Get to Know Your Therapist
About Therin Slayton, PsyD
"What I am is good enough, if I would only be it openly." —Carl Rogers
Who Am I?
Howdy! I’m Therin (they/them), a therapist providing affirming, empowering, and identity-affirming therapy for folks across Illinois. I’m a white, genderqueer, neurodivergent, disabled psychologist, and I believe deeply in creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without fear of judgment, expectation, or the need to explain yourself.
Therapy with me is about building a life that feels authentic, aligned, and fulfilling. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, identity, relationships, trauma, or personal challenges, you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to walk with you—offering support, insight, and a bit of humor along the way.
I believe healing happens through curiosity, presence, and compassion—not perfection. Together, we’ll work to release what’s no longer serving you, strengthen your connections with trusted loved ones, and focus on what truly matters to you.
I Love Working With:
LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, especially trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks
Neurodivergent individuals navigating self-understanding and self-acceptance
Students—including non-traditional learners, grad students, and adult learners
Disabled individuals seeking a therapist who understands accessibility and ableism
Religious and spiritual minorities exploring faith, identity, and healing
Ethically non-monogamous and polyamorous individuals navigating relationships
Artists and creatives looking for support in self-expression and identity
I offer virtual therapy across Illinois, making it easier for you to access support in a way that works for you.
Meet Therin
How I Help
I believe therapy is a partnership—I bring tools, perspectives, and deep empathy, but you are the expert on your own experiences. My role is to listen, support, and challenge in a way that helps you grow into your most authentic, empowered self.
A Safe, Affirming Space – A place where you can be yourself, without fear of judgment
Compassion & Curiosity – Exploring your experiences with kindness and openness
Unpacking Harmful Beliefs – Helping you let go of expectations that don’t serve you
Building Resilience & Self-Trust – Strengthening confidence in your own voice
Healing Through Connection – Recognizing the power of relationships and community
I integrate several therapeutic approaches according to clients’ learning styles, needs, and preferences. That includes intersectional justice-focused frameworks, positive and strengths-based psychology, third-wave cognitive-behavioral therapies, mindfulness, self-compassion techniques, trauma recovery models, and attachment theory.
Therapy isn’t about “fixing” yourself—you are not broken. It’s about finding clarity, shedding restrictive expectations, and building a life that aligns with your values, even when life feels uncertain or painful.
What It’s Like In Session With Me
I strive to, above all else, truly listen and understand you. My approach is rooted in deep empathy. Together, we’ll work to release what’s no longer serving you, strengthen your relationships, and focus on what brings meaning and nourishment to your life.
Therapy should feel like a conversation—one where you feel safe and supported in ways that help you grow. A session with me often starts with a check-in before we dive into what’s on your mind.
Compassion, creativity, exploration, experimentation and genuine, transparent conversations are the foundations of my approach to therapy. I focus on building honest, comfortable, and empowering relationships to bring about the changes you’d like to see. In all my work, I strive for down-to-earth interactions and center your empowerment, safety, sincerity, and values.
Together, we’ll unpack what’s weighing you down, challenge the barriers holding you back, and create a space where you feel fully accepted and empowered.
I believe that, deep down, we often know what we need to create fulfillment in our lives. But sometimes it’s difficult to hear ourselves over the stress of daily life.
A Safe, Empowering Space for Your Growth
I believe healing is easier when we do it together. Interdependence and connection are vital parts of being human, and I’ll provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to reflect, explore, and grow.
Together, we’ll gain clarity on what truly matters to you, shed restrictive expectations, and build a life that aligns with your values—even when life feels uncertain or painful.
Why I Do This Work
Originally from the Great Plains, I understand how complicated it can be to navigate being yourself in a world that prefers the straight and narrow. Although I sought out a clinical psychology doctorate to ensure the best possible education in mental health care, the cornerstone of my work is accurate and genuine empathy. You are the expert on yourself, your life experiences, and your values.
I sought out a doctorate in clinical psychology to ensure the best possible education in mental health care, but the heart of my work is accurate and genuine empathy. I know what it’s like to feel unseen, misunderstood, or like you don’t quite fit the mold. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to justify your existence—you just get to be.
You deserve a therapist who meets you where you are, affirms your identity, and helps you build a life that truly fits you.
Education and Experience
I am pre-licensed therapist under the supervision of Dr. Aretha Steele. I graduated with a doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University. I have trained at several community mental health sites across Chicago, and two college counseling centers. I am honored to provide online counseling in Chicago and across Illinois.
Doing the work of therapy is courageous. I would be honored to accompany you, at whatever pace you like, on the journey. Self-reflection, discovery and change are not always easy, but they are gentler and more fulfilling when we do them together.
More About Me
When I’m not doing therapy, you’ll probably find me playing video games with my partners, falling down rabbit holes on Wikipedia, discovering new music and making playlists, hanging out with my cats (Chex and Zora), trying my hand at baking or gardening, or getting lost in a tabletop role-playing game.
Reach Out Today
Therapy is a courageous act, and I’d be honored to walk this path with you, at whatever pace feels right. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s connect and take the first step toward your healing journey.
Insurance Accepted:
BCBS PPO, Blue Choice PPO, Aetna
Clients Seen:
Young Adults and Adults (18+)
Specialties:
LGBTQIA+ concerns, polyamory, anxiety, stress, neurodiversity, life transitions, college students