LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Brookfield, IL
Erin Mooney-Simkus
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513
If you want to feel more content, improve your relationships and manage life transitions, we can work together to develop awareness, build resilience & create balance to meet your goals, and feel better. I work with young adults, & adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, loss & interpersonal conflicts. I provide a safe space for LGBTQ concerns, whether you or someone close to you identifies. My specialties include identity support, parents of LGBTQ children, couples, family building, and parenting.
If you want to feel more content, improve your relationships and manage life transitions, we can work together to develop awareness, build resilience & create balance to meet your goals, and feel better. I work with young adults, & adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, loss & interpersonal conflicts. I provide a safe space for LGBTQ concerns, whether you or someone close to you identifies. My specialties include identity support, parents of LGBTQ children, couples, family building, and parenting.
Kris Maynard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513
Waitlist for new clients
I am also open to LGBTQ+ clients who are looking for individual therapy as well as couples/family therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families coping with a variety of issues. My passion is seeing people find their own potential and realize they are the masters of their own change, healing and happiness. I practice from a belief that often people become stuck in overwhelming problems from their past; current life stressors; or fears of the future and change. My goal is to help you move forward and be able to have new skills to take with you to apply as needed as you move on with your life.
I am also open to LGBTQ+ clients who are looking for individual therapy as well as couples/family therapy.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, adolescents, couples, and families coping with a variety of issues. My passion is seeing people find their own potential and realize they are the masters of their own change, healing and happiness. I practice from a belief that often people become stuck in overwhelming problems from their past; current life stressors; or fears of the future and change. My goal is to help you move forward and be able to have new skills to take with you to apply as needed as you move on with your life.
Kayla Wingert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513
Waitlist for new clients
As a queer and polyamorous therapist, I am passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. I particularly enjoy working with couples who are exploring opening their relationship or otherwise restructuring their relationship. I also work with triads, polycules, metamours, and other non-monogamous relationship configurations around communication and conflict, jealousy and insecurity, dating and breakups, and rethinking relationships.
As a queer and polyamorous therapist, I am passionate about working with queer and trans people, polyamorous individuals and relationships, kink and BDSM communities, and folks living life outside the religious traditions they were raised in. I particularly enjoy working with couples who are exploring opening their relationship or otherwise restructuring their relationship. I also work with triads, polycules, metamours, and other non-monogamous relationship configurations around communication and conflict, jealousy and insecurity, dating and breakups, and rethinking relationships.
William Ressl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSW, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
Feel anxious? Stressed out? Depressed? Lonely? Irritable? That life has no meaning? Does it feel like something is just not quite right? Let’s work together to make life different. We’ll look systematically at the emotional processes and triggers that can create grief in life. Knowing the processes and triggers that impact life negatively can help to think more clearly on what you can and will do to make life better. We’ll explore historic patterns of trauma and resilience to begin renewing your life one step at a time.
Feel anxious? Stressed out? Depressed? Lonely? Irritable? That life has no meaning? Does it feel like something is just not quite right? Let’s work together to make life different. We’ll look systematically at the emotional processes and triggers that can create grief in life. Knowing the processes and triggers that impact life negatively can help to think more clearly on what you can and will do to make life better. We’ll explore historic patterns of trauma and resilience to begin renewing your life one step at a time.
Jessica Nikkila (Fenstemacher)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LLC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513 (Online Only)
However, I believe that building onto one's strengths when experiencing transitions is universal throughout any age and therapy can be used to address concerns from one's childhood in adulthood.
Welcome! I believe that therapy can be a very empowering experience for all ages and genders. I facilitate this for my clients by priding myself as a therapist on being empathetic, inviting and engaging. I provide therapy for Children, Adolescents and Families as well as Adults. I believe that therapy is a safe space which allows one to resolve problems and create personal growth. I am dedicated to my client's well being as well as their own self determination within the therapeutic process and therapeutic relationship. I work psychodynamically and cognitively while also utilizing strength based and family dynamic systems work.
However, I believe that building onto one's strengths when experiencing transitions is universal throughout any age and therapy can be used to address concerns from one's childhood in adulthood.
