Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At Urban Wellness, we are committed to social justice and anti-racism. We are dedicated to providing services to individuals, couples, and families that are accessible, culturally relevant, and free of stigma.
Here at Urban Wellness, we celebrate and affirm all backgrounds and identities. We strive to provide a brave space where voices can be heard and liberated.
Coming Fall 2024
Hello! My name is Leif, and I am a therapist that works with adults of all ages. I believe transparency, honesty, and cultivating a safe space for every person I am around is my top priority. I love to talk, hear the new things going on in people’s life, learn with the people I am around and discuss topics of varying interests. I aim to not only help, but also learn with you, as to how to navigate one’s self to a more homeostatic position; because at the end of the day, we all look for balance and I love being able to find that with you. I love hearing the tea, and dishing about what is new in your life, even if it doesn’t relate to why we are in session; getting to know you is my top priority, I am queer identifying, with a preference for (they/he) pronouns, so please do not be fearful of non acknowledgment in my sessions: identity is massively important and I hope the space I provide is a celebration of your identity!
Every therapist’s approach is drastically different, which is why therapy is conducive for anyone that is open to it. I tend to do talk therapy most of the time because sometimes we just need to talk, and I try to have an overarching focus on the session being person-centered; meaning that this session is for you, about you, and can be led by you. I do like to incorporate layers of CBT, and existentialism when the session calls for it. I believe that identity is massively important, I implore LGBTQIA+ theory, Feminist theory and most definitely use Strengths based, for my individuals dealing with shame and varying forms of debilitating personal emotions. Therapeutic approaches always change, and I am always willing to learn with you as we go, seeing what modalities work best for the session and what work for you.
I try to remain as authentic as I am outside of session when I am in session; so the person I am is naturally inquisitive, curious, eager to learn with you and always loves conversation. I try to help by creating a space that is affirming of identities, personhood and is genuine. I seek to create something that is non-judgemental and gives us both the ability to continue to learn what advocacy for ourselves means to us. I am a queer, male presenting individual that acknowledges that my whiteness is a privilege; so I genuinely acknowledge my own privileges in and out of session and I emphasize a multicultural, multi-identifying, anti-oppressive space that allows for my clients to feel encapsulated as an entire person. I help by also being inquisitive, I ask questions when I don’t know, and I also consistently make sure that the client is aware that this space is for them and not the other way around; autonomy and being heard are two extremely important things to me, and I want my clients to be able to have that both in and out of session. I do admit to not having all of the answers but what I can admit to having, is a capacity to listen and learn with you.
My goal in session, for new and already existing clients, is to feel that they are in a space where they can prop their feet up, take their shoes off, spill the tea, bring a comfy blanket or squishmellow, talk about random things, and also be open to some therapeutic conversations. I do, in the beginning, start with getting to know you as a person- getting to know you is what is most important. It’s important that you know me too so feel free to ask questions too. Sessions are not “formal”, unless you want them to be, I try to make them as easy going as possible.
When I am not working, I am reading as many books as possible (ask me what I’m reading!), hanging out with my long term partner who is my best friend, with my cat Cleo, thrifting, listening to music of all kinds, trying new foods, being in the sunlight, and trying to laugh as much as possible. I enjoy a good crime show, Criminal Minds and Law & Order SVU are my comfort shows with a little bit of Charmed (the original version) sprinkled in there. I am not from the Chicago area, so I am definitely up for cool recommendations for cool places to check out! I hope to meet you soon and to see what this journey brings both of us :)
Schedule your first appointment. For follow up appointments (existing clients), please contact your therapist at 773-774-4444.
Land Acknowledgment: Urban Wellness acknowledges that the lands on which our practice resides with locations in Chicago and Forest Park, Illinois, are on occupied land, and was originally inhabited by Peoria, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Myaamia, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Hoocąk (Ho-Chunk), and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) peoples before their forced assimilation, labor, and removal from their ancestral lands. We recognize the Native peoples of these lands and invite all to consider supporting Indigenous communities and the fight for Indigenous racial justice.
