LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Auburn Gresham, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Auburn Gresham. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
LGBTQ+ Issues
Dr. Sam Macy
Psychologist, PsyD
As an LGBT-affirmative therapist, my goals are to gain a textured and holistic understanding of peoples' salient identities, while promoting empowerment and authentic living.
16 Years Experience
In-Person Near Auburn Gresham, IL
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+ Issues
Gemstone Wellness, Inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, LCPC, LCSW, LPC
At Gemstone Wellness, LGBTQIA2S+ therapy is not framed as helping you “figure yourself out” in isolation—it is about understanding your identity in the full context of your life, your relationships, and the systems you’ve had to navigate. We recognize that exploring sexual orientation and gender identity can be expansive and liberating, while also complex, disorienting, and at times deeply painful. Therapy creates space for all of that to exist at once, without pressure to define, label, or resolve it prematurely.
Our practice is queer-led, and many of our therapists share lived experience within LGBTQIA2S+ communities. All clinicians are deeply trained in affirming care, meaning you won’t need to educate your therapist, defend your identity, or filter your experience to be understood. If working with a queer therapist is important to you, we prioritize that in our matching process, because we believe safety and resonance are foundational to meaningful work.
We approach this work through a trauma-informed, culturally aware lens. Living outside of dominant norms often comes with chronic stress—navigating visibility, safety, family systems, religion, and broader societal messaging that can invalidate or pathologize difference. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, shame, disconnection, or a sense of fragmentation. Therapy helps contextualize these experiences so they are no longer carried as personal failures, but understood as adaptive responses to real environments.
Our work often includes exploring the intersection of identity with relationships, intimacy, and community. This may involve navigating coming out, questioning or evolving identity, processing internalized stigma, or building relationships that feel aligned and authentic. We also support clients in non-traditional relationship structures, offering care that is explicitly affirming of queer, trans, polyamorous, and kink communities.
What distinguishes Gemstone Wellness is the relational experience of therapy itself. Sessions are collaborative, engaged, and human. We are not neutral observers of your identity—we are active, curious, and attuned participants in your process. There is room for uncertainty, for humor, for grief, and for growth.
The goal is not to arrive at a fixed definition of who you are. It is to build a relationship with yourself that feels grounded, coherent, and free—so your identity becomes something you live, not something you have to prove.
10 Years Experience
In-Person Near Auburn Gresham, IL
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+ Issues
Ariana Marciniak
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ folks and people of color, holding space for the ways oppression, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers intersect with mental health. If you feel stuck between who you are and who the world tells you to be, you’re not alone.
3 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Dr. Aretha Steele (Mindful Healing Counseling)
Psychologist, PsyD
Hey! If you're navigating the unique challenges that come with being a part of the queer and LGBTQ+ community, we're here to offer a supportive space just for you. As a specialist, we understand the importance of embracing your identity and the hurdles that might come your way. Let's work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a judgment-free zone. Whether it's coming out, building self-acceptance, or facing societal pressures, we're here to help. Your journey matters, and we're dedicated to providing a safe space where you can be your authentic self. Let's team up to make your path one of self-discovery, empowerment, and pride. You're not alone, and we're honored to be part of your journey.
(Note: We have specific therapists who specialize in this area at our practice. See our website for more information)
17 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Mindful Healing Counseling
Psychologist, PsyD
When addressing LGBTQ+ issues, we provide a welcoming and affirming space where you can feel truly seen and understood. We recognize that navigating identity, relationships, and societal pressures can bring unique challenges, and our goal is to support you in a way that honors your individuality. By offering a compassionate ear and using inclusive, strengths-based approaches, we work together to address your concerns and celebrate your authentic self. Whether you’re seeking guidance on identity, facing discrimination, or just need a safe space to express yourself, we’re here to walk with you on your journey towards empowerment and self-acceptance.
16 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Elaine Flockerzi
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
I specialize in LGBT Issues, as evidenced by my professional training, licensing credentials, and years of experience working successfully in this area of treatment.
8 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Rachel Honaker, Depth Counseling Services
Counselor/Therapist, LPC
I am passionate about working in the LGBTQ+ community. Partially because of experience (I'm one of the Bs) and a desire to give back in honor of the support I have received. The stressors of being queer are many and varying, but they all deserve to be addressed in a safe place. Whatever your story so far, we can co-create a space for you to process your experience and feelings and work towards an integrated sense of well-being in yourself, your relationships, and your identity.
10 Years Experience
In-Person Near Auburn Gresham, IL
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+ Issues
Natalie A Shafer
Counselor/Therapist, MA, NCC, LPC
LGBTQ+ experiences are shaped by both personal identity and broader social contexts, which can impact safety, self-expression, and a sense of belonging. I approach this work with affirmation and respect, recognizing the importance of being seen and understood without judgment. Alongside our work together, I hold an advocacy-oriented perspective, supporting you in navigating challenges while honoring your identity and lived experience.
2 Years Experience
In-Person Near Auburn Gresham, IL
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois
LGBTQ+ Issues
Alignment Psychotherapy, PLLC
Psychologist, LP, PhD
We are committed to providing affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. As a queer-founded practice, we bring both professional expertise and lived understanding to the therapeutic relationship, allowing us to approach this work with authenticity, respect, and deep sensitivity. We recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals often navigate unique challenges, including stigma, discrimination, identity exploration, family dynamics, and the impact of systemic inequities. At the same time, we honor the resilience, creativity, and strength within queer communities. Our work is grounded in creating a space where clients feel seen, supported, and free to explore their identities without fear of judgment. Our approach is collaborative and tailored to each individual, integrating evidence-based practices with an awareness of the social and cultural contexts that shape our clients’ experiences. Whether clients are seeking support around identity, relationships, mental health concerns, or life transitions, we aim to provide care that is not only clinically effective, but also affirming of who they are. We are dedicated to fostering a therapeutic environment where LGBTQIA+ clients can build insight, develop coping tools, and move toward lives that feel more aligned, empowered, and meaningful.
3 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues
Gracie Orellano
Marriage and Family Therapist, ALMFT
As a queer individual and ally, I often use my experiences within today's culture to provide insight and create connection with my clients. This identity also informs me of how to help navigate challenges faced due to ongoing societal narratives. Things can get especially tough in this community when there aren't people who understand your perspective. I want to provide a space where my LGBT+ clients feel comfortable to be themselves and express their struggles.
2 Years Experience
Online in Auburn Gresham, IL Illinois (Online Only)
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Auburn Gresham, Illinois Statistics
LGBTQ+ Issues therapists in Auburn Gresham, Illinois average 16 years of experience and charge around $203 per session. 97% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (74%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (42%), and Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) (40%).
Average years in practice
16 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$203
Accept insurance
50%
Offer sliding scale
45%
Gender ID
| 50% |
Female |
|
| 35% |
Male |
|
| 9% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 6% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 59% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 38% |
Online Only |
|
| 3% |
In Person Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 74% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 42% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 40% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 37% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
| 37% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
| 35% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 35% | Multicultural Therapy |
Ages Served
| 97% | Adult |
| 72% | Young Adult |
| 59% | Senior |
| 51% | Teen |
| 26% | Children |
Client Focus
| 82% | LGBTQ+ |
| 64% | Women |
| 50% | Men |
| 33% | Hispanic / Latino |
| 32% | Persons with Disabilities |