Inclusive Therapy for Trans Folks

Therapy for Trans, Genderqueer, Nonbinary, Intersex and Gender Expansive Folks in Chicago

LifeWorks welcomes trans, genderqueer,  gender non-conforming, gender diverse, nonbinary, and intersex individuals (as well as anyone with an LGBTQIA identity) seeking a trans-affirming therapy space. Some clients want help addressing questions about gender identity, expression and presentation, the transition process, inner conflicts, relationship issues, or concerns about families, places of work, and communities. Other trans clients seek therapy for issues unrelated to gender, but who are seeking a space in which they will not need to educate their clinician or have their identities pathologized.

If you are in crisis, or if you or someone you know needs immediate support following an assault or rape, please contact a crisis hotline for immediate assistance.

We’re here to help.

If you identify with or are a member of these communities and are struggling with related or other issues, contact us today to see how a LifeWorks therapist can help.

Or, call us at (847) 568-1100 

Understanding and Support

Our practice is rooted in a deep belief in the value of diversity for ourselves, our families, our clients, our communities and our world. Clinicians at LifeWorks strive to understand and support individuals facing various issues, challenges and beliefs including, but not limited to, the following:

  • distinguishing issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and presentation
  • navigating transitions
  • family of origin conflicts, concerns and problems
  • difficulties and fears related to dating and intimate relationships
  • navigating the intersections of gender and race or culture
  • specific issues and risks faced by trans, queer and gender diverse youth
  • the effects of stigma (i.e., prejudice, discrimination, and violence) toward trans, queer and gender diverse people
  • the perception that persons identifying as trans, queer or gender diverse are inherently mentally ill
  • the belief that gender is fixed and biologically-determined
  • previous experiences with therapists who lacked knowledge of or who held biases against trans and gender diverse people
  • conditions in the world (extended family, school, work, religious organizations, community and legislation) that are hostile to, devalue or do not recognize trans and gender diverse individuals as equal to cisgender individuals deserving all the same rights and considerations

While some social attitudes are changing, many trans and gender-diverse people are still encountering and healing from stigma, harassment, discrimination, violence, and the wounds inflicted by a society that wasn’t created for them. If you are someone who wants support to work through these or other issues, please give us a call at 847-568-1100.

Trans and Gender Diverse Therapists

Information for Change of Name Services

Guidance for those needing to change their names on identity documents.

Overview of process:

  • The form “Petition for Change of Name” gets filed with the County Clerk
  • The hearing is scheduled
  • The petitioner runs their legal/dead name in the newspaper for 3 consecutive weeks
  • The hearing is held and judgment conferred

For instance, If using Transformative Justice Law Project (TJLP): TJLP will set up a brief meeting with the petitioner to go over paperwork and help set up an account with the court record system. TJLP organizes and puts the petitioner in touch with those who will help to set-up running the petitioner’s name in the newspaper. TJLP gets the petition and associated paperwork ready and the petitioner signs and sends it back to TJLP who then files it and communicates back the hearing date.

Resources & Support

External links and hotlines for more information and support:

  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
    Hotline for trans people staffed by trans people
  • GLBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564
    Hotline with peer-counseling and local resources
  • GLBT National Youth Talk Line: 1-800-246-7743
    Hotline for youth (up to age 25) with peer-counseling and local resources.
  • Mental Health: qtpocmentalhealth@gmail.com
    Online support group for QTPOC including resources and articles
  • Online Peer Support Chat, http://www.glnh.org/
    Online chat for LGBTQ+ peer counseling
  • Name Change Resources Guidance for those needing to change their names on identity documents.
  • Trevor Project Chat
    Online chat and texting service for suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24)
    http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
    1-888-843-4564
  • Trans Teens Online Talk Group
    Weekly moderated group for trans teens ages 12-19 // Wednesdays 4-6 PM PST
    http://www.glnh.org/
  • Trevor Project Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
    Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth (ages 13-24)

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We're here to help.

At LifeWorks, we can provide a combination of support, understanding and therapy to help you. Call us at (847) 568-1100 today to talk someone about your experience. Or, use the button below to reach out:

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