LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Geneva, IL
I know how hard it can be to find a therapist with which you can connect. I am hoping this profile gives you a preview of how you and I can work together so that you can live a more authentic and meaningful life. My niche is working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and I am an ally to the BIPOC community. I enjoy working with young adults and adults. I have over 22 years of experience helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and substance use. I like working with people who are going through difficult life transitions and are interested in fostering their confidence and resiliency.
I know how hard it can be to find a therapist with which you can connect. I am hoping this profile gives you a preview of how you and I can work together so that you can live a more authentic and meaningful life. My niche is working with people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and I am an ally to the BIPOC community. I enjoy working with young adults and adults. I have over 22 years of experience helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, and substance use. I like working with people who are going through difficult life transitions and are interested in fostering their confidence and resiliency.
Jenaleigh (Jt) Turner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Geneva, IL 60134 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I bring to my work a BA in Sociology & Gender Studies, a Master of Social Work, and more than 15 years working with LGBTQIA+ folx, people who have experienced trauma, & diverse relationship constellations.
You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others experience the transformative power of their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been a privilege. I practice from a lens of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again, and walk with you for all the moments in between.
I bring to my work a BA in Sociology & Gender Studies, a Master of Social Work, and more than 15 years working with LGBTQIA+ folx, people who have experienced trauma, & diverse relationship constellations.
You deserve to feel seen. Many of the people I have worked with have experienced pain or the weight of high expectations from themselves and others around them. Witnessing others experience the transformative power of their authentic selves and overcome challenges has been a privilege. I practice from a lens of radical empathy: I am honored to hold space for you as you work through things that feel heavy, cheer you on when it begins to feel easy again, and walk with you for all the moments in between.
Brianna Sorensen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Geneva, IL 60134 (Online Only)
I lean on feminist, queer, and anti-racist theories to contextualize my client's experiences.
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of their mental health. My focus is on working with teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and other symptoms of CPTSD. I believe patterns are passed down through generations and can impact how we view and interact with the world around us. I focus on body image issues and how those are passed on to the next generation. Together, we can work towards healing these wounds and breaking cycles.
I lean on feminist, queer, and anti-racist theories to contextualize my client's experiences.
I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of their mental health. My focus is on working with teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and other symptoms of CPTSD. I believe patterns are passed down through generations and can impact how we view and interact with the world around us. I focus on body image issues and how those are passed on to the next generation. Together, we can work towards healing these wounds and breaking cycles.
Alexandra Gonzalez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ADHD-, CCSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Geneva, IL 60134
With me, you will find a welcoming, nonjudgmental, friendly, LGBTQ+ affirming place where you can identify what's holding you back and learn tools to help you live the life you want to live.
In life, all of us can use help along the way. There are many reasons to start therapy but ultimately, we all want to feel better and live happier lives! At any point, we can all struggle with stress, anxiety, sadness or have a difficult time managing certain aspects of our lives. We can also feel stuck in patterns or behaviors that make it hard to live the life we want to live and it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Whether you are searching for yourself or your child, therapy can help.
With me, you will find a welcoming, nonjudgmental, friendly, LGBTQ+ affirming place where you can identify what's holding you back and learn tools to help you live the life you want to live.
In life, all of us can use help along the way. There are many reasons to start therapy but ultimately, we all want to feel better and live happier lives! At any point, we can all struggle with stress, anxiety, sadness or have a difficult time managing certain aspects of our lives. We can also feel stuck in patterns or behaviors that make it hard to live the life we want to live and it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to do next. Whether you are searching for yourself or your child, therapy can help.
I have previously worked within community health based LGBTQ organizations, in addition to several years specializing in serving sexual orientation and gender identity minority students within college counseling settings.
As a clinical psychologist, my approach is collaborative, intentional, and custom fit to meet the needs of clients searching for support/guidance in improving their overall emotional well-being. I view each client as the expert of their own experiences and work with them to find a life and way of living that is congruent with their values and current goals.
I have previously worked within community health based LGBTQ organizations, in addition to several years specializing in serving sexual orientation and gender identity minority students within college counseling settings.
