LGBTQ+ & Sexual Orientation Issues

Although an individual’s sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity may not be the main source of distress or even the main reason an individual who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, or any other orientation or gender identity seeks out counseling, they may be underlying factors that affect different aspects of one’s life in a positive and/or negative manner. The social stigma, that still exists in many places in the world, of living as a member of the LGBTQ+ can be a source of stress or anxiety. This can sometimes make it difficult to talk with mental health professionals who have not experienced or are familiar with the challenges of being a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Therapy Studio has a new counselor that they have hired that is transgender, who is willing and able to meet you where you’re at in your journey. He is able to provide you with that experience and familiarity that you may be looking for when seeking help with distress in regard to your sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity. Both in person and virtual sessions would be available for individuals seeking help. We want to be able to provide discreet, convenient, and comfortable help for all individuals no matter their sexual/romantic orientation or gender identity.

I'm here to Help!

COLE DEISCHER, LPC

My name is Cole Deischer. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), who received their Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lewis University in 2019. I have lived and worked in different parts of Illinois throughout my life, allowing me to be able to see an array of people at their worst, their best, or somewhere in between.

With that being said, throughout my life I have developed a passion for working with individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. As a transgender member of the LGBTQ+ community I understand how important it is to find an affirming provider. Whether you’re struggling with figuring out who you are or how you identify, or you’re having uncertainties or difficulties with friends or family in regards to your gender identity or sexual orientation, I’m here to help with a compassionate approach. I want people to know that they have a safe space to freely talk about their feelings when they come to my office.

I also have 10 years of experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities. I have learned through that time different approaches and modalities to use to allow individuals with Developmental Disabilities to better understand what they may be feeling or experiencing. Sometimes all somebody needs is to feel heard and to not be seen as different, but instead as unique of an individual as everyone else in the world. Life can be a roller coaster and rarely do people express their thoughts and feelings the exactly the same way. Getting to the base emotions that a person may be feeling or Experiencing can be difficult. I am willing to work with any individual to get beyond the person that you are showing the world, and gradually take down the wall that you’ve built up brick by brick to reveal the you that you genuinely are.

“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”