Welcome! I believe that therapy can be a very empowering experience for all ages and genders. I facilitate this for my clients by priding myself as a therapist on being empathetic, inviting and engaging. I provide therapy for Children, Adolescents and Families as well as Adults. I believe that therapy is a safe space which allows one to resolve problems and create personal growth. I am dedicated to my client's well being as well as their own self determination within the therapeutic process and therapeutic relationship. I work psychodynamically and cognitively while also utilizing strength based and family dynamic systems work.
Melissa Amison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSEd, MAEA, LCSW, LICSW, CEAP
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
My motto is "try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud". I enjoy working with individuals, groups, and families from all ages seeking ways to grow socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I welcome all "walks of life" from various cultural backgrounds who are facing challenges with trauma, mental health disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, youth in care, family dynamics, and many more. This office provides Telehealth Services (e.g., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas) and face-to-face sessions.
My motto is "try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud". I enjoy working with individuals, groups, and families from all ages seeking ways to grow socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. I welcome all "walks of life" from various cultural backgrounds who are facing challenges with trauma, mental health disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, youth in care, family dynamics, and many more. This office provides Telehealth Services (e.g., Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas) and face-to-face sessions.
My work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has focused on working with individuals on their mental health and substance use recovery. My experience has brought me to work with many life transitions and stressors including: substance use, mental health, religious deconstruction, pre-natal and post-partum counseling, domestic violence survivors and criminal justice-involved individuals. A Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud far from the sun, but eventually the Lotus grows to the light to share its beauty. Therapy is similar. To reach 'light', we have to work in and grow from the 'mud'. While the path to healing can be hard and messy,
My work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker has focused on working with individuals on their mental health and substance use recovery. My experience has brought me to work with many life transitions and stressors including: substance use, mental health, religious deconstruction, pre-natal and post-partum counseling, domestic violence survivors and criminal justice-involved individuals. A Lotus Flower grows in the deep mud far from the sun, but eventually the Lotus grows to the light to share its beauty. Therapy is similar. To reach 'light', we have to work in and grow from the 'mud'. While the path to healing can be hard and messy,
Penny Taylor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, MSW, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and corporate/clergy groups facing life transitions.
Puzzled about life, family, work, or friends? Not sure how to move forward with life transitions? Are issues of aging impacting your happiness? Willing to try a unique approach? I am a clinical therapist that listens and thinks differently than others. The goal is to understand who you are in your family/society and how those structures impact your life. Take time to reflect on and identify the patterns that create anxiety in your life while learning new techniques to process stress. Enjoy a supportive, non-judgmental environment, a place where you can transform.
I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and corporate/clergy groups facing life transitions.
Puzzled about life, family, work, or friends? Not sure how to move forward with life transitions? Are issues of aging impacting your happiness? Willing to try a unique approach? I am a clinical therapist that listens and thinks differently than others. The goal is to understand who you are in your family/society and how those structures impact your life. Take time to reflect on and identify the patterns that create anxiety in your life while learning new techniques to process stress. Enjoy a supportive, non-judgmental environment, a place where you can transform.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion.
My skills are best suited to work with individuals dealing with issues relating to life transitions, self identity, and interpersonal relationships.
Life is never straightforward, and we are often left facing changes that are both surprising and difficult to navigate. Our routines are thrown off and we find ourselves living life in ways that we never imagined. Yet, as uncertain as it all may feel, we try to manage these struggles as best we can. It is through the turmoil we encounter and the perseverance that follows that we truly learn the essence of our souls. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges. or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you as you explore through your journey of self-discovery.
My skills are best suited to work with individuals dealing with issues relating to life transitions, self identity, and interpersonal relationships.
Life is never straightforward, and we are often left facing changes that are both surprising and difficult to navigate. Our routines are thrown off and we find ourselves living life in ways that we never imagined. Yet, as uncertain as it all may feel, we try to manage these struggles as best we can. It is through the turmoil we encounter and the perseverance that follows that we truly learn the essence of our souls. Whether you're at crossroads, distressed over troubled relationships, facing difficult challenges. or looking for meaning in life, I can work with you as you explore through your journey of self-discovery.
We are all on this journey to find meaning in life while alleviating suffering. We want change, but don’t always know how to make it happen. Without realizing it, we may have developed an inner voice that is self-defeating, and habits that are holding us back or causing us to feel stuck in the same patterns. Therapy is an opportunity to grow, heal, and activate long-lasting change. By fostering a mindful and cognitive-behavioral approach, we can tune into our inner world to better understand who we are and how we function in our relationships. When we deepen our understanding of the self we can truly heal and show up authentically.
We are all on this journey to find meaning in life while alleviating suffering. We want change, but don’t always know how to make it happen. Without realizing it, we may have developed an inner voice that is self-defeating, and habits that are holding us back or causing us to feel stuck in the same patterns. Therapy is an opportunity to grow, heal, and activate long-lasting change. By fostering a mindful and cognitive-behavioral approach, we can tune into our inner world to better understand who we are and how we function in our relationships. When we deepen our understanding of the self we can truly heal and show up authentically.
15 Second Videos
Kayla Wingert
William Ressl
Melissa Amison
Penny Taylor
Heather Holzhauser, LCSW, PLLC
Exploring a difficult relationship, understanding your grief process, or managing your anxiety in social situations can be steps on the path towards mental health. My goal is to help you reduce self-judgment and increase insight into the changes you have the power to make. Together, we create a reprieve from life's demands and focus exclusively on your needs. When we understand our experiences more holistically with less shame and guilt, symptom relief and confidence often follow.
Exploring a difficult relationship, understanding your grief process, or managing your anxiety in social situations can be steps on the path towards mental health. My goal is to help you reduce self-judgment and increase insight into the changes you have the power to make. Together, we create a reprieve from life's demands and focus exclusively on your needs. When we understand our experiences more holistically with less shame and guilt, symptom relief and confidence often follow.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years of experience with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families, my goal is to provide a safe and warm environment that will allow you to process past and present struggles without feeling judged. I have dedicated much of my clinical practice towards helping adolescents and adults of all walks of life, regain their power and self-confidence in the wake of a stressful life event. I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, trauma, grief, loss, or day to day struggles that are weighing them down.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10+ years of experience with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families, my goal is to provide a safe and warm environment that will allow you to process past and present struggles without feeling judged. I have dedicated much of my clinical practice towards helping adolescents and adults of all walks of life, regain their power and self-confidence in the wake of a stressful life event. I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship conflicts, trauma, grief, loss, or day to day struggles that are weighing them down.
Dina Owen- Psychealth Services Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years of experience dedicated to helping clients improve and address their mental health. I offer a wide variety of services, including support for anxiety, depression, and communication issues. My approach is client-centered, providing warmth and compassion to meet you wherever you are on your journey. My practice is built on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and understanding, offering a compassionate environment that encourages growth and healing.
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years of experience dedicated to helping clients improve and address their mental health. I offer a wide variety of services, including support for anxiety, depression, and communication issues. My approach is client-centered, providing warmth and compassion to meet you wherever you are on your journey. My practice is built on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and understanding, offering a compassionate environment that encourages growth and healing.
Kaitlyn “Kat” Evans (She They)
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC , Intern
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
Do you feel like you are just barely surviving in life? Does your child show some signs of anxiety and struggle to socialize with others? Or maybe you have gone through a traumatic experience in your past that lingers in the present and keeps you from feeling like yourself. If you resonate with any of these and don’t know what to do, I could be the therapist for you. I like to think that the bravest thing a person can do is ask for help. Although life inevitably comes with its hardships, it does not have to be an endless experience consisting of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and past traumas constantly coming to the surface.
Cherie Hamaj
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brookfield, IL 60513
One of the most challenging steps in the therapeutic process is making the first call. People are often concerned about the stigma that surrounds therapy but seeking out services in itself shows a high level of courage and strength, as well as an interest in growth and change. I will support and encourage you throughout your journey. I believe that therapy is a unique path that you should not have to go through alone.
