Feminist Therapists in Springfield, IL
Lgbtqia+ Relationship Therapist Nicole Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
I am poly affirming, kink-aware, and practice therapy from a feminist, anti-racist, and Health at Every Size perspective.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate and looking for a space to learn how to better understand each other? Or, maybe you're an individual looking to improve your self-esteem and build a stronger relationship with yourself. As a couple and family therapist, I strive to provide a safe and encouraging space for intimate relationships, families, and individuals to process, heal, challenge patterns, explore different ways of thinking… and even enjoy some fun and laughs along the way!
I am poly affirming, kink-aware, and practice therapy from a feminist, anti-racist, and Health at Every Size perspective.
Are you and your partner struggling to communicate and looking for a space to learn how to better understand each other? Or, maybe you're an individual looking to improve your self-esteem and build a stronger relationship with yourself. As a couple and family therapist, I strive to provide a safe and encouraging space for intimate relationships, families, and individuals to process, heal, challenge patterns, explore different ways of thinking… and even enjoy some fun and laughs along the way!
Hello! I’m Shanna and I am accepting new clients. I am drawn to working with people who have experienced systemic, interpersonal, financial, and work-related trauma, women, couples, LGBTQ+ folks and anyone who wishes to heal their heart amidst the challenges of the world. I strive to co-create a safe container with clients, so they feel open to explore and embrace all the parts of themselves, both light and dark. My style can best be described as playful, embodied, mindful, compassionate, and creative with a side of humor!
Hello! I’m Shanna and I am accepting new clients. I am drawn to working with people who have experienced systemic, interpersonal, financial, and work-related trauma, women, couples, LGBTQ+ folks and anyone who wishes to heal their heart amidst the challenges of the world. I strive to co-create a safe container with clients, so they feel open to explore and embrace all the parts of themselves, both light and dark. My style can best be described as playful, embodied, mindful, compassionate, and creative with a side of humor!
Robert Gomez
Counselor, NCC, MA, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
I identify as a queer person of color and hope to best serve those communities who feel underrepresented in professional fields. Common areas that I work with are trauma, gender identity and expression, career related difficulties, couples/interpersonal relationship issues, and mood/anxiety disorders. I work heavily with the linguistic ways we approach "problems" and through a narrative and solutions focused approach we would work on restoring your sense freedom as you navigate life's difficulties.
I identify as a queer person of color and hope to best serve those communities who feel underrepresented in professional fields. Common areas that I work with are trauma, gender identity and expression, career related difficulties, couples/interpersonal relationship issues, and mood/anxiety disorders. I work heavily with the linguistic ways we approach "problems" and through a narrative and solutions focused approach we would work on restoring your sense freedom as you navigate life's difficulties.
J. Graham Thompson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62703 (Online Only)
I am the only fully Certified Gottman Couples Therapist in Central Illinois. This approach has been proven to be effective by empirical research. You learn skills that restore emotional communication and closeness in couples. Really hearing your partner's reality restores emotional closeness. Stop the day to day negativity as a couple. Gottman therapy targets patterns that may be impeding you in attaining your relationship goals. The therapy teaches concise skills addressing issues where the "rubber hits the ground." I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. In addition to couples, I see families, children, and individuals.
I am the only fully Certified Gottman Couples Therapist in Central Illinois. This approach has been proven to be effective by empirical research. You learn skills that restore emotional communication and closeness in couples. Really hearing your partner's reality restores emotional closeness. Stop the day to day negativity as a couple. Gottman therapy targets patterns that may be impeding you in attaining your relationship goals. The therapy teaches concise skills addressing issues where the "rubber hits the ground." I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Illinois. In addition to couples, I see families, children, and individuals.
Stephanie A Thomas
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62711
Whether you have hit a rough patch, realize the need to address old wounds, or feel as if you have lost your way, a mental health therapist can help guide you back and create a new path forward. Many people face seemingly insurmountable obstacles that may be rooted in personal life stories or internal or external forces that seem to be working against them. I am passionate about meeting people where they are and helping them develop a path forward to a healthier and more fulfilling life. I believe all people possess strengths and the ability to effect change in their lives.
Whether you have hit a rough patch, realize the need to address old wounds, or feel as if you have lost your way, a mental health therapist can help guide you back and create a new path forward. Many people face seemingly insurmountable obstacles that may be rooted in personal life stories or internal or external forces that seem to be working against them. I am passionate about meeting people where they are and helping them develop a path forward to a healthier and more fulfilling life. I believe all people possess strengths and the ability to effect change in their lives.
I offer caring, unconditional support in a relaxed atmosphere for clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD. I also treat clients going through life adjustments, or those with relationship issues, and stress or health related problems. In addition, I am experienced in treating children for a variety of issues, including grief and loss, foster care and adoption issues, attachment and developmental trauma. I provide services for couples and families, and I include parents when working with children. I enjoy working with adults who are interested in personal growth and development.
I offer caring, unconditional support in a relaxed atmosphere for clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD. I also treat clients going through life adjustments, or those with relationship issues, and stress or health related problems. In addition, I am experienced in treating children for a variety of issues, including grief and loss, foster care and adoption issues, attachment and developmental trauma. I provide services for couples and families, and I include parents when working with children. I enjoy working with adults who are interested in personal growth and development.
Sam Lunde
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
In some way, life hasn't turned out exactly as you planned but you're not ready to give up. I've often found that, no matter the diagnosis, the folks I work with feel disconnected, dissatisfied, and struggle to create a meaningful life. You might worry so much about the future that you lie awake at night or miss out on special moments. You're overwhelmed and end up scrolling, numb with food or substances, or can't finish a book. You're keeping up on basic responsibilities but what you're doing isn't working long-term. Life has lost it's vibrancy. You may doubt that you can change and yet, here you are, taking that first step.
In some way, life hasn't turned out exactly as you planned but you're not ready to give up. I've often found that, no matter the diagnosis, the folks I work with feel disconnected, dissatisfied, and struggle to create a meaningful life. You might worry so much about the future that you lie awake at night or miss out on special moments. You're overwhelmed and end up scrolling, numb with food or substances, or can't finish a book. You're keeping up on basic responsibilities but what you're doing isn't working long-term. Life has lost it's vibrancy. You may doubt that you can change and yet, here you are, taking that first step.
I like to think of therapy as a time to gain perspective. I think people can gain a "bird's eye view" view of their life from therapy. Most individuals that I have helped come to therapy because they are "stuck". People get stuck in patterns of behaviors or thoughts, or stuck in relationship patterns. Therapy is a turning point in becoming "unstuck"; it is a time of growth and self-discovery and perspective. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you more about my approach and how we can work together.
I like to think of therapy as a time to gain perspective. I think people can gain a "bird's eye view" view of their life from therapy. Most individuals that I have helped come to therapy because they are "stuck". People get stuck in patterns of behaviors or thoughts, or stuck in relationship patterns. Therapy is a turning point in becoming "unstuck"; it is a time of growth and self-discovery and perspective. I welcome the opportunity to talk with you more about my approach and how we can work together.
Guadalupe Quintana Salgado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
Living as your authentic self is sometimes a struggle with who you expect to be and who others expect you to be. Changing habits can be very difficult but I want you to know that you have the ability to start over and be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, I use a holistic approach to support clients to meet their behavioral health goals.
Living as your authentic self is sometimes a struggle with who you expect to be and who others expect you to be. Changing habits can be very difficult but I want you to know that you have the ability to start over and be the best version of yourself. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist, I use a holistic approach to support clients to meet their behavioral health goals.
Molly M. McLay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
I know that taking the step to begin therapy can be really hard, because... feelings. We have them, whether we want to or not. Understanding our thoughts and behaviors can also be hard. And making changes to improve our lives may be the hardest of all. My job is to acknowledge that this is hard, and to validate your feelings, whatever they are. I will sit in those feelings with you. I will also get to know you and your story, the people and things that are important to you, and help you set goals around what you want to focus on (such as learning skills, moving through difficult experiences, or utilizing therapeutic techniques).
I know that taking the step to begin therapy can be really hard, because... feelings. We have them, whether we want to or not. Understanding our thoughts and behaviors can also be hard. And making changes to improve our lives may be the hardest of all. My job is to acknowledge that this is hard, and to validate your feelings, whatever they are. I will sit in those feelings with you. I will also get to know you and your story, the people and things that are important to you, and help you set goals around what you want to focus on (such as learning skills, moving through difficult experiences, or utilizing therapeutic techniques).
Anxiety Specialist Incia Rashid-Dawdy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCPC-IL, LPC-MI, CST
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62704 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm Incia Rashid-Dawdy, Therapist, Founder, and CEO of Curated Change Psychotherapy and Coaching, PLLC. I founded Curated Change for one simple reason: to provide fully-remote therapy and coaching services tailored to support people who are navigating the exhausting and uncertain world we all live in. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and Michigan, and as an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, I specialize in working with Millennial, Gen-Z, BIPOC and LGBTQIA clients through a culturally-sensitive, queer-affirming, sex-positive lens, and have 10+ years of experience providing mental health care to those in need.
Welcome! I'm Incia Rashid-Dawdy, Therapist, Founder, and CEO of Curated Change Psychotherapy and Coaching, PLLC. I founded Curated Change for one simple reason: to provide fully-remote therapy and coaching services tailored to support people who are navigating the exhausting and uncertain world we all live in. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois and Michigan, and as an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist, I specialize in working with Millennial, Gen-Z, BIPOC and LGBTQIA clients through a culturally-sensitive, queer-affirming, sex-positive lens, and have 10+ years of experience providing mental health care to those in need.
Compassionate Healing Therapy Center, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, PEL
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
Welcome! (Bienvenido/a!). My name is Jess and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe that every person has the right to be heard, to heal, and to grow. I approach therapy from a place of kindness and compassion, openness and curiosity. My work with clients begins from a strengths based place, to ensure that you are seen and understood, taking into account your inherent strengths as well as your areas for growth. I also believe that people are deeply impacted by the world around them and therefore, I focus my work with clients to identify and unpack oppressive forces in their lives.
Welcome! (Bienvenido/a!). My name is Jess and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe that every person has the right to be heard, to heal, and to grow. I approach therapy from a place of kindness and compassion, openness and curiosity. My work with clients begins from a strengths based place, to ensure that you are seen and understood, taking into account your inherent strengths as well as your areas for growth. I also believe that people are deeply impacted by the world around them and therefore, I focus my work with clients to identify and unpack oppressive forces in their lives.
Lesleigh Doebler
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LAPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
My therapeutic practice specializes in the treatment and advocacy of individuals ages 5+ who have experienced trauma. Further, I specialize in dispositions that often co-occur with trauma including behavioral concerns, substance use, self-harm, and mood and personality disorders.
My therapeutic practice specializes in the treatment and advocacy of individuals ages 5+ who have experienced trauma. Further, I specialize in dispositions that often co-occur with trauma including behavioral concerns, substance use, self-harm, and mood and personality disorders.
We provide affordable mental healthcare to Asian American and immigrant clients of all ages, often in collaboration with local schools and community groups. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, school consultations, community support, and mental health seminars. Our clinicians specialize in depression, anxiety, behavioral related issues, social skills, acculturation, parenting education, and family conflicts. We work with youth from age 5, adolescents, adults, and elders. Counseling services are available in English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Malay.
We provide affordable mental healthcare to Asian American and immigrant clients of all ages, often in collaboration with local schools and community groups. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, school consultations, community support, and mental health seminars. Our clinicians specialize in depression, anxiety, behavioral related issues, social skills, acculturation, parenting education, and family conflicts. We work with youth from age 5, adolescents, adults, and elders. Counseling services are available in English, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, and Malay.
Jada is a licensed social worker who earned her bachelor of arts and science in psychology with a minor in sociology from Quinnipiac University. Jada also holds a master’s of arts in social work from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining Willis Counseling and Consulting, Jada worked supervising a mental health support and suicide prevention text line for teens. At WCC, Jada hopes to work with those age seven and older who struggle with addiction, anger, anxiety, body dysmorphia (BDD), boundaries, dating and relationships, decision making, depression and domestic violence.
Jada is a licensed social worker who earned her bachelor of arts and science in psychology with a minor in sociology from Quinnipiac University. Jada also holds a master’s of arts in social work from the University of Chicago. Prior to joining Willis Counseling and Consulting, Jada worked supervising a mental health support and suicide prevention text line for teens. At WCC, Jada hopes to work with those age seven and older who struggle with addiction, anger, anxiety, body dysmorphia (BDD), boundaries, dating and relationships, decision making, depression and domestic violence.
