Ian Bonner

I'm Dr. Ian Bonner, owner of Freelife Behavioral Health, and LGBTQ+ focused therapy practice in Chicago. While I enjoy working with a broad array of identities and concerns, I have special interest and experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals, college/grad students, male identified clients, and around issues of shame, self acceptance, anxiety, depression, grief, and making life changes. I also have a background in substance use, career counseling, and couples work or work with open/poly/non monogamous relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative and also challenging. I work hard to understand my clients' past and present thoroughly in order to help clients understand why they feel the way they do. From there I work closely with clients to explore ways to change and grow and explore the fears and challenges that come with any significant change. Depending on the individual's needs, I utilize cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, DBT, mindfulness, and internal family systems approaches and all within a supportive and relational frame. I've worked for 10+ serving the LGBTQ+ community at queer community centers, recovery centers, and private practices. I am a speaker and educator around LGBTQ+ clinical care broadly, and provide workshops on trans affirming care to Northwestern psychology trainees. I also have experience working with university students and professionals around issues of stress, perfectionism, and procrastination.