Transgender Therapists in West Chicago, IL
I strive to provide each patient with an individualized care that is evidence based and delivered with respect, compassion and education. My goal is to work with you as a partner to be able to achieve your goals. I enjoy working with with high risk adolescents who may be diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention and executive functioning deficits, as well as Panic disorder, and or trauma. I also specialize in treating young women with peripartum mood disorders, GLBTQ youth, and families going through divorce. https://www.dryolandao.com/Appointments.en.html or https://doxy.me/dryolandao
I strive to provide each patient with an individualized care that is evidence based and delivered with respect, compassion and education. My goal is to work with you as a partner to be able to achieve your goals. I enjoy working with with high risk adolescents who may be diagnosed with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention and executive functioning deficits, as well as Panic disorder, and or trauma. I also specialize in treating young women with peripartum mood disorders, GLBTQ youth, and families going through divorce. https://www.dryolandao.com/Appointments.en.html or https://doxy.me/dryolandao
Hi! I’m a licensed therapist with over 6 years of experience helping individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, stress, and more. I draw from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dance/Movement Therapy, and the Gottman Method. If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns that keep you from living your most meaningful life and reaching your goals, or your current strategies aren’t helping you to achieve your bigger goals, I can help.
Hi! I’m a licensed therapist with over 6 years of experience helping individuals with issues such as anxiety, depression, women's issues, relationship issues, addiction, ADHD, stress, and more. I draw from modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Dance/Movement Therapy, and the Gottman Method. If you’re feeling stuck in the same patterns that keep you from living your most meaningful life and reaching your goals, or your current strategies aren’t helping you to achieve your bigger goals, I can help.
Linda K Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been in the mental health field since 2003. Linda’s focus in therapy is on individuality. You are unique and the therapeutic process should absolutely celebrate that uniqueness. Well-being isn’t only about decreasing existing struggles; it should also build on your current strengths and develop new ones to help create the future you desire.
Linda K Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who has been in the mental health field since 2003. Linda’s focus in therapy is on individuality. You are unique and the therapeutic process should absolutely celebrate that uniqueness. Well-being isn’t only about decreasing existing struggles; it should also build on your current strengths and develop new ones to help create the future you desire.
Shannon Dudzienski is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 4 years of experience. She received her Associate of Arts from then College of DuPage, and then transferred to Northern Illinois University to obtain her Bachelor in Psychology, followed by her Master in Social Work. Shannon believes in a strength-based and client-centered approach. She provides support, validation, a welcoming environment, and meets clients where they are at. Her treatment philosophy includes using interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and play therapy.
Shannon Dudzienski is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 4 years of experience. She received her Associate of Arts from then College of DuPage, and then transferred to Northern Illinois University to obtain her Bachelor in Psychology, followed by her Master in Social Work. Shannon believes in a strength-based and client-centered approach. She provides support, validation, a welcoming environment, and meets clients where they are at. Her treatment philosophy includes using interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and play therapy.
Steph Key is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. Steph's approach is person centered with an emphasis on mindfulness, play, and community care from a trauma informed perspective. They utilize CBT, narrative, mindfulness, DBT, and play therapy. Steph is currently working on developing a combination of play and narrative therapeutic models for adults through creativity and creative writing. They firmly believe that clients are the experts, and they are students on a journey together.
Steph Key is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2022. Steph's approach is person centered with an emphasis on mindfulness, play, and community care from a trauma informed perspective. They utilize CBT, narrative, mindfulness, DBT, and play therapy. Steph is currently working on developing a combination of play and narrative therapeutic models for adults through creativity and creative writing. They firmly believe that clients are the experts, and they are students on a journey together.
Kristen A. Jacobs is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Kristen creates a safe and supportive space for the client, in which she utilizes individualized, strength-based treatment approaches and evidence-based modalities with a concentration on education, validation, acceptance, self-efficacy, and symptom management.
Kristen A. Jacobs is a Licensed Social Worker in Illinois who has been practicing since 2009. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Social Work from Aurora University. Kristen creates a safe and supportive space for the client, in which she utilizes individualized, strength-based treatment approaches and evidence-based modalities with a concentration on education, validation, acceptance, self-efficacy, and symptom management.
Taylor Hammes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
Are you or someone in your family dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress? I work with ages 7 and up to help them handle these issues. My goal is to support my clients as they go through tough times and heal from trauma and other life stressors. With my background in trauma-informed care, I can help in many areas of life, whether it's guiding children through key developmental stages or helping adults manage their stress. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community where I provide a safe and empowering environment.
Are you or someone in your family dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or stress? I work with ages 7 and up to help them handle these issues. My goal is to support my clients as they go through tough times and heal from trauma and other life stressors. With my background in trauma-informed care, I can help in many areas of life, whether it's guiding children through key developmental stages or helping adults manage their stress. I enjoy working with members of the LGBTQ+ community where I provide a safe and empowering environment.
Trauma can bring about changes that are beyond your control, but healing empowers you to make the changes you choose. Starting therapy with a new therapist can be especially challenging when you have experienced trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate trauma, dissociative issues, ADHD, and more. Many of my clients seek my support after trying multiple therapists or doctors who couldn't quite identify the core issues, or because they didn't feel a meaningful connection with them. Many of my clients seek connection and guidance to heal from trauma, which is central to my therapeutic approach.
Trauma can bring about changes that are beyond your control, but healing empowers you to make the changes you choose. Starting therapy with a new therapist can be especially challenging when you have experienced trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals of all ages navigate trauma, dissociative issues, ADHD, and more. Many of my clients seek my support after trying multiple therapists or doctors who couldn't quite identify the core issues, or because they didn't feel a meaningful connection with them. Many of my clients seek connection and guidance to heal from trauma, which is central to my therapeutic approach.
It takes courage to realize when we are struggling and suffering and when life is not what we want it to be. Sometimes we know exactly what's making life difficult and causing us to feel anxious, depressed, stressed, or angry, but we have no idea how to deal with those feelings or what to do about our pain and distress. If you're ready and want to reduce your anxiety and depression, and stress, understand yourself more deeply and improve your relationships, I encourage you to try counseling. You don't have to be silent or alone with it all any longer. You deserve to ease your suffering, feel better, grow, heal, & embrace who you are
It takes courage to realize when we are struggling and suffering and when life is not what we want it to be. Sometimes we know exactly what's making life difficult and causing us to feel anxious, depressed, stressed, or angry, but we have no idea how to deal with those feelings or what to do about our pain and distress. If you're ready and want to reduce your anxiety and depression, and stress, understand yourself more deeply and improve your relationships, I encourage you to try counseling. You don't have to be silent or alone with it all any longer. You deserve to ease your suffering, feel better, grow, heal, & embrace who you are
I believe that each person is deserving of fulfillment in every relationship. My ideal client is wanting to be more aware of relational patterns so that they can recreate the moments they desire most. My goal is to help people feel heard and accepted within their relationships. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified to maintain connection.
I believe that each person is deserving of fulfillment in every relationship. My ideal client is wanting to be more aware of relational patterns so that they can recreate the moments they desire most. My goal is to help people feel heard and accepted within their relationships. I do this through creating an environment where differences are appreciated and authentic choices can be identified to maintain connection.
Tracy Hatzis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Chicago, IL 60185
If you are struggling and you want to reduce your anxiety, depression, stress, and/or relationship conflicts therapy can help. We can work together so you can advocate and care more for yourself and connect to what you need. You will have a space where you can talk openly, feel supported, accepted, and cared for, without any judgment. I am passionate about helping woman connect with their personal values, needs, and goals while advocating and caring for themselves as they heal and grow. Together we can implement the solutions and changes you need to feel better.
If you are struggling and you want to reduce your anxiety, depression, stress, and/or relationship conflicts therapy can help. We can work together so you can advocate and care more for yourself and connect to what you need. You will have a space where you can talk openly, feel supported, accepted, and cared for, without any judgment. I am passionate about helping woman connect with their personal values, needs, and goals while advocating and caring for themselves as they heal and grow. Together we can implement the solutions and changes you need to feel better.
More Therapists Nearby
Helene Jacques is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. She sees adolescents and adults for individual and family therapy. Helene has extensive experience working with clients dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns, and post-abortion issues. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.
Helene Jacques is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been in practice since 2000. She sees adolescents and adults for individual and family therapy. Helene has extensive experience working with clients dealing with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, adoption concerns, relationship problems, stress management, medical and health concerns, and post-abortion issues. Helene was trained in an eclectic model of therapy and relies on this knowledge base to select effective treatment approaches for each client or family.
Anna L Graham
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , LCPC, NCC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60540
I hold a 3-6 Early Childhood Montessori Certification, and have specialized training for working with LGBTQIA individuals with focus on Transgender Health.
All of us develop patterns of behavior based on survival instincts from the moment we are born. Ideally, as we mature our survival skills would mature as well and that's often not the case. A behavior that was successful in the past can hurt us in the present and keep us repeating the same self limiting patterns over and over. Everything we do has elements of relationship. Professional, romantic, platonic, familial, athletic, and academic relationships make up our societal existence. By learning how to be in relationship with ourselves we learn how to be in relationship with others.
I hold a 3-6 Early Childhood Montessori Certification, and have specialized training for working with LGBTQIA individuals with focus on Transgender Health.
All of us develop patterns of behavior based on survival instincts from the moment we are born. Ideally, as we mature our survival skills would mature as well and that's often not the case. A behavior that was successful in the past can hurt us in the present and keep us repeating the same self limiting patterns over and over. Everything we do has elements of relationship. Professional, romantic, platonic, familial, athletic, and academic relationships make up our societal existence. By learning how to be in relationship with ourselves we learn how to be in relationship with others.
My aim is to be genuine, down-to-earth, and to use a healthy dose of humor in therapy. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic suicidal thoughts, though I work with a wide variety of clients. I love providing support to the parents of teens with behavioral and mental health challenges. I am trained in prenatal/postpartum mental health. Over the past ten years, I have worked closely with many transgender individuals and their families. I also enjoy supporting other care-taking professionals, such as nurses, educators, and other therapists.