One of the most challenging steps in the therapeutic process is making the first call. People are often concerned about the stigma that surrounds therapy but seeking out services in itself shows a high level of courage and strength, as well as an interest in growth and change. I will support and encourage you throughout your journey. I believe that therapy is a unique path that you should not have to go through alone.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship or family conflict and have been hesitant to try therapy or return to therapy, please feel free to reach out for help navigating these difficulties. We all have times in life when it would be beneficial to talk through and process challenging life events with a trained professional who is non-judgmental, empathic and firmly believes in an individual's internal wisdom towards healing when provided the right resources. Often life has a way of throwing us curveballs. It helps to have another person participate alongside us as we figure out how best to cope.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, relationship or family conflict and have been hesitant to try therapy or return to therapy, please feel free to reach out for help navigating these difficulties. We all have times in life when it would be beneficial to talk through and process challenging life events with a trained professional who is non-judgmental, empathic and firmly believes in an individual's internal wisdom towards healing when provided the right resources. Often life has a way of throwing us curveballs. It helps to have another person participate alongside us as we figure out how best to cope.
Heather Holzhauser, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults and couples, focusing on key areas such as attachment theory/style, conflict, life transitions, aging, chronic illnesses, infertility issues, and supporting parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Engaging in this meaningful work with my clients is a daily privilege for me. I create a secure, empathetic, and non-judgmental space, encouraging individuals to explore beneath the surface.
I specialize in working with adults and couples, focusing on key areas such as attachment theory/style, conflict, life transitions, aging, chronic illnesses, infertility issues, and supporting parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Engaging in this meaningful work with my clients is a daily privilege for me. I create a secure, empathetic, and non-judgmental space, encouraging individuals to explore beneath the surface.
Stephanie Brennan
Counselor, MS, LCPC
Verified Verified
Brookfield, IL 60513
Not accepting new clients
I recognize that your experiences and reasons for seeking counseling are unique to you. Our sessions will help you discover and strengthen tools and skills that you need to transition through difficult times. Together we will use strategies to explore your concerns and begin taking steps towards a more satisfying life. Therapy is an opportunity for you to "tell your story" in a safe environment. Everyone needs someone to talk to when faced with difficult times. Many people meet with me to talk with an objective, nonjudgemental person.
I recognize that your experiences and reasons for seeking counseling are unique to you. Our sessions will help you discover and strengthen tools and skills that you need to transition through difficult times. Together we will use strategies to explore your concerns and begin taking steps towards a more satisfying life. Therapy is an opportunity for you to "tell your story" in a safe environment. Everyone needs someone to talk to when faced with difficult times. Many people meet with me to talk with an objective, nonjudgemental person.
More Therapists Nearby
Legends Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LMHC, CGT, CTDM
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berwyn, IL 60402 (Online Only)
I am anti-racist, queer-allied, sex positive, poly-affirming, HAES-affirming.
Are you a member of the LGBTQIA community or an ally? Have you struggled to find a therapist who is engaging and focused on change? Are you a geek who feels unheard, over-diagnosed for your hobbies and passions, and enjoy creative endeavors like table-top RPGs, video games, and board games? I view my role as a lantern in the dark. It is challenging to walk around in the dark without any sense of direction before you find a lantern sitting on a stool. It is up to you to decide to pick up the lantern, to use it to guide your path through the dark, walk the path, overcome the barriers before you, and find mental wellness.
I am anti-racist, queer-allied, sex positive, poly-affirming, HAES-affirming.
Are you a member of the LGBTQIA community or an ally? Have you struggled to find a therapist who is engaging and focused on change? Are you a geek who feels unheard, over-diagnosed for your hobbies and passions, and enjoy creative endeavors like table-top RPGs, video games, and board games? I view my role as a lantern in the dark. It is challenging to walk around in the dark without any sense of direction before you find a lantern sitting on a stool. It is up to you to decide to pick up the lantern, to use it to guide your path through the dark, walk the path, overcome the barriers before you, and find mental wellness.
See more therapy options for Brookfield
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Brookfield
- Berwyn
- Burr Ridge
- Forest Park
- Hinsdale
- La Grange
- La Grange Park
- North Riverside
- Oak Brook
- Riverside
- Westchester
- Western Springs
- Willowbrook
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.