Rachel Schaefer

Rachel cares deeply about having her clients feel seen, understood, and safe enough to explore their whole self and life journey. Her practice is rooted in creating a safe, non-judgmental, and empowering space where clients can openly explore any and all aspects of their identity. Rachel believes that a warm and trusting therapeutic relationship can lead to growth, healing, and meaningful change. Rachel particularly enjoys working with young adults and individuals wanting to explore their identities and lifestyle. Whether it’s understanding one’s gender and sexual identity, processing religious trauma, or seeking a fulfilling career path, she provides a supportive and affirming space for clients to explore and grow. Rachel loves helping clients identify and prioritize their values in order to align their life with what brings them joy. Rachel’s clinical emphasis is in working with LGBTQIA+ and gender nonconforming individuals, as well as couples and non-traditional relationship styles. Rachel also provides neurodivergent-affirming care. As an advocate for fat liberation, Rachel believes in encouraging clients to love their bodies and take up space unapologetically. She is dedicated to supporting individuals in their quest for self-acceptance and body positivity. She is also sex-positive, kink-friendly, and affirming of polyamorous relationships. As a queer and fat therapist, Rachel uses modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to empower her clients to embrace all parts of their identity. She comes from a background in community mental health and earned her Master’s of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Roosevelt University. During her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, listening to podcasts, and going on Hot Girl Walks. Rachel is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor.