Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Illinois
As we grow and develop as humans, we often find ourselves confronted by issues from the past – issues we may have thought long-resolved. These issues can manifest in our relationship dynamics, our perceptions about ourselves, and our means of coping with our environment. Through a culturally sensitive and queer affirming lens, my role is to join you in confronting these things so that you can integrate and learn the lessons these past experiences are meant to teach you. In our work together, you are the expert. You decide what your experiences mean and how they impact the person you are.
As we grow and develop as humans, we often find ourselves confronted by issues from the past – issues we may have thought long-resolved. These issues can manifest in our relationship dynamics, our perceptions about ourselves, and our means of coping with our environment. Through a culturally sensitive and queer affirming lens, my role is to join you in confronting these things so that you can integrate and learn the lessons these past experiences are meant to teach you. In our work together, you are the expert. You decide what your experiences mean and how they impact the person you are.
Toyia Miller-Peters
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MEd, CRMP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alsip, IL 60803 (Online Only)
I provide psycho-education to build understanding of what you are physically and mentally experiencing, allow a safe and culturally sensitive space to process your emotions, identify ways to handle the various situations which are triggering while helping you to develop coping skills and healthy boundaries.
There’s no doubt that daily life situations, transitions and challenging relationships can be triggering. These triggering events and relationships can cause emotional flooding. Emotional flooding is the body’s response to being overly aroused by physical and emotional sensations which could lead to “shutdown” mode. This can look like an inability to concentrate, being mentally withdrawing, having a fight-flight-freeze reaction, intense anger, toxic stress, paralyzing anxiety, grief or depression which are impacting your quality of life and ability to maintain optimal functioning.
I provide psycho-education to build understanding of what you are physically and mentally experiencing, allow a safe and culturally sensitive space to process your emotions, identify ways to handle the various situations which are triggering while helping you to develop coping skills and healthy boundaries.
There’s no doubt that daily life situations, transitions and challenging relationships can be triggering. These triggering events and relationships can cause emotional flooding. Emotional flooding is the body’s response to being overly aroused by physical and emotional sensations which could lead to “shutdown” mode. This can look like an inability to concentrate, being mentally withdrawing, having a fight-flight-freeze reaction, intense anger, toxic stress, paralyzing anxiety, grief or depression which are impacting your quality of life and ability to maintain optimal functioning.
My approaches are typically Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, and Strength Based.
I have yet to learn your unique story, which I know matters. There are a million and one reasons that could have led you to be here. Your decision to reach out says more than you may think. I am committed to working with you to help meet your desired goals. I believe in meeting you where you are while ensuring you are equipped to get where you would like to be! I work with clients to address, explore, and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, ADHD, PTSD, injustices, relationship/family, women’s and young adult issues, racial barriers, parenting challenges, and various unexpected life changes.
My approaches are typically Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Culturally Sensitive, and Strength Based.
I have yet to learn your unique story, which I know matters. There are a million and one reasons that could have led you to be here. Your decision to reach out says more than you may think. I am committed to working with you to help meet your desired goals. I believe in meeting you where you are while ensuring you are equipped to get where you would like to be! I work with clients to address, explore, and better manage stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, ADHD, PTSD, injustices, relationship/family, women’s and young adult issues, racial barriers, parenting challenges, and various unexpected life changes.
Allowing yourself to be supported is the first step towards becoming your best self. However, without adequate support, overcoming feelings of sadness, overwhelm, disconnection or insecurity can be an exhausting and isolating experience. This is why I understand the importance of finding the right therapist. You may be seeking to feel truly heard and understood without judgment by someone you can trust to help you feel more grounded, confident, and satisfied in your everyday life. As a therapist, my main goal is to create that safe and trusting relationship to guide and empower you towards achieving ultimate personal growth.
