Rachael Purdy (she/her)

Accepting Clients

Rachael Gardner Purdy creates a safe, affirming space where clients can heal, grow, and find their voice at their own pace.

Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago, IL

About My Clients

My ideal client is someone seeking an affirming space to explore identity, heal from trauma, and build self-worth. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, especially transgender clients, helping them navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Whether facing anxiety, communication struggles, or relationship concerns, I tailor therapy to each person’s needs, providing support, empowerment, and tools for growth in a nonjudgmental, safe environment.

My Background and Approach

With licenses as a Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Ohio and an Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor in Ohio, I bring extensive experience in supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA2S+ clients, with a strong focus on transgender individuals, providing an affirming and safe space to explore identity, heal from trauma, and build self-worth. My approach is empathetic, straightforward, and tailored to each client’s needs, using evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Schema Therapy, and EMDR. I also incorporate mindfulness and strengths-based techniques to help clients manage anxiety, strengthen communication, and improve relationships. Whether addressing mental health concerns, substance use, or trauma, my goal is to support clients in healing, growing, and living a life that aligns with their authentic selves.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am deeply committed to social justice, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, and creating a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and affirmed. My passion lies in supporting individuals as they navigate identity, trauma, and self-acceptance, particularly within the transgender and queer communities. I believe in meeting clients where they are, offering a space free of judgment where healing and growth can happen at their own pace. My work is rooted in the values of compassion, authenticity, and empowerment, ensuring that each client feels seen and heard. I advocate for mental health accessibility, substance use recovery, and trauma-informed care, striving to bridge gaps in support systems. Whether guiding someone through personal struggles or advocating for systemic change, my goal is to help individuals build resilience, confidence, and a life that aligns with their authentic selves.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Allied Benefit Systems
  • Aetna PPO
  • Out of Network
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 7 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $125 - 175/session

Reach out to Rachael