W. Keith Jihan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, PCGC
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62702 (Online Only)
Are you managing recent concerns or long term problems in your life? Are you struggling with understanding, managing, or accepting your own thoughts or feelings? Regardless of what bring us to therapy we are seeking to reduce our own suffering or the suffering of those we love. We may have been struggling so long we have become skeptical about our ability to change or our ability to tolerate our circumstances. We can all learn to face difficulties and our own emotions and situations skillfully.
Are you managing recent concerns or long term problems in your life? Are you struggling with understanding, managing, or accepting your own thoughts or feelings? Regardless of what bring us to therapy we are seeking to reduce our own suffering or the suffering of those we love. We may have been struggling so long we have become skeptical about our ability to change or our ability to tolerate our circumstances. We can all learn to face difficulties and our own emotions and situations skillfully.
Denton Woodfern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62708 (Online Only)
I focus on trauma, life transitions, LGBTQIA issues, and how adverse experiences impact an individual's ability to effectively respond to life's many difficulties. Depression and anxiety manifest often as a result of dealing with challenges and it is necessary to reconnect with an innate, authentic sense of self in order to experience a fulfilling life. Each person deserves to live a life of purpose and meaning. I strive to help clients increase their sense of agency, feel more connected with themselves, and become better attuned to the world around them.
I focus on trauma, life transitions, LGBTQIA issues, and how adverse experiences impact an individual's ability to effectively respond to life's many difficulties. Depression and anxiety manifest often as a result of dealing with challenges and it is necessary to reconnect with an innate, authentic sense of self in order to experience a fulfilling life. Each person deserves to live a life of purpose and meaning. I strive to help clients increase their sense of agency, feel more connected with themselves, and become better attuned to the world around them.
Mars Vallon
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62701
Waitlist for new clients
I provide attachment focused trauma and sex therapy to queer people, trans people, non-monogamous and polyamorous people, sex workers, and kinky people. I love working through attachment repair work with people who have felt like they are "too much" or "not enough". Many of my clients resonate with experiencing "big emotions" or have a history of feeling misunderstood in romantic or sexual relationships. I also often work with individuals and couples who are aiming to unpack sexual shame, who are experiencing pain with sex, or who are navigating desire discrepancy.
I provide attachment focused trauma and sex therapy to queer people, trans people, non-monogamous and polyamorous people, sex workers, and kinky people. I love working through attachment repair work with people who have felt like they are "too much" or "not enough". Many of my clients resonate with experiencing "big emotions" or have a history of feeling misunderstood in romantic or sexual relationships. I also often work with individuals and couples who are aiming to unpack sexual shame, who are experiencing pain with sex, or who are navigating desire discrepancy.
Shannon Lawton-O'Boyle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MEd, LSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, IL 62701 (Online Only)
I have an appreciation for complexity and understand that most of us live a life full of contradictions - striving for goodness, happiness, prosperity, low drama, and quality relationships. I get to witness clients create a foundation of safety from which they can pursue their personal and relational goals. I have a passion for working with both traditional relationships and alternative lifestyle clients, as individuals or couples. My clients are often unraveling past traumatic and toxic relationships or simply navigating the unknown with the goals of creating new, healthy patterns of communication, safety, and intimacy.
I have an appreciation for complexity and understand that most of us live a life full of contradictions - striving for goodness, happiness, prosperity, low drama, and quality relationships. I get to witness clients create a foundation of safety from which they can pursue their personal and relational goals. I have a passion for working with both traditional relationships and alternative lifestyle clients, as individuals or couples. My clients are often unraveling past traumatic and toxic relationships or simply navigating the unknown with the goals of creating new, healthy patterns of communication, safety, and intimacy.
My priority is helping clients understand both their areas of strength and aspects where they have room to grow, and help them to develop their innate capacities to find more calm and fulfillment in their lives. I have a great respect and curiosity for how people's early family experiences affect how they move through the world, as well as how those patterns transcend generations. Book with me now by clicking on my website!
My priority is helping clients understand both their areas of strength and aspects where they have room to grow, and help them to develop their innate capacities to find more calm and fulfillment in their lives. I have a great respect and curiosity for how people's early family experiences affect how they move through the world, as well as how those patterns transcend generations. Book with me now by clicking on my website!
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Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.