As a clinical psychologist, my approach is collaborative, intentional, and custom fit to meet the needs of clients searching for support/guidance in improving their overall emotional well-being. I view each client as the expert of their own experiences and work with them to find a life and way of living that is congruent with their values and current goals.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and also offer life coaching and energy therapies. I have specialties working with adolescents and young adults, though enjoy adults at all ages. I have specialized training in the LGBTQ population and much of my passion is working with anxiety and self-confidence. Something I enjoy helping people with is coming out of definition and conclusion about who they are or what their life has to be. Instead of looking for what's wrong with you, I much prefer to ask the question, "What's right about you?" and how can you use to that to create the life you can't wait to get out of bed for every morning?
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and also offer life coaching and energy therapies. I have specialties working with adolescents and young adults, though enjoy adults at all ages. I have specialized training in the LGBTQ population and much of my passion is working with anxiety and self-confidence. Something I enjoy helping people with is coming out of definition and conclusion about who they are or what their life has to be. Instead of looking for what's wrong with you, I much prefer to ask the question, "What's right about you?" and how can you use to that to create the life you can't wait to get out of bed for every morning?
I have over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, adolescents,the LGBTQ community and also specialize in couples and family therapy. My areas of particular interest include relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse, and addiction. I believe it's important to work openly with issues of faith and spirituality as they naturally emerge during the process of therapy. I value kindness, openness, curiosity and humor as these qualities shape my approach to both therapy and life.
I have over 30 years of clinical experience working with adults, adolescents,the LGBTQ community and also specialize in couples and family therapy. My areas of particular interest include relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual abuse, and addiction. I believe it's important to work openly with issues of faith and spirituality as they naturally emerge during the process of therapy. I value kindness, openness, curiosity and humor as these qualities shape my approach to both therapy and life.
Jennifer Unger Kroc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
Geneva, IL 60134 (Online Only)
My speciality areas also include work with the LGBTQ community, helping people work through exploration of identity, decisions on whether, how, and when to come out, and aspects of transitioning and presentation.
I believe we are not meant to go alone through life's challenges. Loss, grief, and unexpected changes; sense of purpose or meaning; questions of identity, gender, or sexuality; aging or illness; the role of spirituality in our lives - all of these can feel too overwhelming to sort through alone. In my practice, I offer space and support to bring fears and questions out of the darkness and into a shared, safe environment where they can be faced. I work with adults, teens, and youth ten and older, with a client-centered, strengths-based approach to help you find your best path forward.
My speciality areas also include work with the LGBTQ community, helping people work through exploration of identity, decisions on whether, how, and when to come out, and aspects of transitioning and presentation.
I believe we are not meant to go alone through life's challenges. Loss, grief, and unexpected changes; sense of purpose or meaning; questions of identity, gender, or sexuality; aging or illness; the role of spirituality in our lives - all of these can feel too overwhelming to sort through alone. In my practice, I offer space and support to bring fears and questions out of the darkness and into a shared, safe environment where they can be faced. I work with adults, teens, and youth ten and older, with a client-centered, strengths-based approach to help you find your best path forward.
Our therapists have additional training in Perinatal Mental Health, Infertility, EMDR, sand tray therapy, Christian counseling, grief and loss, trauma, LGBTQ, and first responders.
It's hard to take the first step and acknowledge that you need help. Whether you are 18 and trying to navigate your next steps, a new parent struggling to keep it together, an adult going through a breakup, or many other issues, we can work together to identify a plan to get through this difficult time.
Our therapists have additional training in Perinatal Mental Health, Infertility, EMDR, sand tray therapy, Christian counseling, grief and loss, trauma, LGBTQ, and first responders.
It's hard to take the first step and acknowledge that you need help. Whether you are 18 and trying to navigate your next steps, a new parent struggling to keep it together, an adult going through a breakup, or many other issues, we can work together to identify a plan to get through this difficult time.
Michelle Ferris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Geneva, IL 60134 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Michelle Ferris, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a deep passion for helping individuals heal and providing LGBTQ+ affirming care. My journey in therapy is all about empowerment, resilience, and celebrating the unique qualities that make you, you.
