Chicago LGBT Queer Affirming Therapist
We are honored to provide a supportive, caring and safe identity-affirming therapy to LGBTQ people in the Chicago area. For over 20 years, our Northside counselors have proudly worked with people in the queer community.
At 2SC, we understand that LGBTQ and queer individuals have unique identities and lived experiences. Our counselors understand the history and unique issues that impact LGBTQ people, partly because some of our therapists are “out”.
2nd Story Counseling has been instrumental in the state of Illinois in supporting queer issues, including advocating for and helping to pass the same sex marriage act that was introduced to the Illinois General Assembly in 2014.
LGBTQ Affirming Therapy in Chicago
Our Chicago therapists provide LGBTQ affirming counseling because many have a lived experience of the queer experience. If you identify as LGBTQ, know that we honor and celebrate your gender and sexual identity.
Our queer affirming therapists make it their priority to make you feel safe, heard, validated, and respected.
Here are just a few of the issues our LGBTQ affirming counselors work with:
- Guilt and shame
- Gay loneliness
- Identity exploration
- Anxiety [see our anxiety services page]
- Coming out issues
- Kink, leather, and rubber
- Sex positive therapy
- Couples’ issues, open relationships, and polyamorous
What’s important that you know is this: The direction of therapy is entirely up to you. In other words, you may be seeing one of our counselors that aren’t connected to being LGBTQ but desire a place where you don’t have to edit yourself.
All of this is to say that when you make an appointment with a 2SC therapist, you drive the agenda. Your goals are our goals.
Our Chicago therapists are LGBTQ affirming and proud!
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
BIPOC and Minority Stress
BIPOC stands for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is an acronym used to highlight the unique experiences and challenges faced by these communities, recognizing the intersecting forms of oppression and systemic racism they often encounter.
This is particularly true for LGBTQ persons who also happen to identify with the BIPOC community.
Minority stress, as mentioned earlier, refers to the chronic stress and adversity experienced by individuals who belong to marginalized or stigmatized groups.
This concept can be applied to BIPOC individuals, as they face specific stressors related to their racial and ethnic identities. These stressors can have profound effects on their mental and physical well-being.
BIPOC individuals may encounter various sources of minority stress, including:
Racism and Discrimination: Racism can take many forms, such as overt acts of racism, systemic racism, institutional discrimination, racial profiling, and microaggressions. These experiences can lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and psychological distress.
Racial Identity Development: BIPOC individuals may face challenges related to their racial identity development, as they navigate societal expectations, stereotypes, and pressures associated with their racial or ethnic backgrounds. This process can involve internal conflicts, identity confusion, and a need to reconcile multiple cultural influences.
Socioeconomic Disparities: BIPOC communities often face socioeconomic disparities, including lower access to quality education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and affordable housing. These inequalities can contribute to financial stress, limited resources, and reduced overall well-being.
Intersecting Identities: Intersectionality recognizes that individuals hold multiple social identities, and the combination of these identities can result in unique experiences and stressors. For example, BIPOC individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ may face additional stress due to the intersecting forms of racism and homophobia/transphobia.
Addressing minority stress among BIPOC communities requires an understanding of the systemic factors that contribute to these stressors. It involves creating safe and inclusive spaces, promoting social justice, and dismantling oppressive structures.
Additionally, culturally sensitive therapy, support networks, and advocacy efforts can help individuals cope with and overcome the effects of minority stress, empowering them to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
How To Find a LGBT Affirming Therapist in Chicago
If you are looking for a queer affirming therapist, you have definitely landed on the right page. Our Lakeview counselors and therapists want to be your helper on whatever your journey might be.
You can make an appointment to work with a therapist in person or remotely through confidential telehealth sessions.