Identity-Affirming Therapy for Every Part of You

Strength-based, client-led,
identity-affirming care.

Adult Individual Therapy

Individual Therapy provides a safe space to work through your experiences, whether for anxiety, depression, or personal growth.
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Adolescent Individual Therapy

Adolescent Therapy helps teens navigate emotional, behavioral, and social challenges that are unique to their developmental age.
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Family Therapy

Family Therapy helps families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.
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Gender Affirming Therapy

Gender Affirming Therapy provides supportive, inclusive care that helps you explore and affirm your gender identity.
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Meet Ari (she/her)

I'm a licensed clinical social worker who received my Masters of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. My education specialized in work with children and families. I'm an advocate for social justice in the lives of my clients through my use of client-center/focused therapy and the strengths-based perspective. Motivated by hope and a firm belief in the power of individuals to affect positive change in their own lives, I work with my clients to understand their own diverse and intersectional identities.

Aside from experience working with children and adolescents with depression and anxiety, I have a focus within the LGBTQIA+ population. My advanced training working with this population gives me the tools to help queer people obtain wholeness in their lives. I have a passion for guiding individuals through their journeys, whether it be a young person exploring their gender, an adult discovering their sexuality, or parents navigating a child through transitioning.

Ari Groner Signature - Yellow

“I provide an affirming, non-judgemental space for you to express yourself. My goal is to help you make healthy life choices and gain strength to be your own self.”

Finding Your Healing Space?

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're looking for someone who truly understands your emotions, identity, and experiences as an LGBTQ individual.

Our practice provides a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families in the LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges, exploring your gender identity, or working through relationship issues, our affirming therapists are here to support you with personalized treatment plans.

Why Our LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Services Stand Out?

Finding the right therapist is crucial for your mental health journey. Here’s why our practice
stands out:

  • CRCAP Accredited: Our therapy services are proudly accredited by the CRCAP, ensuring the highest
    standards of care and professionalism in supporting the LGBTQ community.
  • LGBTQ-friendly therapists: Our professionals are trained to support the
    LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Personalized Care: We provide specialized LGBTQIA+ counseling in Chicago with services
    tailored to individual needs.
  • Certified Team: Whether you’re looking for a gay therapist, LGBTQ psychiatrist, or sex
    therapist in Chicago, our team brings extensive experience and compassion.
  • Inclusive Environment: We create a judgment-free space where you can explore your
    identity, address concerns, and navigate life’s challenges safely.

Who Can Benefit from LGBTQIA+ Therapy?

Anyone within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum can benefit from therapy, whether facing mental health
struggles or seeking support with identity. Our clients often seek assistance with:

  • Gender identity exploration: Our therapists offer guidance for those navigating gender
    identity counseling or coming out.
  • Relationship challenges: LGBTQ couples therapy helps improve communication and
    emotional connection.
  • Mental health concerns: Anxiety, depression, and trauma are common in the LGBTQIA+
    community due to discrimination. We provide comprehensive LGBTQIA+ mental health care in
    Chicago to address these issues and promote healing.

LGBTQIA+ Therapy for Individuals, Couples, and Groups

We offer various forms of therapy to support your journey:

  • Individual Therapy: Whether for anxiety, depression, or personal growth, individual therapy
    provides a safe space to work through your experiences.
  • Couples Therapy: Our LGBTQ couples therapy focuses on communication, trust, and
    intimacy to strengthen your relationship.
  • Group Therapy: Group therapy offers a space to share experiences and connect with others
    facing similar challenges.
  • Medication Management: For those needing psychiatric support, our team offers medication
    management and psychiatric care. We also provide family therapy to support LGBTQIA+
    individuals and their families with challenges like acceptance and communication.


We utilize various evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion regulation. Our Trauma-Informed Care ensures sensitivity to trauma, creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients.

The List is my resource website for Trans and Gender Nonconforming folx in Chicagoland and those who support them. To learn more about how The List came to be, check out the About Us  section

Make sure to check out The List, sign up for our quarterly newsletter, fill out the ‘new resource form’, and donate, so this project can continue to exist!

Let's talk.

If you have any questions about my services or would like to schedule a free 10-minute consultation, submit this form and I’ll be in touch!