Sexuality Therapy
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.
While FreeLife provides care for individuals from all backgrounds, many of our staff have specialized experience in supporting those exploring their sexuality and navigating questions of gender and identity. Research and experience show that societal expectations can make it challenging to fully embrace and express one’s authentic self. People may feel pressured to conform, hide aspects of their identity, or suppress their true feelings, which can create significant emotional strain. Our therapists are here to offer compassionate support, helping individuals explore their gender and sexuality, process their experiences, and find empowerment and healing on their unique journey.
Sexual Shame
Overcome shame tied to your desires and embrace sexual confidence.
Navigating Identity
Build confidence and live authentically by exploring who you are.
Societal Expectations
Heal from religious trauma, family conflicts, and guilt.
Compulsive Behavior
Address compulsive behaviors, patterns, or habits in a supportive and nonjudgmental space.
Relationship Challenges
Improve communication, set boundaries, and navigate dynamics like polyamory.
Transitions
Build resilience and rediscover purpose during life’s changes.
What is Sexuality Therapy?
Sexuality therapy is a form of counseling that focuses on sexual identity, desire, intimacy, relationships, and the emotional impact of sexuality. It can include exploring orientation, navigating coming out, processing shame, understanding desire differences, or working through sexual concerns within relationships. Sexuality therapy is not about telling you who you are. It is about creating space to explore your experiences without judgment or pressure.
How does Sexuality Therapy help?
Sexuality therapy helps people make sense of their feelings, patterns, and questions in a grounded way. It can support communication with partners, reduce shame or confusion, and unpack messages learned from family, religion, or culture. Therapy also offers tools for navigating intimacy, boundaries, and identity shifts over time. Many people find relief simply in having a space where their questions are taken seriously.
Do I need therapy just because I’m questioning my sexuality?
No. Questioning your sexuality is a normal part of identity development for many people. Therapy is not required to figure yourself out. It can be helpful if you feel anxious, stuck, pressured, or isolated in the process. The goal is not to rush toward a label, but to give yourself room to understand what feels true.
Why Freelife BH for Sexuality Therapy?
FreeLife BH is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where clients feel truly seen, respected, and understood. Our approach emphasizes shared experiences, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, to build a sense of connection and belonging. By acknowledging the unique challenges faced by this community—such as navigating identity acceptance, managing relationship dynamics, and overcoming societal pressures—FreeLife BH provides specialized care that goes beyond generic solutions.
Therapy at FreeLife means working with professionals who truly understand your world—because they’ve lived it too. Our therapists don’t just affirm your identity; they share in the experiences, challenges, and nuances that come with being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This shared perspective allows us to provide not only expert guidance but also an authenticity and connection that can only come from genuine understanding. Here, you’re not just seen—you’re deeply understood and supported as you navigate your unique journey.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sexuality therapy can address identity exploration, desire differences, intimacy concerns, shame, religious or cultural conflict, coming out, and relationship dynamics. It also supports people navigating kink, non-monogamy, or shifts in attraction over time.
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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.
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Yes. Sexuality therapy uses the same evidence-based approaches as general therapy, but with specialized knowledge about sexual identity and intimacy. The difference is not quality. It is focus and expertise.
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No. You do not need to be out, certain, or identify as LGBTQIA+ to begin. Sexuality therapy is for anyone exploring questions about attraction, identity, or intimacy, at any stage of self-understanding.
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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.
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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.
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The Trevor Project — https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network (NQTTCN) — https://nqttcn.com/
Fenway Health (specifically The Fenway Institute’s LGBTQIA+ research) — https://fenwayhealth.org/
The Williams Institute — https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/
Pew Research Center (LGBTQ research) — https://www.pewresearch.org/ topic/gender-lgbtq/
Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling — https://saigecounseling.org/journal/
Getting Started is Easy
To get started, fill out the form below and we will reach out for your free consultation.