LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Bolingbrook, IL
I'm a psychologist with 16 years of experience providing mental health services in outpatient and in-home settings. My practice encompasses individual, family, and group therapy for adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ individuals. I believe in fostering self-empowerment, helping individuals develop themselves to create the life they desire.
I'm a psychologist with 16 years of experience providing mental health services in outpatient and in-home settings. My practice encompasses individual, family, and group therapy for adults, adolescents, and children from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ individuals. I believe in fostering self-empowerment, helping individuals develop themselves to create the life they desire.
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. 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.
Doing the work it takes to find the right therapist when your mind and heart are struggling and in need of that help takes an enormous amount of strength and hope. As a highly experienced clinical social worker, my goal is to bring my wide-range of experience with therapeutic modalities and diverse populations to capitalize on your strengths and hope. I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed and strengths-based perspective. 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.
Jessica Viviann Deron
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Online Only)
I’m very LGBTQIA+ culturally sensitive and love working with those communities.
I hope to extend a warm, kind, and supportive environment to help my clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, job stress and other life stressors and changes. In my practice, I use a variety of theories including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Existential and Multicultural approaches.
I’m very LGBTQIA+ culturally sensitive and love working with those communities.
I hope to extend a warm, kind, and supportive environment to help my clients feel comfortable working through personal challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, family conflict, job stress and other life stressors and changes. In my practice, I use a variety of theories including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness, Existential and Multicultural approaches.
Avis Calhoun
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440 (Online Only)
I also offer a rich background in working with the LGBTQIA+ & neurodivergent community, while specializing in gender trauma and other related challenges.
My approach is to create a nurturing environment where you feel accepted and understood. Collaborating closely, I will focus on establishing a respectful and safe space, empowering you throughout your journey. I hope to support you to confidently navigating the thoughts and emotions that hinder your progress, drawing upon your inner strengths and values to foster meaningful and lasting change with autonomy.
I also offer a rich background in working with the LGBTQIA+ & neurodivergent community, while specializing in gender trauma and other related challenges.
My approach is to create a nurturing environment where you feel accepted and understood. Collaborating closely, I will focus on establishing a respectful and safe space, empowering you throughout your journey. I hope to support you to confidently navigating the thoughts and emotions that hinder your progress, drawing upon your inner strengths and values to foster meaningful and lasting change with autonomy.
S & J Wellness PLLC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
We are a niche therapy practice specializing in PTSD and trauma, adoption and attachment issues, complex family issues and dynamics, and culturally responsive therapy. We see couples, families, and individuals. Our clients feel distressed due to family and attachment issues, trauma and PTSD, and are seeking recovery and relief from trauma, anxiety, and other symptoms. We understand how issues in childhood, issues in our relationships, and conflict within our family dynamics can contribute to depression, anxiety and PTSD. We are neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming and provide therapy in English, Spanish and French.
We are a niche therapy practice specializing in PTSD and trauma, adoption and attachment issues, complex family issues and dynamics, and culturally responsive therapy. We see couples, families, and individuals. Our clients feel distressed due to family and attachment issues, trauma and PTSD, and are seeking recovery and relief from trauma, anxiety, and other symptoms. We understand how issues in childhood, issues in our relationships, and conflict within our family dynamics can contribute to depression, anxiety and PTSD. We are neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ affirming and provide therapy in English, Spanish and French.
Kristina Jongsma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PEL, MSW, MEd
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
My ideal client is any human struggling with the present moment, any human suffering.
My ideal client is any human struggling with the present moment, any human suffering.
Rooted Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Hi there! Do you feel stuck in a constant tug-of-war with painful thoughts? The pain of anxiety, conflict, grief, and traumatic experiences is real and deep. The experience of healing in relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist is often deeper still. To thrive, human beings must constantly grow and learn. Longing to center your life around the things that matter most to you? Therapy can help shift your life in that direction.