Hello, I'm Michelle Ferris, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a deep passion for helping individuals heal and providing LGBTQ+ affirming care. My journey in therapy is all about empowerment, resilience, and celebrating the unique qualities that make you, you.
I am a licensed independent social worker who works with adults and seniors. I have two decades experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, school/work related challenges, LGBTQ issues and disability concerns. I have experience working with grief and loss as well as life transitions. My focus is bringing a sense of balance and health into my client's lives.
I am a licensed independent social worker who works with adults and seniors. I have two decades experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, school/work related challenges, LGBTQ issues and disability concerns. I have experience working with grief and loss as well as life transitions. My focus is bringing a sense of balance and health into my client's lives.
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Verified Verified
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Geneva, IL 60134 (Online Only)
As an LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, and social justice focused therapist, I am equipped to explore your areas of concern.
Are you struggling to connect with your teen as they make their way into the world? Does your teen appear to be struggling to adjust to life transitions, including added responsibilities or finding new communities? As a family therapist I am specifically trained to work relationally, it’s where I am most passionate! I have experience and enjoy working with relationships of all kinds, families with teens. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore all of the stressors that are impacting you.
As an LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, and social justice focused therapist, I am equipped to explore your areas of concern.
Are you struggling to connect with your teen as they make their way into the world? Does your teen appear to be struggling to adjust to life transitions, including added responsibilities or finding new communities? As a family therapist I am specifically trained to work relationally, it’s where I am most passionate! I have experience and enjoy working with relationships of all kinds, families with teens. I work collaboratively, providing a safe, culturally sensitive, and encouraging virtual space to explore all of the stressors that are impacting you.
I want to create a safe place that is neurodiversity affirming, queer affirming, affirming to different racial/cultural experiences, body diversity affirming, kink affirming.
Everyone needs help sometimes. Life comes with challenges and finding support is important in order to face them, especially when the challenges feel like more than we can handle on our own. I believe that every person has the strength they need to face these challenges and often just need help to find it. I am here to offer whatever is needed: a safe place to freely speak your mind without judgment, a chance to be understood, an ally to look at situations and options, a companion to offer new ideas and perspectives.
I want to create a safe place that is neurodiversity affirming, queer affirming, affirming to different racial/cultural experiences, body diversity affirming, kink affirming.
Everyone needs help sometimes. Life comes with challenges and finding support is important in order to face them, especially when the challenges feel like more than we can handle on our own. I believe that every person has the strength they need to face these challenges and often just need help to find it. I am here to offer whatever is needed: a safe place to freely speak your mind without judgment, a chance to be understood, an ally to look at situations and options, a companion to offer new ideas and perspectives.
Alison Arendt, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Geneva, IL 60134
Finding authentic connections with ourselves and others can be difficult. I support people with goals for strong and healty relationships. I welcome adult and adolescent individuals seeking support for a wide range of challenges. Difficulty coping with significant life events, emerging sexual identity, relationship issues, concerns related to professional experience or school experiences, are areas in which I am competent in providing professional assistance.
Finding authentic connections with ourselves and others can be difficult. I support people with goals for strong and healty relationships. I welcome adult and adolescent individuals seeking support for a wide range of challenges. Difficulty coping with significant life events, emerging sexual identity, relationship issues, concerns related to professional experience or school experiences, are areas in which I am competent in providing professional assistance.
Shawn earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from National Louis University and received his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Lake Forest College. I began my career working in Mchenry County SASS which was the child and adolescent crisis response team. During that time I developed and honed skills that resonate with children and adolescents in order to help determine core issues and work towards action plans on how to progress on those issues. Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms can decrease your quality of life and make you feel not like yourself.
Shawn earned his Master's Degree in Counseling from National Louis University and received his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from Lake Forest College. I began my career working in Mchenry County SASS which was the child and adolescent crisis response team. During that time I developed and honed skills that resonate with children and adolescents in order to help determine core issues and work towards action plans on how to progress on those issues. Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms can decrease your quality of life and make you feel not like yourself.
