LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy for Gay Men in Chicago and Online in Illinois & California

Why Gay Men Seek Therapy​

Many gay men come to therapy having carried silent struggles for years. You might appear “high-functioning” or successful on the outside, but underneath, feel disconnected, anxious, or emotionally alone.

Common reasons gay men seek therapy include:

• Anxiety, chronic stress, or panic attacks

• Shame and perfectionism rooted in early rejection

• Difficulty forming or maintaining intimate relationships

• Sexual trauma, body image concerns, or internalized homophobia

• Identity confusion, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome

• Navigating masculinity and queer identity

• Grief, loneliness, or family estrangement

These challenges often trace back to experiences of attachment trauma, emotional neglect, societal shame, or bullying—wounds that run deep and require more than surface-level support.

 

A Trauma-Informed, Queer-Affirming Approach

You deserve therapy that honors your full identity and lived experience. I specialize in supporting gay men through a lens that is relational, body-based, and deeply affirming.

 

My approach blends:

🌀 Internal Family Systems (IFS) – We explore the different parts of you, including inner critics or protectors, and work toward healing with self-compassion rather than shame.

👁️ EMDR Therapy – To process past trauma and rewire distressing patterns stuck in the nervous system.

🧠 Somatic Therapy – Because healing doesn’t just happen in your mind. Together we work with the body to release stored emotion and reestablish regulation and connection.

 

Rather than “fixing” you, this work is about helping you reclaim your wholeness and reestablish trust in your body, identity, and emotions.

 

Healing from Shame, Trauma, and Disconnection

Many gay men struggle with shame, feeling like they’re never quite “enough.” This shame often comes from years of internalized messages about who you’re supposed to be. Therapy can help you unlearn these messages and connect more deeply with your authentic self.

The result? Greater emotional freedom, more satisfying relationships, and a felt sense of belonging in your own body and life.

​

Benefits of LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy

Therapy that’s attuned to your identity can lead to powerful growth and relief. Clients often experience:

• Greater emotional clarity and resilience

• Improved relationships with partners, friends, and family

• Healing from shame, grief, or internalized judgment

• More ease in expressing needs, boundaries, and desires

• A stronger, more grounded sense of self

 

Being truly seen and supported is a powerful part of the healing process—and it’s at the heart of what I offer.

​

In-Person Therapy in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood

I offer in-person sessions at my Chicago office in Lakeview, easily accessible from Boystown, Lincoln Park, Uptown, Andersonville, and Ravenswood. This neighborhood is at the heart of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and offers a comfortable, affirming space for your healing work.

​

Online Therapy for Gay Men in Illinois & California (Including Los Angeles)

If you're located outside Chicago or prefer the convenience of remote sessions, I offer secure, virtual therapy for residents of Illinois and California, including Los Angeles. Many clients appreciate the flexibility of online therapy and find it just as effective for deep healing work.

 

What You Can Expect in Our Work Together

✔️ Free 20-minute Consultation – Let's connect to see if it feels like a good therapeutic fit.
✔️ Customized Therapy – Tailored to your goals and needs, using IFS, EMDR, and somatic approaches.
✔️ Safe, Affirming Space – No need to explain or justify your identity—I see you.
✔️ Lasting Change – We’ll focus not just on coping, but on true healing and reconnection to yourself.

 

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?  

As a gay-affirming therapist in Chicago, I’m here to help you reconnect with your body, your story, and your sense of self-worth. If you're ready to move forward, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.

 

Take the first step today. 

Reach out now to schedule your free consultation with a trauma therapist in Chicago who truly understands your journey.