Hi there! Do you feel stuck in a constant tug-of-war with painful thoughts? The pain of anxiety, conflict, grief, and traumatic experiences is real and deep. The experience of healing in relationship with a compassionate, skilled therapist is often deeper still. To thrive, human beings must constantly grow and learn. Longing to center your life around the things that matter most to you? Therapy can help shift your life in that direction.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth living. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. We will explore long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth living. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life today. We will explore long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Mike Burbano
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Hello! I’m Mike Burbano and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a Latine male clinician, I recognize the barriers that BIPOC and male-identifying individuals face around seeking mental health services. The space we create is meant to be safe and affirming of all aspects you identify with - your background, your sexuality, your story. In other words - YOU overall. I don’t believe in an ideal client. What I do believe in is a client that is willing to begin their journey for external support.
Hello! I’m Mike Burbano and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. As a Latine male clinician, I recognize the barriers that BIPOC and male-identifying individuals face around seeking mental health services. The space we create is meant to be safe and affirming of all aspects you identify with - your background, your sexuality, your story. In other words - YOU overall. I don’t believe in an ideal client. What I do believe in is a client that is willing to begin their journey for external support.
Lauren E. Brdecka
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
A collaborative relationship between a therapist and client can transform even the most complex circumstances. Whether you're struggling with an identifiable concern or a recurring sense that something is missing, we can get to the root of the problem. My approach emphasizes a strong alliance with my clients accompanied by somatic, neuroscientific, trauma-informed, and humanistic elements guiding you based on your unique needs. Most people find me to be warm and easy to talk to, knowledgeable, receptive, and supportive. I am a member and Treasurer of the ICA, a professor, and a researcher at Northwestern University.
A collaborative relationship between a therapist and client can transform even the most complex circumstances. Whether you're struggling with an identifiable concern or a recurring sense that something is missing, we can get to the root of the problem. My approach emphasizes a strong alliance with my clients accompanied by somatic, neuroscientific, trauma-informed, and humanistic elements guiding you based on your unique needs. Most people find me to be warm and easy to talk to, knowledgeable, receptive, and supportive. I am a member and Treasurer of the ICA, a professor, and a researcher at Northwestern University.
As a Clinical Psychotherapist, I have twelve years of experience providing guidance and assistance to individuals of all ages who face various life challenges including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, family conflict, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, school issues and coping skills.
As a Clinical Psychotherapist, I have twelve years of experience providing guidance and assistance to individuals of all ages who face various life challenges including relationship issues, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, family conflict, self-esteem, trauma and PTSD, school issues and coping skills.
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Sarah Ezell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Often times life’s struggles can be overwhelming, lonely, and confusing. I am happy to join people as a teammate on their journey to improved clarity and feeling less alone.
Often times life’s struggles can be overwhelming, lonely, and confusing. I am happy to join people as a teammate on their journey to improved clarity and feeling less alone.
Gail West-Hooper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in practice since 1984. I have a degree in Medical Social Work and a certificate in Substance Abuse. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My specialties include work with women's issues, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, depression and anxiety, and mindfulness training. I believe in the power of relationships to heal and clients natural desire to grow toward health.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been in practice since 1984. I have a degree in Medical Social Work and a certificate in Substance Abuse. I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My specialties include work with women's issues, trauma, PTSD, life transitions, depression and anxiety, and mindfulness training. I believe in the power of relationships to heal and clients natural desire to grow toward health.
We cannot control everything that happens in our life but we can create more of a sense of calm within ourselves. My ideal client is someone who seeks support and desires peace within themselves.
We cannot control everything that happens in our life but we can create more of a sense of calm within ourselves. My ideal client is someone who seeks support and desires peace within themselves.
Elisha-Rio Pineda Apilado
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
I am a clinical art therapist guiding individuals through their identity crises with confidence, helping them shed the weight of external expectations and embrace authenticity. Having earned dual master’s degrees in counseling and art therapy from Adler University in Chicago, I meet you where they are, offering encouragement as you discover and build upon your strengths. Clients seek me out because they’re tired of holding back in relationships and yearn for empowerment in shaping a life that truly reflects their own essence.
