Samantha Velazquez

Interests: Anxiety, Life Transitions, Trauma, Grief, Depression, Intimacy & Relationship Concerns

If you're navigating questions around life transitions, intimacy, anxiety, trauma, or depression, I'm here to help you find clarity and healing. I'm a Therapist-in-Training completing my graduate education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Illinois, working under the supervision of Phet Coggins, LCPC (IL, CO), and will be graduating in late 2026. I'm a member of Kink and Polyamory Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT), and I'm an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist who welcomes clients across the full spectrum of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and cultural background. Whether you're exploring your identity, navigating a bicultural upbringing, or seeking a space where your relationship structure doesn't need to be explained or justified, you're welcome here, without judgment. Together, we'll build an open, genuine relationship that creates a steady, grounding presence — giving you room to explore your full range of emotions and reconnect with who you truly are.

My approach is rooted in a background in psychology, cultural diversity, and behavioral support. Sessions with me are conversational and collaborative — grounded in real dialogue, not rigid structure — while weaving in evidence-based techniques to give you practical tools alongside genuine connection. I bring deep empathy and unconditional positive regard to every interaction, working to understand your perspective through a nonjudgmental lens. Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and grounded in a person-centered approach, I combine practical skills — like mindfulness and emotion regulation — with genuine, nonjudgmental presence, believing that being truly witnessed can help repair and reframe painful self-perceptions into ones that reflect your strength and worth. I work with adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples, and offer both telehealth and in-person sessions to fit what works best for your life.

Outside of clinical work, I recharge through traveling, spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and painting — practices that keep me grounded and present for the work we'll do together. Reaching out is often the hardest part, and I want you to know: you don't have to have it all figured out to start. If you're ready to be seen, supported, and gently challenged to grow, I'd love to hear from you — send me a message, and let's talk about what support could look like for you.