Non-Binary Therapists in Lisle, IL

“Kindness eases change, Love quiets fear” ― Octavia E. Butler. My experience as a youth worker and community organizer has inspired me to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I view my role as working in collaboration alongside you on your healing journey. As a queer and non binary therapist, I believe in creating a space where you can be your full and authentic self.

Therapy is hard work but it’s worth it because it starts with choosing yourself and being intentional about how you want to live your life. While we may come to therapy in a time of hardship, we all have strengths that we can use a foundation for growth. There’s no one-size-fits-all therapeutic approach so I use a blend of approaches including DBT, CBT, ACT, Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Play/Narrative therapies. I also understand how systemic forces shape our realities, and I help clients recognize these forces and develop skills to cope.

Experiencing unexplained sources of anxiety, and not understanding out own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be really scary. Not being able to understand or effectively communicate with your child can be even scarier. If you are an overwhelmed parent of a child or adolescent who is experiencing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, anger, explosive emotion, isolation, self-harm, or identity confusion, or you yourself are struggling to understand your own thoughts, feelings, or sexual/gender identity, I may be the right fit for you.

Providing culturally competent and client centered therapy is an important part of my job which is to help you feel safe and heard. I specialize in working with clients who want to understand the emotions and behaviors that impact their daily lives.

To say that change is difficult is an understatement. Sudden changes in life can leave us reeling with losses, or struggling to cope. It can feel painful to approach change due to barriers such as shame, guilt, resentment, and fear. In the counseling relationship, I strive to create an environment of compassion and trust, in which clients can work through these difficult emotions while knowing they are supported and heard. My role is to walk alongside the client, centering their unique journey, while helping empower them to achieve their goals. Please go to our website to fill out our Google Form if you want to schedule an appt!

The modern world can be a scary, isolating, and uncertain place, and none of us should have to go it alone. I’m here to provide connection and healing for people who use drugs, queer and trans folks, people doing social movement work, and anyone else who feels lost, confused, or disconnected. I work from a harm reduction and trauma-informed perspective to help you reconnect with who you are, what you value, and the skills you have to create agency and autonomy in your own life. I'm interested in the intersections of healing and liberation, and am excited to explore with you how your own healing contributes to a liberated future.

Steph Key is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. Steph's approach is person centered with an emphasis on mindfulness, play, and community care from a trauma informed perspective. They utilize CBT, narrative, mindfulness, DBT, and play therapy. Steph is currently working on developing a combination of play and narrative therapeutic models for adults through creativity and creative writing. They firmly believe that clients are the experts, and they are students on a journey together.

Picture our sessions as friendly conversations on the journey to personal growth and self-compassion. Whether you're a kid discovering the world, a teen navigating the complexities of adolescence, or a young adult facing life's twists and turns, I'm here to support you. My approach is about fostering a relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that our time together feels comfortable and tailored to your unique needs. While I'm here to help with a variety of challenges, my main focus is assisting clients with their anxiety, depression, and trauma. We'll explore strategies to navigate life's hurdles with resiliency and a realistic mindset.

In the words of James Hillman: “If the oak is in the acorn - what’s in you?” Are you struggling with self-esteem, self-worth, or self-compassion? Are you feeling as if the pain and challenges you experience are hindering you from feeling whole and reaching your true potential? If so, I am here for you on your journey toward wellness. I believe each individual is a whole and multidimensional being, and I strive to provide services that help individuals realize and unlock the wisdom and healing potential that already lies dormant within them. I am here to help you grow and change in ways that are adaptable for you.

As a queer and neurodivergent therapist, I understand that systemic issues and stigmatization make reaching out for support a daunting task. I understand how difficult talking about emotions and past experiences can be. You may be yearning for someone to recognize the experience of being in your skin. My goal is to work with you to develop strategies that align with your unique strengths and challenges. As your therapist, I intend to foster a sense of safety and trust in our sessions, nurturing you into your most authentic self. I am passionate about exploring how our experiences and backgrounds shape our identities.

Asking for help can be challenging, but I want to assure you that seeking assistance can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial. As your therapist, my goal is to meet you where you are, gently encourage personal growth, and provide a safe space for you to express yourself. I am honored to help you shape the story of your life. I understand that everyone has their own pace and readiness, and I will never push you beyond what you're prepared for. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I will ask you questions to help you explore and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back from progressing in your journey.

Peace of mind and clarity are important, and I strive to assist people in the re-creation of self. Emotional turbulence can be the thief of joy. In my practice, I work with individuals and groups to restore harmony. This is achieved by integrating solution-focused approaches that are person-centered and socially conscious.

Dr. Mary Madrake is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with experience in a variety of settings, including schools, community mental health centers, and private practice. They provide individual and couples therapy with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults. They have experience treating trauma, relationship issues, gender identity and sexuality, emotional and behavioral disorders, anxiety, and adjustment to a variety of life transitions. Additionally, Dr. Madrake has extensive experience working with members of the LGBT+ community, those in non-monogamous and alternative relationships, and clients involved in kink.

I understand that whatever brought you to this page has not been an easy part of your journey. There are many struggles and challenges that I offer support with, and I utilize an approach where I listen to your experiences attentively. I combine reflective questions with actionable steps to help you work through the current challenges you're facing. Beyond any pathology, I am curious about each individual's life journey of where you've been and where you want to be going. Through love, curiosity, and accountability, I believe that healing is possible.

As a psychotherapist, I have a unique perspective from my combined experience as a mental health professional and former law enforcement officer; as such, I have significant experience in counseling military veterans, law enforcement officers, and first responders.

Feeling anxious, stressed or depressed? Many people are overwhelmed these days. There is help.

I work with adults & couples from different walks of life. As a holistic practitioner, I’ve come to understand it’s a different dance for each person when working towards embodying their voice, choice, authenticity & self-acceptance. I take into consideration your experiences relationally and with systems and how that may impact the relationship to your inner landscape. My identities are: 1st gen Vietnamese immigrant, non-binary, queer, polyamorous & ex-catholic. These identities have shaped the way I move in the world while inspiring me to continue being curious and going outside of the box when I work with each unique human.

You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others find their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been an absolute privilege. I believe in the power of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again, and walk with you for all the moments in between.