Allowing yourself to be supported is the first step towards becoming your best self. However, without adequate support, overcoming feelings of sadness, overwhelm, disconnection or insecurity can be an exhausting and isolating experience. This is why I understand the importance of finding the right therapist. You may be seeking to feel truly heard and understood without judgment by someone you can trust to help you feel more grounded, confident, and satisfied in your everyday life. As a therapist, my main goal is to create that safe and trusting relationship to guide and empower you towards achieving ultimate personal growth.
Emma Coate, LCSW - Lake Park Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60615
Waitlist for new clients
I understand that making the decision to begin therapy can be as daunting as it is positive. I will provide a warm, supportive space to begin to sort out life's challenges. I believe that everyone has the resilient capacity to create change and will help guide clients toward healthy goals by letting go of past issues, negative thoughts, and/or unwanted behaviors. As an experienced, licensed psychotherapist with a masters degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago, I have been a practicing social worker since 2004 and a psychotherapist since 2011.
I understand that making the decision to begin therapy can be as daunting as it is positive. I will provide a warm, supportive space to begin to sort out life's challenges. I believe that everyone has the resilient capacity to create change and will help guide clients toward healthy goals by letting go of past issues, negative thoughts, and/or unwanted behaviors. As an experienced, licensed psychotherapist with a masters degree in clinical social work from the University of Chicago, I have been a practicing social worker since 2004 and a psychotherapist since 2011.
Lotus Root Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.
We're a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive mental health counseling group for multicultural, Asian, BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities. We're passionate about working with individuals, couples and families from different cultural backgrounds, exploring how complex identities and unique personal experiences have shaped us into who we are. We specialize in healing from anxiety, complex trauma, relationship issues, perinatal issues, ADHD, adoption, OCD, stress, cultural identity, cultural/intergenerational conflicts, family conflicts, grief, and other issues.
As a therapist, I believe in the importance of a holistic, culturally sensitive, and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with individuals on areas such as trauma, life transitions, personal stressors, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief, relationship issues, and sports performance.
As a therapist, I believe in the importance of a holistic, culturally sensitive, and collaborative approach to therapy. I work with individuals on areas such as trauma, life transitions, personal stressors, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, grief, relationship issues, and sports performance.
It is my passion to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. With an intuitive and compassionate approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel heard and understood. I recognize the power in the client-therapist relationship, and I work to create meaningful, trusting connections with my clients. My therapeutic approach is holistic and culturally sensitive, drawing on a variety of evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
It is my passion to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and achieve their therapeutic goals. With an intuitive and compassionate approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can feel heard and understood. I recognize the power in the client-therapist relationship, and I work to create meaningful, trusting connections with my clients. My therapeutic approach is holistic and culturally sensitive, drawing on a variety of evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches.
Michelle Robinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60602 (Online Only)
I use a culturally sensitive approach and feel passionate about working with disadvantaged or marginalized clients.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me! My ideal clients are looking for a strength-based approach where they are more than a "psychiatric diagnosis." My clients come from many backgrounds - they are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families - and are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, women’s issues, anger management, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, addiction issues, couples therapy, and working through LGBTQ+ issues. I partner with my clients in the change process and empower them through using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other tailored approaches.
I use a culturally sensitive approach and feel passionate about working with disadvantaged or marginalized clients.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me! My ideal clients are looking for a strength-based approach where they are more than a "psychiatric diagnosis." My clients come from many backgrounds - they are children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families - and are dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, women’s issues, anger management, ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder, addiction issues, couples therapy, and working through LGBTQ+ issues. I partner with my clients in the change process and empower them through using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and other tailored approaches.
One in a Million
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CADC, CTTP
Verified Verified
Waukegan, IL 60085
Hola! My name is Sonia and I am a bilingual trauma therapist, fluent in both Spanish and in English. I am culturally sensitive and have had history in the lower economic side of the spectrum. Because of this, I do my best to reach those that feel misunderstood like I once did. No need to change your language or terminology. Just say what you have to say. Let’s work today for a better tomorrow.
