About Dr. Therin Slayton, PsyD
Online Therapy for LGBTQIA2S+, Neurodivergent, and Disabled Adults in Illinois
"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 white, genderqueer, neurodivergent, and disabled psychologist providing affirming online therapy across Illinois.
I support LGBTQIA2S+ folks, neurodivergent individuals, college students, and others navigating life transitions, identity exploration, anxiety, and trauma.
My clients are brave, creative, and complex humans—people who are tired of shrinking themselves to fit into spaces that were never built for them.
You deserve a space where your identity, experiences, and humanity are honored—without needing to explain or defend who you are. That’s the space I strive to create.
Therapy with me is about building a life that feels authentic, aligned, and fulfilling. I’m here to walk beside you—with support, insight, and a bit of humor along the way.
Meet Therin
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.
What to Expect in Sessions
At the heart of my work is a simple commitment: to truly see and hear you. Therapy with me is rooted in deep empathy, curiosity, and connection. You deserve a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or shrink yourself—a space where your truth is honored, and your growth is supported.
Together, we’ll explore what’s been weighing you down, gently release what no longer serves you, and center the parts of you that long to feel safe, empowered, and whole.
We’ll strengthen your relationships, reconnect with your inner voice, and focus on what brings meaning and nourishment to your life.
My approach is collaborative and human. I bring compassion, creativity, and a willingness to sit with you in both clarity and uncertainty.
Our work might include reflection, experimentation, and asking questions that invite new insight—but always at a pace that feels right for you.
I believe that you already carry the wisdom you need to build a life that feels aligned. Sometimes, it’s just hard to access that wisdom through the noise of daily stress, old narratives, or the weight of expectations. That’s where therapy can help.
A Safe, Empowering Space for Your Growth
Healing doesn’t have to be done alone. In fact, I believe it’s often most powerful when it happens in relationship—with someone who affirms your identity, honors your boundaries, and walks beside you with care.
I’ll hold space for your full self—messy parts, quiet hopes, protective armor, and all.
Together, we’ll gain clarity on what truly matters to you, challenge what’s been holding you back, and begin building a life that reflects your values—even when the path forward feels uncertain.
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 with me isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about letting go of harmful messages, healing in community, and building a life that aligns with your truth.
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