Jess London-Shields, LSW

I have worked with individuals of all ages who have experienced various forms of trauma and loss, queer, trans*, poly & kinky folx, artists, adolescents exploring issues of identity, gender, and self-esteem, as well as folx looking to address relational issues.

If you have a story to tell, a problem to figure out, a relationship you wish was different, or a feeling that’s difficult or overwhelming, I can help. Many clients I see may feel “different” or invalidated by society at large, due to identity, gender, race, their body, who they love, or how many they love.

I work to build a strong relationship that is affirming of who you are.  Where we can explore, without judgment, what’s working and what’s not working, your strengths and areas of tenderness, and what’s known and unknown.

None of us can be summed up with a single story; sometimes we forget our inner diversity. Often our complexities of self are not well  recognized or honored in the places and capacities in which we spend our days. In therapy, we can work to explore and integrate those complexities, histories, and fractured parts, to benefit from their wisdom and move forward in new ways.

EDUCATION & pROFESSIONAL mEMBERSHIP

Jess London-Shields, LSW holds a Masters’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, as well as a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from DePaul University’s Theatre School.  Jess has a background in the performing arts as well as grassroots non-profit creation and management. In 2014, Jess co-founded {she crew}, a non-profit providing healing spaces and expressive platforms for adolescent girls and gender expansive youth throughout the city.  Before joining LifeWorks, Jess provided therapy in private practice and community mental health settings.

Jess has trained at the following locations:

The University of Chicago
Depaul University

Jess is a member of:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Kink & Poly Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT)

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