and spirits.
Truer than ever before, the world is full of suffering. Though it is also true that the world is full of healing and overcoming. I see the hope that brought you to this page. The hope in finding healing and growth through therapy. It can be challenging to find a safe, culturally-sensitive, therapeutic space especially for those identifying as queer, transgender, and non-binary. You deserve to feel understood and supported. I am committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nonjudgmental space for people to explore their life experiences and strengths as well as cultivate a sense of self-compassion, self-trust, and empowerment.
Truer than ever before, the world is full of suffering. Though it is also true that the world is full of healing and overcoming. I see the hope that brought you to this page. The hope in finding healing and growth through therapy. It can be challenging to find a safe, culturally-sensitive, therapeutic space especially for those identifying as queer, transgender, and non-binary. You deserve to feel understood and supported. I am committed to creating and maintaining a safe and nonjudgmental space for people to explore their life experiences and strengths as well as cultivate a sense of self-compassion, self-trust, and empowerment.
Helene Jacques is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. She sees adolescents and adults for individual and family therapy. Helene has extensive experience working with clients dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns, and post-abortion issues. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.
Helene Jacques is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. She sees adolescents and adults for individual and family therapy. Helene has extensive experience working with clients dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns, and post-abortion issues. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.
I am Dr. Alexander, a Behavioral Psychologist and transgender woman. I also have Master’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis and have completed extensive coursework in Sports/Performance Psychology. I have over 30 years of experience. I am an ally of and advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am passionate about providing support for the life challenges individuals may face. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by most psychiatric disorders, any social or emotional issues, and supporting relationship growth.
I am Dr. Alexander, a Behavioral Psychologist and transgender woman. I also have Master’s degrees in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis and have completed extensive coursework in Sports/Performance Psychology. I have over 30 years of experience. I am an ally of and advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am passionate about providing support for the life challenges individuals may face. I am also comfortable assisting individuals facing challenges presented by most psychiatric disorders, any social or emotional issues, and supporting relationship growth.
Karyn Lynn Horan
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
New Lenox, IL 60451
Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, and REBT treatment interventions to treat ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Chemical Dependency, and Gender Dysphoria in her practice.
Karyn is a Nationally Certified Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for people. Karyn provides an eclectic client centered approach, using her professional, academic, and personal experiences to help others develop a deeper understanding of self. She received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University and has 5 years of clinical mental health experience in residential, emergent, inpatient, and intensive outpatient settings. Karyn works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered, and REBT treatment interventions to treat ADHD, Bipolar, Depression, Anxiety, Chemical Dependency, and Gender Dysphoria in her practice.
Karyn is a Nationally Certified Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for people. Karyn provides an eclectic client centered approach, using her professional, academic, and personal experiences to help others develop a deeper understanding of self. She received her Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Olivet Nazarene University and has 5 years of clinical mental health experience in residential, emergent, inpatient, and intensive outpatient settings. Karyn works with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.
I have experience work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, gender dysphoria, and other diagnoses.
My personal belief is that when situations in life are thrown at us we can ignore them or try to accept and work through them. Each thing we go through in life impacts who we are as a person. We can either let them make us bitter or make us better. My goal for clients is to help you on your journey by providing tools, education, and support so you can find positive solutions to your problems by creating a comfortable, non-judgmental environment by demonstrating unconditional positive regard.
I have experience work with depression, anxiety, bipolar, gender dysphoria, and other diagnoses.
My personal belief is that when situations in life are thrown at us we can ignore them or try to accept and work through them. Each thing we go through in life impacts who we are as a person. We can either let them make us bitter or make us better. My goal for clients is to help you on your journey by providing tools, education, and support so you can find positive solutions to your problems by creating a comfortable, non-judgmental environment by demonstrating unconditional positive regard.
Joelle Spiegel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60647
Waitlist for new clients
I work with transgender, non-binary, LGBQIA, and cisgender folks who are processing trauma, experiencing anxiety and/or depression, and struggling with family or relationship issues.
Oftentimes, we develop patterns of behaving and relating to others as a way of coping with and protecting ourselves from our early environments. As we expand out past those early experiences and relationships, we may find that these old ways of thinking, behaving, and relating no longer work for us. Together in therapy, we will explore the origins and functions of those patterns, gaining an awareness of how they show up and how we might develop a new path.
I work with transgender, non-binary, LGBQIA, and cisgender folks who are processing trauma, experiencing anxiety and/or depression, and struggling with family or relationship issues.
Oftentimes, we develop patterns of behaving and relating to others as a way of coping with and protecting ourselves from our early environments. As we expand out past those early experiences and relationships, we may find that these old ways of thinking, behaving, and relating no longer work for us. Together in therapy, we will explore the origins and functions of those patterns, gaining an awareness of how they show up and how we might develop a new path.
See more therapy options for Illinois
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.