Nicole Kothe, LPC, helps clients overcome challenges by finding their strengths. She works with teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, motivation issues, stress, and more. Nicole received an undergraduate degree from Hope College and an MSED from Northern Illinois University. Her career includes over two decades of experience as a middle and high school counselor where she served students with various social, emotional, and academic issues. In therapy, Nicole uses a client-centered approach and also incorporates mindfulness. Her goal is for each client to feel heard and gain the skills they need to move forward.
Nicole Kothe, LPC, helps clients overcome challenges by finding their strengths. She works with teens and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, motivation issues, stress, and more. Nicole received an undergraduate degree from Hope College and an MSED from Northern Illinois University. Her career includes over two decades of experience as a middle and high school counselor where she served students with various social, emotional, and academic issues. In therapy, Nicole uses a client-centered approach and also incorporates mindfulness. Her goal is for each client to feel heard and gain the skills they need to move forward.
Veris Hawkins-Smith, LPC, treats each client relationship as unique and constantly evolving. She believes life is a journey full of obstacles that impact one's well-being, but any challenge can be overcome with the correct tools.Veris supports adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, and more. She is an expert at helping clients identify and understand unhealthy behaviors and create a plan for change.
Veris Hawkins-Smith, LPC, treats each client relationship as unique and constantly evolving. She believes life is a journey full of obstacles that impact one's well-being, but any challenge can be overcome with the correct tools.Veris supports adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger management, and more. She is an expert at helping clients identify and understand unhealthy behaviors and create a plan for change.
Change can be difficult, particularly when you are struggling with the stressors of life. Therapy can seem daunting when you already have so much going on. However, it does not have to be. Psychotherapy can help you clarify thinking, gain insight into past experiences that may be adversely impacting current circumstances, develop a plan, and increase your ability to handle and cope with the challenges of life. I have helped many people make the changes they needed to improve their mood, relationships, and overall functioning.
Change can be difficult, particularly when you are struggling with the stressors of life. Therapy can seem daunting when you already have so much going on. However, it does not have to be. Psychotherapy can help you clarify thinking, gain insight into past experiences that may be adversely impacting current circumstances, develop a plan, and increase your ability to handle and cope with the challenges of life. I have helped many people make the changes they needed to improve their mood, relationships, and overall functioning.
Sarah Reszke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She received her Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology. Sarah's humor and passion for helping people make it easy for her to connect to others on a human level. Her positive yet realistic attitude helps her stay grounded and approachable. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with her dog and cat. She loves anything that involves her love of arts and crafts.
Sarah Reszke is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois. She received her Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology. Sarah's humor and passion for helping people make it easy for her to connect to others on a human level. Her positive yet realistic attitude helps her stay grounded and approachable. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, and hanging out with her dog and cat. She loves anything that involves her love of arts and crafts.
Let's be real. Therapy can be scary! Sitting in front of a total stranger and sharing your deepest and possibly even darkest thoughts can sound terrifying. Well, I can definitely reassure you that, yes, while therapy can be scary, if your therapist is able to create a warm environment, making you feel seen and heard, it can very quickly become an appointment we look forward to! My goal is to make sure my therapy room is a judgement- free, safe space for my clients. I love using an eclectic, scientific- based and holistic approach to therapy.
Let's be real. Therapy can be scary! Sitting in front of a total stranger and sharing your deepest and possibly even darkest thoughts can sound terrifying. Well, I can definitely reassure you that, yes, while therapy can be scary, if your therapist is able to create a warm environment, making you feel seen and heard, it can very quickly become an appointment we look forward to! My goal is to make sure my therapy room is a judgement- free, safe space for my clients. I love using an eclectic, scientific- based and holistic approach to therapy.
See more therapy options for Geneva
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Geneva
- Bartlett
- Batavia
- Carol Stream
- Elburn
- Elgin
- Hanover Park
- North Aurora
- Saint Charles
- South Elgin
- Warrenville
- West Chicago
- Winfield
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.