

Aurora residents can access mental health support through Headway's 715 licensed providers, many offering warm, solution-oriented care for gender and sexual identity-related concerns. Sessions are available in-person or virtually, with flexible scheduling and significant cost savings through insurance partnerships.
Often, struggles can become gateways to transformation. Many of the clients I work with are navigating low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, trauma, grief, or major life transitions that leave them feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. You may be experiencing racing thoughts, emotional exhaustion, relationship difficulties, loss, or uncertainty about your direction in life. When we begin to explore these experiences with compassion and curiosity, new perspectives and meaningful change can emerge.
I believe telling your story in a safe, supportive space can be deeply healing. I want to hear about your hopes, dreams, challenges, and losses. My goal is to help you better understand your experiences, develop emotional resilience, and move toward greater clarity and self-acceptance. You are not alone, and I am here to walk alongside you as you move forward on your journey toward healing and growth.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. I’m Tamara Whittleton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. I focus on creating a supportive environment where clients feel comfortable talking openly while developing practical strategies for growth and healing
I listen intuitively — 100% judgment free, with unconditional support. In our work together you'll increase confidence and manage stress more effectively.
We'll uncover the root of what's troubling you, explore new perspectives, and shift into healthier thought patterns.
This is done by integrating evidence based and mind-body approaches, which tends to bring clients RELIEF and CLARITY.
Hi, I’m E. C. Kissner — and if you’re someone who feels accomplished on the outside but stretched thin on the inside, you’re in the right place. Many of the people I work with are navigating burnout, transitions, stress, uncertainty about next steps, or a sense that life’s moving faster than they can keep up with. You want clarity, balance, and a way to turn insight into real-world change, and you want a space that meets you where you are — respectful of your identity, your experiences, and your goals.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) with years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My background includes working in schools, military communities, and private practice settings, which has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face in different life stages and environments. I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Illinois with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity exploration, and relationship challenges. My therapeutic approach is integrative and trauma‐informed, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness‐based practices, and psychodynamic therapy. Across all modalities, my priority is to create a compassionate, grounded, and non‐judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, your history, and the parts of yourself that are seeking relief or connection.
Welcome! Join me on a journey to reclaim your sense of self, direction and empowerment. As a person who has struggled with life's hardships, I am compeled to help others in these difficult times. My credentials include; Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) and an Illinois Certified Domestic Violence Professional (ICDVP).
A Grounded Space For Clarity and Support
Welcome- I'm glad you're here. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and board-certified, registered art therapist (ATR-BC) with a masters degree in art therapy, and over 20 years of experience providing individual therapy to adults. I work with people navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and long-standing emotional patterns. I offer a grounded, relational style that supports both coping and deeper self-understanding.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding an LGBTQIA+-affirming therapist in Aurora, IL starts with identifying what kind of support matters most to you. You may be looking for a provider experienced with coming out, gender identity exploration, relationship dynamics, minority stress, or co-occurring concerns like anxiety or depression. A licensed provider — such as an LCSW, LCPC, or psychologist — who specifically lists LGBTQIA+ care as a focus area is more likely to understand the nuances of your experience.
Aurora is part of a broader network of communities across Kane County and the western Chicago suburbs, so you may also find providers in nearby areas like Naperville, Batavia, or North Aurora who offer virtual sessions. Reading a provider's bio can help you understand their approach, background, and whether they feel like a good match. A free phone consultation is another way to gauge fit before committing to a first session.
Therapy in the greater Aurora area can be expensive without insurance. Using in-network coverage is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay per session. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated costs upfront, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find an LGBTQIA+-affirming provider who fits both your needs and your budget.
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