At a glance
Best fit for: Trauma and PTSD, Black and genderqueer identity, neurodivergent, multicultural, intergenerational healing; teens and adults.
Approaches: DBT, person-centered, somatic/mindfulness, psychodynamic, and ACT
Who Am I?
Hi! I’m Kamarea (Kah-mar-ee-ah, they/she), and I identify as a genderqueer and queer Black American. I’m a therapist who works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families, and much of my expertise comes from working with youth and families in community settings like schools, community organizations, and juvenile detention centers. I aspire to leave a positive impact on your journey through self-actualization and communal care. Healing isn’t linear, nor is therapy, so I emphasize grace, patience, and empathy as we navigate your journey together.
I specialize in working with:
- Black women and genderqueer folks navigating identity, relationships, and belief systems
- Community organizers and activists
- Children, teens, and young adults navigating PTSD or other trauma-related concerns
- Young adults and adults working through intergenerational trauma and reconnection
- People who identify as first-generation or children of immigrants
- Families seeking new ways of relating to one another
- BIPOC and queer couples
How I help
The foundation of my practice is authentic, compassionate, and not-know-it-all (I really don’t have all the answers!). My work is informed by Black liberationist philosophies, which ground my practice in helping you understand your journey in connection to self-determination and life-affirming relationships. Through a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, I use traditional talk modalities, such as DBT, alongside somatic and mindfulness practices. With kids I lean more into play, art, and movement. I often help people with trauma and relationships.
What a session with me is like
In the beginning, I focus on learning more about who you are and what you wish to get out of our work together through questions, discussion on random topics, and sometimes hard moments characterized by complex emotions and thoughts. It is important that you feel safe, seen, and supported in the space we co-create together so just show up as you are and I’ll meet you there! I also enjoy learning with one another, so I encourage everyone I work with to ask questions if they wish to know more or are curious about anything I am doing. As we become more comfortable with one another, I will try and challenge you in your beliefs, habits, and behaviors to help you reflect and learn more about yourself and who you wish to be. However, this journey is yours, so I will always take your lead and whenever it feels like too much we might engage in some mindfulness practice, talk about what you are feeling, or do both to get you feeling ready to continue with the day. For my kids, I will meet with parents when able to gather their insight on what is going on and have regular check-ins with parents based on their preference.
What I believe
As we navigate institutions of oppression and their impact, it’s important to lean on one another. I believe in centering authenticity, care, trust, honesty, and responsibility in relationships rooted in love, and in imagining a better world as we imagine a better life. Therapy, in many ways, can be an outlet for understanding these ideas and bringing them into practice in our day-to-day lives.
A little more about me
When I’m not in session, I’m often out in the community learning ways to build collective power for the sake of liberation (I’m a firm believer of practicing what I preach!). To recharge, you’ll find me reading a good book (the Black Dawn series by adrienne maree brown is my current recommendation!), engaging in embodiment work, walking a trail with my partner, or talking endlessly with my closest loved ones.
A few common questions
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes, I see clients virtually across Illinois, and in person at our Forest Park office.
What do you help with most?
Trauma and PTSD, identity, intergenerational healing, and support for Black and queer clients, activists, first-gen individuals, families, and couples.
What insurance do you take?
BCBS PPO, BCBS HMO Endeavor, and Optum/United, and Aetna
- AetnaBCBS PPOEndeavor/Northshore HMOOptum/United
