Anna N. Valianos

I believe we all find ways to survive the overwhelming circumstances in our lives. At times, these ways of surviving the past become issues in the present. We might feel lost, alone, powerless, or stuck. Even if we want to change, fear and discomfort may get in the way. My philosophy is that through relationships built on trust and validation, we can begin to process and grieve the past while also exploring possibilities for change. I’m a licensed clinical social worker with over ten years of experience supporting people who are healing from the effects of trauma. I provide affirming, values-guided therapy to adults at every stage of life. My clinical focus includes complex trauma & PTSD, experiences of sexual harm, childhood trauma, grief and loss, and relationship issues. Other common concerns of the people I work with include depression and anxiety, intense emotions, burnout, stress related to life transitions, and identity exploration. I have a special focus around supporting individuals who have experienced sexual harm and adults healing from the effects of trauma in their families of origin, including physical & sexual abuse, incest, neglect, and intimate partner violence. I enjoy working with activists and community organizers, mental health professionals, and other healers and caregivers. I’m experienced in supporting adults navigating non-monogamous, poly, and kink lifestyles. As a Queer person, my practice centers the LGBTQIA2S+ community, including those who are non-binary and gender diverse. I opened my private practice in October 2020 after seven years of providing intensive case management, trauma-focused therapy, and crisis intervention services in community mental health clinics and sexual assault crisis centers. During this time I had the privilege of working with adults, children, adolescents, and families of diverse backgrounds across Chicago and Northern Cook County. My work is deeply personal and inherently political. It’s my honor to hear your story and support you along the way.