Hola! My name is Sonia and I am a bilingual trauma therapist, fluent in both Spanish and in English. I am culturally sensitive and have had history in the lower economic side of the spectrum. Because of this, I do my best to reach those that feel misunderstood like I once did. No need to change your language or terminology. Just say what you have to say. Let’s work today for a better tomorrow.
I'm Eden, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-compassion, and race-related stress.
I'm Eden, a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at DePaul University. I have experience working with children, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, low self-compassion, and race-related stress.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, CATP, CCTP
Verified Verified
Troy, IL 62294 (Online Only)
My mission is to provide the highest quality mental health care in a compassionate and culturally sensitive way to help individuals, groups, and families achieve their personal goals. I use client-centered and evidence-based approaches to address the unique needs of my clients and work collaboratively to help each client to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I specialize in treating a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD/ trauma, and stress management and provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I tailor treatment to your specific needs and enjoy helping and empowering youth and young adults.
My mission is to provide the highest quality mental health care in a compassionate and culturally sensitive way to help individuals, groups, and families achieve their personal goals. I use client-centered and evidence-based approaches to address the unique needs of my clients and work collaboratively to help each client to achieve a healthy, balanced lifestyle. I specialize in treating a variety of areas such as anxiety, depression, PTSD/ trauma, and stress management and provide services to children, adolescents, and adults. I tailor treatment to your specific needs and enjoy helping and empowering youth and young adults.
Samantha L Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, ALMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611 (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 with anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms, including competing with your negative self-talk? Are you noticing that you are struggling to be vulnerable with those around you? As your therapist, we will explore the societal expectations and pressures that are suspending your growth; discover the parts of yourself that feel too vulnerable to say out loud to others; and recognize the stressors in your life and identify tools to manage them.
As an LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, and social justice focused therapist, I am equipped to explore your areas of concern.
Are you struggling with anxiety symptoms or depressive symptoms, including competing with your negative self-talk? Are you noticing that you are struggling to be vulnerable with those around you? As your therapist, we will explore the societal expectations and pressures that are suspending your growth; discover the parts of yourself that feel too vulnerable to say out loud to others; and recognize the stressors in your life and identify tools to manage them.
I believe therapy is a journey of healing, understanding one’s self and creating ways to overcome challenges together. My clinical approach includes being supportive, collaborative, understanding each individual’s unique experience and creating a warm, safe and non-judgmental space. I embrace diversity, authenticity and am committed to being culturally sensitive and sex and gender affirming. I approach therapy from a variety of perspectives to accommodate needs of each individual using psychodynamic, process oriented, feminist, decolonizing therapy, social justice and multicultural models.
I believe therapy is a journey of healing, understanding one’s self and creating ways to overcome challenges together. My clinical approach includes being supportive, collaborative, understanding each individual’s unique experience and creating a warm, safe and non-judgmental space. I embrace diversity, authenticity and am committed to being culturally sensitive and sex and gender affirming. I approach therapy from a variety of perspectives to accommodate needs of each individual using psychodynamic, process oriented, feminist, decolonizing therapy, social justice and multicultural models.
I practice with a culturally sensitive lens and value a positive client-therapist relationship.
I believe that the beginning of a person’s healing journey starts with creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic space that can pave the way toward restorative growth. The foundation of my therapeutic work stems from understanding how life experiences and everyday stressors impact how we engage with the world. With an intentional focus on individuals’ stories, I use tools that aid in bottom-up trauma processing, including EMDR, through a relational approach, building greater awareness and insight.
I practice with a culturally sensitive lens and value a positive client-therapist relationship.
I believe that the beginning of a person’s healing journey starts with creating a safe, collaborative, and supportive therapeutic space that can pave the way toward restorative growth. The foundation of my therapeutic work stems from understanding how life experiences and everyday stressors impact how we engage with the world. With an intentional focus on individuals’ stories, I use tools that aid in bottom-up trauma processing, including EMDR, through a relational approach, building greater awareness and insight.
