Trans, Gender Diverse, and Intersex

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

• Becca McCormic, MA
• Danielle Carlson, LMFT, Clinical Director, Clinical Supervisor
• Essie Shachar-Hill, LCSW, Programs Manager
• Kurt Kiswaled, LSW
• Laura Andrea Santos, Ph.D.
• Mars Vallon, MSW
• Mickala Randby, LCSW
• Nancy Magali Quiroz, MSMFT

Information for Change of Name Services

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

• UIC School of Law pro bono trans legal services brochure (PDF)
• Name Change Checklist (PDF), via UIC School of Law
• Transformative Justice Law Project (TJLP) pro bono name change mobilization intake sheet
• For Cook County, IL, Change of Name Proceedings information and requirements

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.