Relationship Therapy

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Affirming Therapy in Illinois for LGBTQIA+ Adults & Their Relationships

Therapy that feels like talking with someone who gets it—because we do.

  • Therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and non-traditional relationships such as polyamory, kink, and more.

  • We treat depression, anxiety, trauma, and other general mental health concerns. We also cover topics such as gender, sex, identity, AuDHD, and more.

  • We use general therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and more.

  • While most sessions are 45-60 minutes, each session is fully personalized to you and your concerns. This is your space.

  • We accept most major insurances.

  • We offer virtual sessions throughout Illinois.

  • To learn more, check out our FAQ page.

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While FreeLife provides care for individuals from all backgrounds, many of our staff have specialized experience in supporting those navigating the complexities of relationships, whether romantic, platonic, or familial. Research and experience show that societal expectations and personal histories can make it challenging to build and maintain authentic, fulfilling connections. People may feel pressured to conform to traditional roles, suppress their emotions, or struggle to communicate their needs, creating emotional strain. Our therapists are here to offer compassionate support, helping individuals and couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and find deeper connection and fulfillment on their unique journey.

Overcoming Barriers

Address internalized fears, insecurities, or past wounds that may be impacting your relationships.

Building Connections

Strengthen communication, improve emotional intimacy, and build deeper connections with partners, family, and friends.

Societal Expectations

Navigate societal pressures and family dynamics that may influence your relationships and sense of self.

Coping with Conflict

Build resilience to manage the emotional impact of rejection, breakups, or interpersonal conflict

Setting Boundaries

Learn to establish and maintain boundaries that respect your needs and support healthy dynamics.

Transitions

Explore changes in your relationship, whether you're transitioning from single to partnered life or navigating evolving dynamics.

What is Relationship Therapy?

Relationship therapy is a form of counseling that helps people improve how they connect, communicate, and navigate challenges together. It is not only for couples in crisis. Relationship therapy can support partners at any stage, whether they are working through conflict, adjusting to change, or wanting to strengthen emotional closeness. Sessions focus on patterns, communication styles, emotional needs, and the impact of stress or past experiences on the relationship.

How does Relationship Therapy help?

Relationship therapy helps partners better understand each other and respond with more clarity and care. It can support people in identifying unhelpful patterns, improving communication, and rebuilding trust. Therapy also provides a structured space to talk about difficult topics like boundaries, intimacy, power dynamics, or life transitions. Over time, many people find they feel more connected, more confident expressing their needs, and better equipped to handle conflict in healthier ways.

Is Relationship Therapy at Freelife inclusive of all relationship types?

Yes. Relationship therapy at Freelife is inclusive of all relationship structures and identities. We specialize in working with queer relationships, gay men, polyamorous and consensually non-monogamous relationships, kink and BDSM dynamics, and relationships that do not fit traditional models. Our approach is affirming, non-judgmental, and grounded in the understanding that healthy relationships come in many forms.

Why Freelife BH for Relationship Therapy?

Working with a therapist who understands the complexities of relationships, both professionally and through lived experience, can be incredibly valuable. Freelife therapists are here to help you navigate your journey, strengthen your connections, and find fulfillment and peace in your relationships.

Therapy at FreeLife means working with professionals who truly understand the complexities of navigating relationships—whether in heterosexual or same-sex connections—because they’ve experienced similar challenges too. Our therapists don’t just offer guidance; they share in the emotional nuances and obstacles that come with building and maintaining healthy relationships. This shared perspective allows us to provide not only expert support but also authenticity and connection that can only come from genuine understanding. Here, you’re not just seen—you’re deeply understood and supported as you explore your unique path to emotional fulfillment and stronger, more meaningful relationships.

The Therapy Process—Explained

Intake

We start by getting to know you, your goals, and what’s bringing you to therapy in a way that feels welcoming and low-pressure.

Assessment

Together, we explore patterns, history, and current challenges to better understand what support will be most helpful for you.

Treatment

Your therapist works with you using evidence-based, affirming approaches tailored to your needs, identity, and pace.

Integration

You practice applying what you’re learning in real life, building insight, resilience, and trust in yourself over time.

Follow-Up

We check in, adjust as needed, and make sure your care continues to support your growth beyond each session.

You deserve support that sees all of you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Relationship therapy can support people navigating communication challenges, recurring conflict, trust concerns, intimacy issues, and emotional disconnection. It is also helpful during life transitions, changes in relationship structure, boundary setting, and exploring differences in needs or expectations.

  • There’s no set number of sessions. Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term care for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine what feels most helpful, and you can adjust your goals at any time.

  • No. Many people start relationship therapy to strengthen their connection, improve communication, or prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. Therapy can be proactive, not just a last resort.

  • Yes. Relationship therapy can support polyamorous, consensually non-monogamous, kink, and queer relationships by addressing communication, boundaries, agreements, and power dynamics without judgment or assumptions.

  • Freelife accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO insurance plans. Clients using these plans will be responsible for the portion of costs dictated by their individual plans (co-pays).

    Clients not using these insurance plans will be responsible for paying for their sessions themselves. Freelife is happy to provide a superbill to these clients if they would like to submit this to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Freelife therapists offer both virtual and in-person options.

    We utilize technology powered by Google which is HIPAA compliant and easy to use.

    We also offer in-person sessions at our office located at 1300 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

Getting Started is Easy

To get started, fill out the form below and we will reach out for your free consultation.