Non-Binary Therapists in River Forest, IL

I work with a range of individuals including adults, teens, and children. I have worked with clients with challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, family conflict, low self-esteem, and gender dysphoria. I am passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, folks with diagnosed or self-identified Autism/ADHD, and those navigating pregnancy/postpartum. Therapy with me is an affirming space for those in the kink and poly communities. I enjoy working with individuals who wish to deepen their understanding of their identity, are undergoing a life transition, or who want to understand how their past informs their present.

Life rarely goes as planned. When we stumble on our journey it can often be hard to get back up on your feet without a little extra help– and that’s what I’m here for. Counseling with me is a deeply collaborative process. Together we will explore your values, meaning, and goals in life to help you live the way you desire. You are the expert of your own experience, I will help you to gain insight, make helpful changes, and express yourself in ways that make you feel heard and authentic.

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.

My assumption about most people who seek out a therapist is they are stuck in a situation and have already tried everything they can think of to get unstuck. My approach is pragmatic, non-judgmental, and client-centered. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and polycules to develop new skills that will empower them to move towards the lives they want to live. I am a total nerd about therapy and love the creativity of tailoring therapeutic approaches to clients.

The majority of my work centers on trauma and recovery, which can look like a lot of things. I work primarily (but not exclusively!) with LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent folks, and those who have experienced addiction. My practice is strongly aligned with fat liberation and HAES (Health at Every Size). I love working with creative folks or those aiming to pursue something hard/worthwhile. I'm also available to work with other white folks who are looking to engage in anti-racist work.

You want to feel emotions fully without shame. You want to be connected to your own sense of desire and purpose. You deserve a space to explore the parts of you that feel unknown, “unacceptable,” or taboo. My commitment in the therapeutic relationship is to welcome and value all aspects of your experience – the stories that reflect humor and resilience, and the parts that have been shamed or dismissed. I combine EMDR trauma processing, somatic approaches, and discussions about how systems of oppression shape what we believe about ourselves to help clients express emotion and explore new patterns and identities.

I believe our mental health is deeply impacted by our collective narratives, particularly in the context of our environment(s), our access to resources, and our experiences of privilege & oppression. Therefore our work together will be centered in your wholeness, examining and holding how all of these positions & experiences have shaped, and continue to shape, your life story & lived experience. What are the stories you tell yourself about who you are? What stories have been assigned to you w/out your consent? How might your life be different if you reclaimed & rewrote these stories?

I believe in taking a warm, nonjudgmental, collaborative approach to therapy; I truly believe that you are the expert of your experience and I am here to help as a coach and support you in reaching your goals. I approach therapy as both an art and a science; the art of human connection and the science of evidenced-based therapies such as CBT, DBT and ACT that have been proven to work. I am also a social worker at heart and like to bring in understanding of our society to help people of color, LGBTQ+ folks and other marginalized communities feel empowered to navigate and cope with the impact of these systems of today's world.

I work with life transitions, grief, and spirituality. Maybe your sense of purpose or meaning has gone missing - maybe someone you know is no longer here, or perhaps something you thought was a certainty in your life - a job, a relationship, a friend, a pet, a community, your health or very life - is not so certain anymore. You don't know why or maybe even how. That's okay. We'll start there. We'll hold space together as we work collaboratively to build awareness, cultivate compassion toward your self no matter how your self shows up, and act toward your values and desires.

Hey there! I can see you are mindfully looking for a therapist that can be alongside you during your darkest moments. As a non-binary and queer therapist of color who is also a part of the LGBTQIA+/ BIPOC and neurodivergent communities, I believe in and practice affirming all identities. I also believe that our childhood experiences and intergenerational trauma impact our mental well being, our physical bodies, the way we navigate and think about our past, and how we perceive our realities in the world. Overall, I know all of the mental labor it takes to fight systems fought by our ancestors that we continue to fight for today.

Life often presents us with intimidating challenges, and finding a way forward can be tough. If you're reading this, you might be facing a difficult situation, feeling overwhelmed, or searching for help for someone dear to you. It's crucial to recognize that your emotions and experiences are valid and deserve the utmost respect and care. As a clinician who is passionate about helping my clients, I am here to meet you where you are without judgment. Our journey begins here, and together, we'll navigate towards a place of greater well-being and understanding rooted within yourself.

Healing is possible, even after the most difficult experiences. If you're feeling overwhelmed or confused by what you're going through, you don't have to struggle alone. By using a mixture of creativity, humor and compassion, I can work with you to discover and change patterns that aren't working, tap into your strengths and, most importantly, feel safe on your journey of healing.

Feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure how to make positive changes in your life? I'm a queer, nonbinary therapist focused on intersectionality and identity. I empower individuals, especially LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and those navigating gender/sexuality, using a client-centered, strength-based approach. My eclectic modalities include acceptance, mindfulness, somatic, and harm-reduction methods. I bring a relational, compassionate, and humorous approach. Each person is an expert in their own lived experience. Let's create a therapeutic experience that leaves you centered, heard, and fulfilled.

I'm a transsexual and gender nonconforming mental health professional who provides support, guidance, and a space to interrogate deeper questions. I prefer to do therapy that emphasizes that you are the expert of your life; I’m not interested in pushing you to believe what I say or even believe that I have advice for you to follow. I want our therapeutic relationship to be a place where you are supported in challenges, not pressured; I’m willing to bet you have plenty of pressure in the rest of your life. I'm available for teletherapy in NY as well as in person and teletherapy in Illinois.

I want to give you the tools and support to create a life that meets your needs. As an art therapist and counselor, I believe in the power of creativity to foster connection, expression, and healing, particularly when words fall short. My goal is to meet you where you are and to create a non-judgmental space to foster change.

I currently see clients who are wanting to work through sexual trauma, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, ADHD/executive functioning challenges, Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), and gender/sexual identity topics. I also work with clients in ethically non-monogamous relationship structures. I have experience working with folks in the kink community and am a sex-worker friendly clinician. I am a good fit for clients that appreciate structure, evidence-based approaches, and collaborative treatment plans that include homework/work outside of sessions.

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.

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.