Rachael Sytsma-Ramos, Psy.D.
Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
she/her
About Rachael
Therapy works only if the relationship between client and therapist is built on trust, mutual respect, understanding, and equality. It is my goal to foster a secure healthy therapeutic alliance with each client that will provide opportunities to learn, be challenged, feel support, and grow. Because each client is different, with different needs and values, I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, with an emphasis on Feminist
Relational Theory and abolitionist principles. All clients bring strengths and resiliency into therapy and it is my goal to help them recognize their power and strengths through collaborative exploration. You’ll likely find me to be warm, gentle, and no-bullshit infused with humor and pop-culture references.
Outside of therapy, I’m chasing after my two kids around Skokie and the surrounding areas, hoping to tire them out for bedtime. To unwind I usually listen to Beyonce, Chappell Roan, Fleetwood Mac, or the Wicked soundtrack (original Broadway cast and film) and color or do a puzzle. My advocacy work includes welcoming refugee families to
our village and connecting them to community and job opportunities, advocating for change in my kids’; schools through PTA involvement, and rallying around important causes like gender-affirming care, abortion access, and debt cancellation efforts.
Clinical Background
I completed my Master’s (2011) and Doctorate (2016) in Clinical Psychology with a concentration on Diveristy and Multucultural Counseling at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology, Chicago. My clinical training and work have provided me with the opportunities to work with clients across the lifespan with a variety of presenting issues. From forensics, hospitals, and community mental health settings, my clinical focus was on working with LGBTQI2aA+ folx with culturally relevant practices. I am passionate about working with individuals who identify as LGBTQI2SA+, specializing in working with Transgender/Gender Variant clients. In addition, I am a certified domestic violence counselor and have worked with survivors of violence from all backgrounds, and gender identities.
Clinical Specialties
- LGBTQIA+ Identities
- Transgender/Gender Non-Conforming Health
- Gender-based Roles and Socialization Struggles
- Parenting Journey Concerns
- Family of Origin Exploration
- Adolescents and Adults (16 and up)
Treatment Approaches
- Feminist Relational Therapy
- Relationship Psychotherapy
- IPV/DV Counseling
- Existential Therapy
- Strength-Based Therapy
