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find the support you need to be your authentic self
SerVIcEs
Are you struggling to find a therapist that understands your gender identity or sexuality?
Are you LGBTQ+ but don't want your therapist to focus on your gender or sexuality?
Do you need support in figuring out what's working and what's not in your life?
Finding a space in this world where you feel truly seen, understood, and supported can be daunting, especially for us LGBTQ folks. Finding an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who recognizes your struggles along with your joy shouldn't have to be.
The Affirmation Counseling Project’s primary goals are to celebrate your authenticity and support the achievement of your unique goals. My experience primarily specializes in providing LGBTQ affirming therapy for individuals, couples, and families who are exploring gender identity or sexuality, and/or are impacted by LGBTQ+ issues. I offer in-person or online therapy, coaching, and consultation.
I know it's a big deal to take your first step towards healing and I welcome you. Let's chat.
sPeciaLTiES
Feminist Therapy
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Trauma Informed
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Gender Identity Exploration
Sexuality Exploration
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Substance Use
Employment Counseling
Parent and Child Communication
THeRApEUtIc aPproACh
As a queer-identified and intersectional therapist, I want to help you figure out your authentic self and how to thrive. I'm here to support you as you get curious about your past, present, and future.
Therapy is a collaborative project where we take our time to find goals and take reasonable steps toward them. Creating a trusting, authentic relationship is critical to providing space for reflection and change in counseling. I deeply admire, respect, and affirm my clients. I believe you are who you are supposed to be.
I take an integrative mindfulness based approach with a foundation in strengths-based feminist therapy. I work with clients to explore and tap into their body, feelings, thoughts. We will explore your body sensations and work towards connecting these to your feelings and thoughts.
I help clients discover their natural resiliency and figure out how they can best support themselves through challenges. I also focus on building community that makes you feel safe and supported. I help my clients give themselves permission to explore their identities and anxieties in a safe, affirming environment.
I'm Carolyn
As a queer woman, I recognize the difficulties of finding a therapist who understands and affirms the complexities of your gender and sexuality. I want to make you feel seen, understood, and celebrated. I specialize in LGBTQ+ identities, anxiety, depression, and trauma using a queer and multicultural framework. My style is warm and engaging which allows us to work together towards sustainable change.
I have been in the mental health field for 15 years and working with the LGBTQ+ population for 12. I work with the San Francisco Bay Area group of mental health professionals, Mind the Gap, on best practices for working with transgender and gender expansive youth. I have worked with Gender Spectrum, a national educational organization that specializes in creating gender inclusive environments in schools and communities. In the past, I worked with The Center of Excellence for Transgender Excellence. Most recently, I was a clinical director at a local group practice that specialized in gender and sex therapy for LGBTQ clients.
Licensed Professional Counselor (Illinois License #178.013852)
National Certified Counselor
MA in Sexuality Studies from San Francisco State University
MS in Counseling (Marriage, Family, and Child Speciality) from San Francisco State University
Mind the Gap Member
APA Member
FaQ
Insurance & payment options
Currently, I accept BCBS PPO and United Health Care insurance plants.
The Out of Pocket Rate is $150
For out of network benefits, I can create a superbill for your insurance provider.
In-person & telehealth information
In person: Come see me in person in Andersonville! My office is located at 5347 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640.
Telehealth: Online therapy and coaching provides a flexible, cost effective way to achieve your goals. Although less traditional than sitting in the same room as your therapist, many people are becoming more familiar and comfortable interacting with people through video chat platforms. To participate in online services, you need to have access to an internet connection and a confidential space.
What is the difference between counseling, coaching, and consultation?
Counseling is a collaboration between therapist and client that focuses on empowerment and healing. If you are struggling with a specific issue like anxiety or depression, counseling helps you explore this in an in depth way. During our counseling sessions, we will take time to explore your concerns and establish concrete goals on how to overcome your specific challenges.
Coaching taps into your potential to thrive within your life and works towards specific goals in a structured, highly motivated way. Rather than looking at a particular psychological or emotional concern you are facing, coaching works to make your existing life optimal.
Consultation: Are you a service provider with an LGBTQ+ client and need additional support or more ideas of how to give the best treatment possible? I work with therapists, social workers, and medical providers to figure out the best approach for helping your client. If you a parent of a LGBTQ child, you found the right place. I offer consultations to figure out the best resources and care plan for you and your family.
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