LGB Therapy

LGB Therapy

Affirming therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and couples

You don’t need a therapist who “tolerates” your identity. You need someone who celebrates it.

Maybe you’re navigating coming out, to yourself, your family, or your community. Maybe you’re in a same-sex relationship and struggling with the same conflicts straight couples face, but you need a therapist who actually gets the unique pressures you’re under. Maybe you’re bisexual and tired of feeling invisible in both straight and queer spaces.

LGB therapy isn’t about “fixing” who you are. It’s about helping you navigate identity exploration, relationship challenges, family dynamics, internalized shame, and the exhausting work of existing in a world that doesn’t always affirm your love or your identity.

I provide affirming, non-judgmental therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals and couples in Chicago. Whether you’re exploring your identity, navigating a same-sex relationship, healing from rejection, or simply need support from someone who gets it, I’m here.

Your sexual orientation isn't the problem. The problem is navigating a world that hasn't always made space for you.

Maybe you're struggling with...

Coming out and terrified of losing the people you love

You know who you are, but saying it out loud feels impossible. You're afraid your family will reject you, your friends will pull away, or your life will never be the same.

Internalized homophobia or shame about your identity

You've spent years absorbing messages that who you are is wrong. Even though you intellectually know it's not true, you can't shake the shame.

Navigating a same-sex relationship with no roadmap

You love your partner, but you're figuring out relationship dynamics without the models straight couples have. Plus, you're dealing with external pressures they'll never understand.

Being bisexual and feeling invalidated

You're "not gay enough" for queer spaces and "not straight enough" for straight spaces. Your identity feels constantly questioned or dismissed.

Family rejection or conditional acceptance

Your family "accepts" you but won't talk about your partner. Or they've cut you off completely. Either way, it hurts.

Religious or cultural conflict with identity

Your faith or cultural background taught you that being LGB is wrong. You're torn between honoring your roots and honoring yourself.

And now the question you're here to answer...
Can my relationships thrive despite the external pressure?

Yes, and therapy can help you get there.

What LGB Therapy in Chicago Looks Like

Working With a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois

LGB therapy is a space where your identity is not just accepted, it’s celebrated.

Session 1-2: Assessment & Creating Safety
We’ll explore what brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping to achieve. I’ll make it clear from the start: your sexual orientation is not the problem. We’re here to address the challenges you face because of how the world responds to your identity. By the end of session 2, you’ll have clarity on what we’re working on.

Session 3-8: Exploring Identity & Internalized Shame
If you’re struggling with internalized homophobia or shame, we’ll work on identifying where those messages came from and how to replace them with self-acceptance. If you’re navigating coming out, we’ll create a plan that honors your timeline and safety.

Session 9-20: Building Skills & Navigating Relationships
Whether it’s improving communication in your same-sex relationship, setting boundaries with family, or navigating workplace dynamics, we’ll build practical strategies. You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself, manage minority stress, and create the life you deserve.

Session 20+: Integration & Maintenance
As things improve, we shift to less frequent sessions, every other week, then monthly check-ins. The goal is to help you live authentically and confidently without needing ongoing therapy.

What Makes LGB Therapy With Me Different?

Your Identity Is Celebrated, Not Just Tolerated

I don’t see your sexual orientation as something to “work around” or “manage.” It’s a beautiful part of who you are, and I honor that in every session.

I Understand Minority Stress

I’m trained in understanding how external homophobia, discrimination, and rejection impact mental health. We don’t just address symptoms, we address the root causes.

I Get the Nuances

Same-sex relationships aren’t just “like straight relationships.” Bisexual identity isn’t just “half gay, half straight.” I understand the specific challenges each identity faces.

I Won't Push You

Coming out is YOUR decision, on YOUR timeline. I’ll never pressure you to come out before you’re ready. Therapy is about creating safety and clarity, not following someone else’s agenda.

Areas of Focus in LGB Therapy in Chicago

Identity Exploration

Relationship Support

Who LGB Therapy is for

LGB Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About LGB Therapy in Chicago

Absolutely not. Many clients come to therapy precisely because they’re exploring their identity or figuring out whether/how to come out. Your sexual orientation and disclosure choices are private, I won’t out you to anyone.

That’s completely okay. Therapy is a safe space to explore questions about your sexual orientation without pressure to label yourself or come to conclusions before you’re ready.

Yes. I work with bisexual individuals navigating partner insecurity, assumptions, or erasure. Whether you’re in a same-sex or different-sex relationship, your bisexual identity is valid.

Therapy can help you grieve that loss while building a life that feels full and meaningful. Some families come around eventually; others don’t. Either way, you deserve support navigating the pain.

Absolutely. I provide couples therapy for lesbian and gay partnerships, addressing communication, intimacy, conflict resolution, and the unique pressures same-sex couples face.

You’re not alone. Many people come out in their 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond. Late-in-life coming out has unique challenges (marriages, children, established careers), and I provide support navigating that transition.

Most clients see meaningful progress within 6 months (approximately 24 sessions for individuals, 12-24 for couples). We check in regularly to assess progress and adjust as needed.

Yes! I provide secure online therapy throughout Illinois. Many clients prefer online sessions for convenience and flexibility.

I accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and other major insurers. Contact me to verify your specific plan coverage.

While I’m affirming of all identities, my formal training is specifically in working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. For transgender or nonbinary clients, I’m happy to provide referrals to therapists with specialized training in gender identity.

LGB Therapy Services areas in Chicago and Illinois

in-person and online options throughout Illinois.

In-Person Therapy Locations

Hyde Park

Friday 10 AM – 8 PM
Saturday 9 AM – 3 PM
1525 East 53rd Street
Suite 433
Chicago, IL 60615
Parking: Paid parking available behind Akira and paid street parking.
Public Transit: CTA and Metra

Downtown

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
11 AM – 8 PM
125 South Wacker Drive
Suite 308
Chicago, IL 60606
Parking: Paid street parking or multiple public garages..
Public Transit: CTA & Metra.

Book an Appointment!

Whether you’re navigating relationship struggles, identity questions, trauma recovery, or generational patterns you’re ready to break, I’m here to help. Fill out the form, and I will reach out to you as soon as I can.

Locations I serve

Chicago Neighborhoods I Serve:

Hyde Park, Kenwood, Woodlawn, South Shore, Bronzeville, Oakland, The Loop, West Loop, South Loop, River North, Near North Side, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Logan Square, Bucktown, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Chinatown, Little Italy, University Village, Near West Side, Ukrainian Village, Humboldt Park, Avondale, Albany Park, North Center, Roscoe Village, Andersonville, Edgewater, Uptown, Rogers Park, Beverly, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Pullman, Roseland

Chicago Suburbs & Cook County Areas:

Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glenview, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn, Cicero, Maywood, Melrose Park, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Forest

Extended Illinois Areas (Online Therapy):

Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Bolingbrook, Elgin, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Buffalo Grove, Wheaton, Downers Grove, Lombard, Carol Stream, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, Urbana, Bloomington, Normal, Decatur, Carbondale