Therapists in 60543
At Sacred Journey Wellness we believe that every individual is on their own unique journey. We recognize that at times individuals may get caught up in life’s challenges, transitions or struggles and need assistance in getting back to a state of optimal health and well-being. With a blend of traditional and holistic approaches, Sacred Journey Wellness is here to empower clients with the tools and skills needed to continue on their current path or to help find the strength and courage to create a new one.
At Sacred Journey Wellness we believe that every individual is on their own unique journey. We recognize that at times individuals may get caught up in life’s challenges, transitions or struggles and need assistance in getting back to a state of optimal health and well-being. With a blend of traditional and holistic approaches, Sacred Journey Wellness is here to empower clients with the tools and skills needed to continue on their current path or to help find the strength and courage to create a new one.
Althea Olson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oswego, IL 60543
You are the focus! With over 30 years of experience as a seasoned clinician, I recognize the uniqueness of each person who walks through my door. As the client, you guide the pace of treatment, and together as a team, we identify the steps to enhance your quality of life. Whether you seek short-term sessions or a more extended journey, I'm here to help you create the life you desire and navigate challenges, be it a life transition, a relationship issue, or a lifelong wound. Let's work together on this journey.
You are the focus! With over 30 years of experience as a seasoned clinician, I recognize the uniqueness of each person who walks through my door. As the client, you guide the pace of treatment, and together as a team, we identify the steps to enhance your quality of life. Whether you seek short-term sessions or a more extended journey, I'm here to help you create the life you desire and navigate challenges, be it a life transition, a relationship issue, or a lifelong wound. Let's work together on this journey.
How We Treat One Another Matters: For better and for worse, across our whole lives, we operate in relationships. Our views of our "self" and how we relate to others develop from how we have been treated in relationships. Our capacities to love, to learn, to become our best, all emerge optimally within healthy relationships. Likewise, wounds of heart and soul emerge from ways we have been treated and/or choices we have made which have hurt us, sometimes very deeply. Persons who have experienced relational trauma and/or overwhelming life stressors are ideal candidates for clinical services at Gateway.
How We Treat One Another Matters: For better and for worse, across our whole lives, we operate in relationships. Our views of our "self" and how we relate to others develop from how we have been treated in relationships. Our capacities to love, to learn, to become our best, all emerge optimally within healthy relationships. Likewise, wounds of heart and soul emerge from ways we have been treated and/or choices we have made which have hurt us, sometimes very deeply. Persons who have experienced relational trauma and/or overwhelming life stressors are ideal candidates for clinical services at Gateway.
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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.