Identity and Gender Affirming Therapy in Chicago

Why Choose an Identity-Affirming Approach to Therapy?

Finding a therapist who truly understands your identity and experiences is essential for healing and personal growth. At Bergen Counseling Collective (BCC), we provide a sex-positive, LGBTQ+ affirming, and identity-affirming space where individuals and couples can feel safe, respected, and understood. Our team of experienced therapists specializes in supporting queer, trans, nonbinary, polyamorous, and kink communities, ensuring that your unique experiences and challenges are met with compassion, expertise, and validation.

In many traditional therapeutic settings, LGBTQ+ individuals and those in non-traditional relationships may feel the need to educate their therapist or justify their identity and relationship choices. At BCC, we eliminate this burden by offering culturally competent and affirming therapy that centers your lived experiences. Our goal is to help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, self-acceptance, and mental well-being.

The Importance of Gender-Affirming Therapy for LGBTQ+ and Queer Communities

Members of the LGBTQ+ community often face higher levels of discrimination, stigma, and societal barriers, which can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Many queer individuals also encounter family rejection, religious discrimination, workplace discrimination, and difficulties in finding inclusive healthcare, making access to affirming mental health support even more crucial.

At Bergen Counseling Collective, our gender-affirming therapists are specifically trained to support trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals by offering:

✅ A Safe and Judgment-Free Space – Your identity is valid, and you deserve therapy that honors and supports your authentic self.
✅ Support for Gender Exploration and Transition – Whether you’re questioning, transitioning, or affirming your gender identity, we provide compassionate guidance tailored to your journey.
✅ Healing from Minority Stress & Discrimination – We understand the unique stressors that come with navigating a world that may not always be accepting, and we offer tools to build resilience and self-compassion.
✅ Relationship and Family Support – From navigating coming out to managing relationships with family, partners, and community, we’re here to help.

Our mission is to ensure that you receive therapy that is not only affirming but also empowering, allowing you to live your life with confidence, joy, and authenticity.

Polyamory and Ethical Non-Monogamy: Relationship Counseling Without Judgment

If you are in a polyamorous, open, or ethically non-monogamous (ENM) relationship, you may have encountered therapists who lack understanding or hold biases toward non-traditional relationships. At BCC, we take a nonjudgmental, affirming approach, ensuring that your relationship structure is respected and supported.

How Therapy Can Support Polyamorous and ENM Relationships:

🔹 Building Clear Communication – Effective communication is the foundation of healthy poly relationships. We provide tools to navigate complex emotions, set expectations, and express needs openly.
🔹 Establishing Boundaries and Agreements – Therapy can help partners define and reinforce boundaries to ensure that all relationships feel secure, ethical, and fulfilling.
🔹 Addressing Jealousy & Emotional Growth – Navigating polyamory can bring up emotional challenges. Our therapists offer guidance to process jealousy, attachment styles, and emotional intimacy.
🔹 Support for Relationship Transitions – Whether you’re new to non-monogamy or restructuring an existing relationship, therapy can provide clarity and support.

At Bergen Counseling Collective, we recognize polyamory and consensual non-monogamy as valid, healthy relationship styles. You won’t have to justify or explain your relationship choices—we’re here to support you in creating fulfilling, sustainable, and ethical partnerships.

Thinking About Opening Up Your Relationship? We Can Help.

Navigating the world of ethical non-monogamy or considering opening up your relationship for the first time? Whether you’re exploring polyamory, setting new boundaries, or struggling with communication, our experienced therapists can provide guidance, clarity, and emotional support.

At BCC, we offer a supportive space to:

✔ Explore your motivations and expectations
✔ Communicate openly and effectively with partners
✔ Set healthy boundaries and navigate agreements
✔ Work through concerns, fears, and challenges in a safe environment

You deserve a therapist who understands and supports your relationship choices—without judgment, bias, or outdated perspectives.

Start Your Healing Journey with Bergen Counseling Collective

At Bergen Counseling Collective, we are committed to providing identity-affirming, sex-positive, and inclusive therapy to support your mental health and well-being. Whether you’re seeking therapy for gender identity, LGBTQ+ support, polyamory, kink, or general mental health, our team is here to help.

Take the first step toward healing in a space where your identity, relationships, and experiences are celebrated—not just accepted.