I am a clinical art therapist guiding individuals through their identity crises with confidence, helping them shed the weight of external expectations and embrace authenticity. Having earned dual master’s degrees in counseling and art therapy from Adler University in Chicago, I meet you where they are, offering encouragement as you discover and build upon your strengths. Clients seek me out because they’re tired of holding back in relationships and yearn for empowerment in shaping a life that truly reflects their own essence.
Maria Goldstein
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Waitlist for new clients
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, congrats on taking the first step towards change! Therapy can help you gain confidence and the tools necessary for navigating life's many challenges. Your perception of your lived experiences and your vision of the life you want is what drives the therapeutic process. We'll explore your past to better understand unconscious forces that impact your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As your therapist, I will offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows you to develop self-awareness and healthy coping strategies that promote healing, wellness, and joy.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, congrats on taking the first step towards change! Therapy can help you gain confidence and the tools necessary for navigating life's many challenges. Your perception of your lived experiences and your vision of the life you want is what drives the therapeutic process. We'll explore your past to better understand unconscious forces that impact your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. As your therapist, I will offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows you to develop self-awareness and healthy coping strategies that promote healing, wellness, and joy.
Life presents challenges for all of us. As a highly skilled therapist, I help individuals, couples, and families who have become overwhelmed by life's challenges or feeling "stuck" in their situation. I help my clients build inner strength and find relief from disturbing emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a personalized treatment approach tailored to a client's needs. I work with clients to identify and overcome dysfunctional patterns that interfere with mental well-being, relationships and general life satisfaction.
Life presents challenges for all of us. As a highly skilled therapist, I help individuals, couples, and families who have become overwhelmed by life's challenges or feeling "stuck" in their situation. I help my clients build inner strength and find relief from disturbing emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, I offer a personalized treatment approach tailored to a client's needs. I work with clients to identify and overcome dysfunctional patterns that interfere with mental well-being, relationships and general life satisfaction.
Serving children and families, my relational focus supports those wanting to see improvements in their relationships and experience overall increased life satisfaction. I have specialized training and experience working with children and adults with ADHD. I provide individual therapy, play therapy, family therapy, and couple's counseling. I also enjoy providing consultation and supervision for other therapists. Visit Perriconecounseling.com for more information.
Serving children and families, my relational focus supports those wanting to see improvements in their relationships and experience overall increased life satisfaction. I have specialized training and experience working with children and adults with ADHD. I provide individual therapy, play therapy, family therapy, and couple's counseling. I also enjoy providing consultation and supervision for other therapists. Visit Perriconecounseling.com for more information.
I believe that each individual holds the key to their own healing. I am happy to assist anyone on their journey to find their inner strength to achieve this. I use a person-centered approach with each individual that offers a unique space for personal therapeutic growth as well as therapeutic processing.
I believe that each individual holds the key to their own healing. I am happy to assist anyone on their journey to find their inner strength to achieve this. I use a person-centered approach with each individual that offers a unique space for personal therapeutic growth as well as therapeutic processing.
Marcia S Gibson, Psy.D. & Associates, PC
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
My passion and my goal is to help you identify the root of your presenting concerns, contributing factors, and how together, we can understand and formulate a lasting change that enriches your life. I believe everyone has the right to feel success and perform to his or her potential in school, work, at home, among peers, and in the community. I conceptualize and understand each person's unique story within the context of one's unique culture and life history. It is a privilege to be allowed to "walk" with clients on their journeys of exploration, understanding, and problem-solving.
My passion and my goal is to help you identify the root of your presenting concerns, contributing factors, and how together, we can understand and formulate a lasting change that enriches your life. I believe everyone has the right to feel success and perform to his or her potential in school, work, at home, among peers, and in the community. I conceptualize and understand each person's unique story within the context of one's unique culture and life history. It is a privilege to be allowed to "walk" with clients on their journeys of exploration, understanding, and problem-solving.
See more therapy options for Bolingbrook
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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.