Show up as you are.
Turn inward.
Come home to yourself.
One-on-one therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating identity, relationships, and the everyday weight of moving through the world as yourself. Grounded in mindfulness-based, identity-affirming care, we help you meet your inner world with curiosity instead of judgment.
We meet you with presence and curiosity, walking alongside you as you come to understand yourself more fully.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Navigating who you are in a world that does not always make space for it can be exhausting. Add ordinary, everyday life on top of that, and it is a lot to carry alone. You do not need the right words for it here. You only need to be willing to look at it.
Do you have to be in crisis to start therapy?
No. Therapy is not only for the breaking point. It is for anyone who wants to live with more clarity, steadiness, and compassion, including the ordinary, complicated work of living authentically. Maybe you are just starting to explore your identity. Maybe you have known who you are for years and are tired of translating yourself for other people.
You do not need to have it all figured out. You only need to be willing to take one step inward. That step, small as it may seem, is worth taking.
If you feel drawn even slightly, that may be enough to let it be your beginning.
What can LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy help with?
This space is not one-size-fits-all. Some people come while actively exploring their identity. Others come because they are tired of managing how they show up for everyone else. Wherever you are, this is a space built around you.
Tap what resonates with you.
Exploring identity
Making sense of who you are, at whatever pace feels right, without pressure to have it figured out.
Coming out, on your terms
Deciding what to share, with whom, and when, without anyone else's timeline.
Navigating family relationships
Working through complicated dynamics, and building the relationships, chosen or otherwise, that feel safe.
Community and belonging
Finding spaces, in person and in life, where you do not have to explain yourself.
Old wounds around being seen
Working through past experiences of rejection or invalidation, at a pace that feels safe.
Living in line with your values
Using ACT and mindfulness-based tools to build a life that reflects who you actually are.
Looking for support with something more specific?
What does mindfulness-based therapy look like in session?
We draw from evidence-based approaches built around the same idea: meeting your thoughts, feelings, and identity with curiosity instead of judgment.
Hover or tap a card to learn more.
ACT
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
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Learning to hold difficult thoughts and feelings more loosely, so they stop running the show, while moving toward the life you want to be living.
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MBCT
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
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Noticing the mind's familiar loops, the same worries on repeat, without getting pulled into them every time.
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MBSR
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
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Coming back to the body and the breath. A practice of softening reactivity and meeting stress with steadiness.
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How do I start therapy?
Starting therapy does not have to feel like a leap. The path forward is just three steps.
01
Fill Out the Form
This step is simple, share a few details so we can start checking your insurance benefits, gather therapist options and available times, and follow up to talk through how we can help.
02
A First Conversation
Your first conversation is a chance to share what brought you here and find the right LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist fit among our team. No pressure to have it all figured out beforehand.
03
Build the Work Together
From there, we draw from ACT, MBCT, and MBSR as they fit your needs, meeting at a pace that works for you.
Is this the right fit for you?
There is no single kind of person who walks through this door. Therapy here is built to flex around you.
Tap what fits your situation.
Every identity and expression is welcome here, exactly as you are.
Do we accept your insurance?
We are in-network with the following plans. If your insurance is not listed, we also offer sliding scale options, reach out and we will help you figure out what fits.
Have questions about coverage or cost? Reach out, we're happy to help.
What does it feel like to work with us?
Every therapist here brings extensive training in evidence-based, third-wave behavioral approaches, including ACT, DBT, MBCT, and MBSR, alongside a shared commitment to LGBTQIA+ affirming, identity-informed care.
What Clients Are Saying
Worked with Laura for several years and it is not an understatement to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She is incredibly skilled in her craft and created a safe yet challenging environment to explore and grow.
Gabrielle MurrayI've attended meditation group here and always appreciate the peaceful feeling that radiates through the space. Anuj and Laura are both kind and dedicated professionals.
Casey ClagueLaura is an amazing therapist and I really value the work we are doing. She is extremely knowledgeable and able to guide me in the right direction in a very skillful manner.
Adam KohenI absolutely adore my therapist Ethan, they have helped me deal with the issues going on in my life and I am truly happy with them.
John DerenoskiI recently started working with Anuj because I wanted to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into my therapeutic journey. His background in both western therapeutic methods and Buddhism is a great combination.
Tanya SonnaThis is my first time being in therapy and CIP made the process of getting set up easy and seamless. Been working with Kosta for the last two years, which has had such a profound impact on my life.
Ken JonesStill have questions?
How do I know if I need therapy? ⌄
There is no single sign that means you need therapy. If something feels off, whether it is persistent stress, a relationship pattern that keeps repeating, or simply wanting more clarity in your life, that is reason enough to explore it.
What is mindfulness-based therapy? ⌄
Mindfulness-based therapy blends traditional therapeutic techniques with mindfulness practices, helping you build awareness, presence, and acceptance. It supports emotional regulation and self-compassion alongside whatever else you are working through.
Are your therapists LGBTQIA+ affirming? ⌄
Yes. We warmly welcome individuals of all identities and are deeply committed to LGBTQIA+ and gender-affirming care, offering a space where every part of you is seen, respected, and supported.
Will therapy be confidential from my family? ⌄
For adult clients, sessions are confidential, with the standard legal exceptions around safety that apply to any therapy relationship. If keeping certain details private from family is a concern for you, it is worth raising directly with your therapist early on, so you can work out together what feels safe to share and with whom.
What happens in my first session? ⌄
Your first session focuses on getting to know each other, not immediate advice. Expect questions about what brought you in, your history, and what you are hoping for, with space to ask questions of your own.
What if I don't feel a connection with my therapist? ⌄
It is more common than people expect, and it does not mean something is wrong with you. If a therapist does not feel like the right fit, say so. We will help you find someone on our team who does.
Do you take insurance? ⌄
Yes. We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, and Aetna.
How much does a session cost? ⌄
Initial intake sessions range from $160 to $200 for 55 minutes. Regular sessions are $150 for 55 minutes. We also offer sliding scale options for clients who qualify, reach out to our intake team to find a pricing option that fits your needs.
How long does therapy typically take? ⌄
It depends on what you are working through. Some clients benefit from a few sessions, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. There is no fixed timeline.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person? ⌄
Yes. Sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and virtual therapy is available anywhere in Illinois, not just Andersonville.