Crystal Thomas, LISW

Hi there! I’m so excited to hear your story!

I’m a trauma-focused, queer-affirming therapist with an eclectic and highly tailored approach to therapy. In general, I favor a relational approach that draws from psychodynamic perspectives. What this really means is that I understand how our earliest experiences and relationships can shape us, and I am deeply interested in what your early experiences and relationships taught you about the world. Using this approach, I will ask you questions designed to shed light on your history and provide insight about the root causes of some of the difficulties you face today. I will also draw from more behavioral modalities to assist you in unlearning those early lessons when needed. In this way, you can feel more free to reshape living strategies which helped you to survive your past, but are no longer serving you. Together, we will look to the past for understanding, and then begin to mold the present and future according to your needs and desires.

I offer telehealth sessions from my home office in Chicago. You may from time to time see my two unofficial therapy cats, Peter and Jack, make an appearance in sessions. Outside of sessions, I rest and recharge by getting plenty of snuggles with Peter and playing fetch with Jack (she’s obsessed!). I am also a singer in a local queer choir, which has brought me so much community and joy. I frequently crochet, especially through the cold months, and I particularly love making sweaters for my spouse.