Elizabeth Schaefer LCPC, CADC

Individual & Group Psychotherapist
EMDR | LGBTQIA+ | Kink | Poly Affirming
Pronouns – She/Her/Hers

EMDR therapist in the Loop Chicago providing kink- and poly-affirming trauma therapy

It’s been rough lately, hasn’t it? As an EMDR therapist in the Loop, Chicago, I often work with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or on the verge of burnout. For many people, this exhaustion hasn’t appeared overnight—it’s been building for years. Still, if you’re navigating trauma, addictive behaviors, identity exploration, or emotional exhaustion, you’re not alone. Reaching out for support is a meaningful step, and it truly matters.

At times, life can feel unmanageable, or you may simply want someone to talk to who gets it. In some cases, people begin therapy while searching for help for someone else and realize they need space for themselves, too. Either way, finding an affirming therapist who understands your experiences can make a real difference.

My Approach: Affirming, Real, and Trauma-Informed

I became a therapist because I needed a therapist. Getting mental health support as a teenager changed my life, and I’ve never forgotten what it meant to feel truly seen. That experience continues to guide my work today as I offer a safe, shame-free space to heal, grow, and figure out what comes next.

As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), I bring over eight years of experience in psychotherapy and addiction counseling. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in both outpatient settings and inpatient detox units, supporting individuals from many walks of life. Importantly, my work focuses on helping clients loosen the grip of trauma, shame, and unhealthy coping patterns.

Additionally, I am currently pursuing EMDR certification to deepen my trauma-focused work. EMDR allows clients to reprocess painful experiences so the past has less influence over the present.

I Work Especially Well With…

• Trauma survivors seeking long-term healing
• LGBTQIA+ individuals, including those exploring gender or coming out.
• Clients in kink and polyamorous communities seeking affirming, non-judgmental care
• Adults navigating addiction recovery
• Anyone who feels tired of “just coping” and is ready to rewrite their story.

Importantly, I understand how powerful unconditional acceptance can be at every stage of growth. My lived experiences as a queer woman in a polyamorous relationship and a member of the kink community inform my commitment to identity-conscious, affirming therapy.

Group Therapy

In addition to individual therapy, I facilitate the Neurospicy Support Group, a space designed for neurodivergent adults seeking connection, understanding, and support. This group offers a validating environment where members can explore identity, coping strategies, and shared experiences without pressure to mask or conform.

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) – Illinois
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) – Illinois
• M.A. in Clinical Professional Psychology – Roosevelt University
• Addiction Studies Certificate – Harold Washington College
• Member of Kink and Poly Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT)
• EMDR Therapy – In Progress (Certification Track)

Ready to begin? Let’s work together to reclaim your story.