Dr Tamara L Tencer & Associates, PC
Psychologist, PsyD, APIT, PSYPACT
Verified Verified
Downers Grove, IL 60515
It is our pleasure to support you! We work through a culturally sensitive and socially aware lens.
Supervising since 2005, and a previous Director of Training with over 20 years of experience, I consider it a privilege to offer meaningful work for children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents, and families. Through a genuine caregiving, positive lens we provide support to others. Through the relationship-oriented, Inner Humanism approach, we offer an understanding of development across the lifespan. The care individuals receive is characterized by achieving an inner well-being and happiness that remains stable and conflict free regardless of life obstacles, family changes, and daily ups and downs.
It is our pleasure to support you! We work through a culturally sensitive and socially aware lens.
Supervising since 2005, and a previous Director of Training with over 20 years of experience, I consider it a privilege to offer meaningful work for children, adolescents, adults, couples, parents, and families. Through a genuine caregiving, positive lens we provide support to others. Through the relationship-oriented, Inner Humanism approach, we offer an understanding of development across the lifespan. The care individuals receive is characterized by achieving an inner well-being and happiness that remains stable and conflict free regardless of life obstacles, family changes, and daily ups and downs.
Shaysa Esther Villa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60605
As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that "gets it". This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.
As a modern therapist, I provide culturally sensitive and thoughtful therapy to help individuals and couples. I understand how hard it can be to find a therapist that seems relatable or trustworthy. I work particularly well with individuals navigating trauma, relationships, and identity looking for a therapist that "gets it". This may be an overwhelming point in your life, but pursuing psychotherapy can be one of the most transformative experiences you can take to heal & grow.
Through a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens, I attempt to provide safety to process thoughts and patterns.
I have worked with a variety of clients, including those that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relational issues and trauma. My hope is to be able to help those who are experiencing difficulties to find ways to cultivate change and address their issues in a non-judgmental and safe environment.
Through a trauma informed and culturally sensitive lens, I attempt to provide safety to process thoughts and patterns.
I have worked with a variety of clients, including those that have experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relational issues and trauma. My hope is to be able to help those who are experiencing difficulties to find ways to cultivate change and address their issues in a non-judgmental and safe environment.
Lisha Patel
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor , MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Evanston, IL 60201 (Online Only)
I support children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My expertise extends to individuals from South Asian communities, providing culturally sensitive care that acknowledges and respects their backgrounds. My clients seek to understand their emotions, manage symptoms, improve relationships, and achieve personal growth. I aim to help them find balance, build resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives through empathetic and effective therapeutic approaches.
I support children, adolescents, adults, and families dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and personality disorders. My expertise extends to individuals from South Asian communities, providing culturally sensitive care that acknowledges and respects their backgrounds. My clients seek to understand their emotions, manage symptoms, improve relationships, and achieve personal growth. I aim to help them find balance, build resilience, and lead more fulfilling lives through empathetic and effective therapeutic approaches.
Mandy Yingzi Zhang
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60637 (Online Only)
I'm passionate about working with individuals to address issues such as emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, cultural conflict, trauma, stress management, and life transitions. As an Asian therapist, I have extensive experience working with different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and others in marginalized communities. I aim to bring mental health services to underserved communities in a linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. With my friendly and humble personality, I establish a compassionate, comfortable and safe space for my client to be where they are.
I'm passionate about working with individuals to address issues such as emotional regulation, self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, cultural conflict, trauma, stress management, and life transitions. As an Asian therapist, I have extensive experience working with different generations of Asian immigrants, multicultural individuals, and others in marginalized communities. I aim to bring mental health services to underserved communities in a linguistically appropriate and culturally sensitive manner. With my friendly and humble personality, I establish a compassionate, comfortable and safe space for my client to be where they are.
See more therapy options for Illinois
Culturally Sensitive Therapists
How does culturally sensitive therapy work?
A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.
How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?
Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?
While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.
Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?
Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.