Counseling and Support for Black, Indigenous, People of Color in Chicago
Representation matters
Have you ever felt that your mental health therapy was limited because your therapist had an over-simplified understanding of your family, their expectations and values, your community, your people’s history or the specific cultural influences that shape you?
- Do you worry that a white therapist will not appreciate the nuances of your ethnic and racial identities?
- Or, will not know how to respond to specific traditions, practices or holidays?
- Do you have the feeling that your therapist may not have the same idea of healing as you?
- Do you dread the thought of your white therapist being awkwardly out of step with your speech, language or sense of humor?
- Or, that your therapist will subtly pull you toward white standards and values?
We understand that the intersectionality of culture, race, and ethnicity can significantly impact mental health experiences. Black, Arab, Asian, Indigenous, and Latino/a/x people have many reasonable concerns about talking to white therapists about their experiences of racial trauma and oppression. Sometimes, as a Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), we are afraid that we will be misunderstood, re-injured or traumatized by white therapists trying to be helpful. Or, we may be concerned that we will have to educate our white therapist about our identities and the histories of our families and people.
If you identify with or are facing challenges related to issues impacting BIPOC or marginalized communities, we can help.
LifeWorks Psychotherapy Center is rooted in a deep belief in the value of diversity for ourselves, our families, our communities and our world.
Lifeworks clinicians have years of experience working transitions, issues and conflicts related to relationships and marginalized identities. This includes communities largely unsupported by society such as LQBTQIA, open relationships, kink, sex work, and more. We also welcome and counsel individuals struggling with the issues associated with being spiritual, racial, cultural and ethnic minorities.
Empowering BIPOC: Culturally Responsive Mental Health Therapy
Successful therapy outcomes are dependent on the relationship between you and your therapist. We all need and want to find a therapist who understands who we are multi-dimensionally, who shares some aspect of our racial or ethnic identity or has a similar experience of marginalization and discrimination. Working with a therapist of color that you can identify with, may also help you to let your guard down a bit and enter the therapeutic relationship in a more complete way. Therapy can still be challenging, and you may still have differences with your therapist. Seeing something of your own identity and experience in your therapist as you work together may ease some of the stress and uncertainty you have.
Creating a safe and inclusive space for Black, Arab, Asian, Indigenous, and Latinx/a/o individuals
At LifeWorks, Black, Latinx/a/o and Arab therapists bring important resonance, awareness and cultural knowledge to their work with clients from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. LifeWorks’ therapists can recognize and name experiences of marginalization, racism and oppression that clients may encounter in their families, communities, places of work and worship, schools, media and beyond.
Our therapists can help you to identify the impacts of systemic racism and ethnic oppression as separate from the psychological struggles of being human – this alone can bring relief and space to simply be in yourself for a moment, to breath and take time.
Therapy should be a place where you can heal from difficulties, recover from micro-aggressions and find strength to care for yourself while moving towards wholeness.
Start down the path to greater joy and satisfaction.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
LifeWorks supports the establishment of diversity, equity and inclusivity in its culture and practice. Applicants of all ages, ethnicities, spiritual practices and religious traditions, genders and sexual orientations, black and indigenous people, persons of color and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply for open positions.
A Word about Umbrella Terms
Umbrellas provide shade, shelter, and protection. They also serve as a symbol of power and dignity. (Umbrella terms, as an extension, are designed to cover a broad category of groups. BIPOC and LGBTQ+, two of the most well-known and frequently used umbrella terms, have power.) We acknowledge that they also have limitations and are imperfect. Umbrellas can help people feel included and also leave people feeling left out. We have used them here because they have recognition value and we also have named others who are not explicitly acknowledged by the umbrella terms available at this time in an effort to include the multiplicity of ethnic and racial identities with which people identify.
At Lifeworks we are committed to healing: to healing people, communities and the earth from violence and all forms of social injustice. In our mission, we acknowledge that the community in which we serve sits on the colonized land of the Anishinaabe Alliance of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawami, often referred to as the Council of Three Fires.
We acknowledge that the spirits of the original people pass through us on our city streets and the healing wisdom traditions of the indigenous people are part of our human heritage- which we honor. As such, we make every attempt to recognize the deep wounds and atrocities committed against the original people of this land.
What We Do
Taking meaningful steps towards growth.
Our Approaches
Develop your inner and outer relationships.
Who We Are
Explore clinicians’ personal statements and credentials.
Getting Started in Therapy
Intake process, fees, and accepted insurance.
Therapy and Support Groups
Learn more about support and therapy group offerings.
Locations
LifeWorks has three convenient locations: Skokie, Lakeview, and Chicago Loop.