My aim is to be genuine, down-to-earth, and to use a healthy dose of humor in therapy. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic suicidal thoughts, though I work with a wide variety of clients. I love providing support to the parents of teens with behavioral and mental health challenges. I am trained in prenatal/postpartum mental health. Over the past ten years, I have worked closely with many transgender individuals and their families. I also enjoy supporting other care-taking professionals, such as nurses, educators, and other therapists.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, in a variety of mental health settings including: hospitals, private practice, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health. I specialize in the treatment of Mood, Personality, Trauma and Attachment disorder. My special interests include Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Issues regarding Divorce, Adoption Issues, Personality Disorders, Parent Education/Training, Post-Partum Depression and Transgender issues.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families, in a variety of mental health settings including: hospitals, private practice, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health. I specialize in the treatment of Mood, Personality, Trauma and Attachment disorder. My special interests include Attachment Disorder, ADHD, Issues regarding Divorce, Adoption Issues, Personality Disorders, Parent Education/Training, Post-Partum Depression and Transgender issues.
Alyssa Wilderman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
Naperville, IL 60563
Alyssa volunteered for a year and she had the opportunity to work with young people struggling with depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender dysphoria, family conflict, and trauma.
Alyssa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in October 2023 at Adler University in Chicago. Alyssa has worked for public school districts working in behavioral management classrooms and substitute teaching at the middle school level, gaining relevant experience working with adolescents in the school environment and mental health issues. She enjoys working with people of all ages with multicultural backgrounds; and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Alyssa volunteered for a year and she had the opportunity to work with young people struggling with depression, anxiety, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender dysphoria, family conflict, and trauma.
Alyssa received her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in October 2023 at Adler University in Chicago. Alyssa has worked for public school districts working in behavioral management classrooms and substitute teaching at the middle school level, gaining relevant experience working with adolescents in the school environment and mental health issues. She enjoys working with people of all ages with multicultural backgrounds; and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Additionally, I specialize in perfectionism, cultural adjustment issues, and parenting a transgender child.
"I'm not enough" - smart enough, attractive enough, successful enough, popular enough, loved enough, or happy enough. Have you ever had these thoughts? Sometimes our stories are full of shame and scarcity. We feel unworthy, but don't understand where these feelings come from, what drives them, and how to let them go. Therapy is a process of uncovering underlying issues and finding practical ways to provoke change. I will walk alongside you in your loneliness, challenge, or fear, and help you safely overcome struggles.
Additionally, I specialize in perfectionism, cultural adjustment issues, and parenting a transgender child.
"I'm not enough" - smart enough, attractive enough, successful enough, popular enough, loved enough, or happy enough. Have you ever had these thoughts? Sometimes our stories are full of shame and scarcity. We feel unworthy, but don't understand where these feelings come from, what drives them, and how to let them go. Therapy is a process of uncovering underlying issues and finding practical ways to provoke change. I will walk alongside you in your loneliness, challenge, or fear, and help you safely overcome struggles.
Rooted Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Naperville, IL 60563
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.
Sometimes our brain can be a scary place to live in. Sometimes our bodies feel disconnected from us, or we just feel a bit ‘off.’ And sometimes the life around us is too hard, too much, too painful. These thoughts, feelings, and sensations can be isolating, and that’s where therapy comes in. My hope is for you to feel a little less alone as you unpack the complexities of your life and move towards healing. Through our work together, your thoughts and feelings will be centered and we will learn alongside one another about how to best work through the issues you're facing. Welcome!
Sometimes our brain can be a scary place to live in. Sometimes our bodies feel disconnected from us, or we just feel a bit ‘off.’ And sometimes the life around us is too hard, too much, too painful. These thoughts, feelings, and sensations can be isolating, and that’s where therapy comes in. My hope is for you to feel a little less alone as you unpack the complexities of your life and move towards healing. Through our work together, your thoughts and feelings will be centered and we will learn alongside one another about how to best work through the issues you're facing. Welcome!
My approach to counseling is guided by self-empowerment and embracing the person you are and the ways you’d like to foster a kinder relationship with yourself. Our work together will be tailored to the parts of you that you’d like to better understand and support. This may include deep exploration of sexuality, gender, spirituality, culture, and the many different experiences that create the “parts” of who we are. My space is anti-capitalist and fueled by radical self-acceptance.
My approach to counseling is guided by self-empowerment and embracing the person you are and the ways you’d like to foster a kinder relationship with yourself. Our work together will be tailored to the parts of you that you’d like to better understand and support. This may include deep exploration of sexuality, gender, spirituality, culture, and the many different experiences that create the “parts” of who we are. My space is anti-capitalist and fueled by radical self-acceptance.
See more therapy options for West Chicago
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for West Chicago
- Aurora
- Bartlett
- Batavia
- Bloomingdale
- Carol Stream
- Geneva
- Glen Ellyn
- Glendale Heights
- Saint Charles
- Warrenville
- Wheaton
- Winfield
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.