LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Carpentersville, IL

I'm a licensed art therapist and licensed clinical professional counselor that is dedicated to nurturing culturally attuned care for the Asian and Asian-American communities. At the core of my practice is an unyielding belief in the transformative and healing power of art, a medium that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, inviting individuals from all walks of life to engage, express, and heal. I've embraced a diverse array of individuals, particularly championing the needs of people of color, immigrants, and minority groups, guiding them towards self-acceptance, gender affirmation, and a profound sense of self-worth.

While I enjoy working with many individuals, my passion is the LGBTQIA2+ community (particularly transgender folks) providing a positive and affirming environment to explore identities and develop a strong sense of self. My approach is to help clients identify and utilize strengths while encouraging continued growth. I focus on assisting clients in setting attainable goals, improving communication, and learning skills to manage symptoms and decrease behaviors that may be harmful. I believe that identifying negative beliefs and patterns of behavior that prevent someone from being where they want to be is an essential part of therapy.

I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ teenagers and adults who are navigating challenges related to body image, anxiety, and substance use. I believe in body sovereignty and supporting clients in developing the relationship they want with their bodies. I aim to create an environment where you feel safe, respected and heard.

I believe you are the expert on your life. I will work with you to reach your goals, whatever they may be. I meet you where you are and work with you. The motto of my office is "We can cry and we can swear, we don't judge, but we care."

I strongly believe that we are all doing the best we can at any time with the tools and experiences we have available to us. In building our therapeutic relationship and throughout our work together, you can expect to feel validated, heard, and challenged as we collaborate to initiate your desired changes. We will work together to create a safe and supportive environment where we can work to set goals, explore areas of challenge, and widen your tool belt.

With a specialized focus on empowering the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer compassionate support to individuals as young as 10 years old, as they navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. My commitment lies in fostering an inclusive and affirming space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I identify as a transmale and understand the challenges of finding a therapist who truly grasps the intricacies of gender and sexuality.

I believe that even the littlest of moments can be deeply meaningful, that mistakes are sometimes the best way to learn, and that we have the power to create our own destinies. It is my belief that change happens at the level of movement, making therapy an active, conscious process. As a therapist, I view my role as that of a co-pilot. Together, we will navigate your therapeutic journey in a way that is empowering and right for you. I specialize in school-aged children/teens, emotional and behavioral disorders, LGBTQ youth, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.

I enjoy working with diverse individuals from all walks of life as my experience has been eclectic. Working with folks who need to temporarily borrow some hope as they build themselves up is a welcome experience. I am energized by clients who know what they are looking for and equally interested in clients who are therapy first timers. I am fulfilled by working with LGBTQ+ clients, adults, trauma, OCD, complex anxiety, and clients with past incarcerations. I am passionate about holistic and integrative treatment! I am here to help you build up your skill set to handle life transitions, live a better quality of life and find meaning!

I have 38 yrs of success working with various diverse populations; focused on using innovative methods to design therapy around individual, family and couples needs & life goals. I am invested in helping my clients overcome personal struggles and succeed in achieving their goals and desired changes. I enjoy working with teens/young adults and their families and are successful in guiding the family system through the tough journey of adolescence and launching into independence. I use new concepts in the M.H. field to adapt therapy to individual client needs as changes in our society create new clinical concerns in our daily lives.

Since the relationship you have with your therapist is so vital to your success in therapy, I take time to get to know you, understand your struggles and validate your experiences. I tailor my sessions to meet each client's individual needs, and I work from a sex positive, neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming framework. You don't have to struggle alone, healing from past trauma, limiting beliefs, and negative patterns is possible. I can help you get off the negative cycle, so you can feel less stressed, more confident and have a deeper connection with yourself and others.

Hello! Choosing a therapist is not easy and involves finding someone with whom you are comfortable. I offer a supportive approach that is sustained by years of experience, knowledge and training through private psychotherapy and consulting services. My clinical services provide a comprehensive and holistic approach toward personal growth and healing. Together, we can uncover your inner strengths and gifts to make emotional and behavioral treatment a fulfilling journey. I have received DIPLOMATE professional certification with the American Psychotherapy Association and have professional certifications in Play Therapy, Domestic Violence, Sexual Addictions,and Trauma-Based Treatments.

Thank you for taking the time to read about EAL. We believe you have the right to live your best life; to be your most empowered and authentic self. We believe that everyone eventually seeks meaning and purpose in their life, and finding and living this ultimate goal will bring long lasting joy and true happiness. We are a unique holistic practice that focuses on mind, body, and spirit, integrating Psychology, Spirituality, and Metaphysics to get to the root of your emotional issues that block you from experiencing peace and happiness. We help young children, teens, adults, couples, and families to help open and guide them on a path to living and enjoying life fully. We also hold retreats, seminars, and trainings (CEUs) to support the needs of our clients and our community.