Rachael Gardner Purdy (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Ohio, as well as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor in Ohio. She is passionate about creating a space where clients feel safe, seen, and valued—where they can take their time, settle in, and find their voice at their own pace.
Rachael specializes in working with LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, with a strong focus on supporting transgender clients navigating life’s challenges. Many of her clients come to therapy to process trauma, strengthen communication, and improve relationships. She helps individuals gain self-awareness, deepen their understanding of themselves, and build self-worth so they can live with more confidence and less anxiety.
Her therapeutic style is empathetic, straightforward, and non-judgmental. She takes a holistic and eclectic approach, tailoring each session to fit the needs of her clients. She is also deeply committed to social justice and LGBTQIA+ rights, ensuring her clients feel affirmed in their identities and experiences.
Rachael incorporates a range of evidence-based modalities in her work, including: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) • Motivational Interviewing (MI) • Schema Therapy • Strengths-Based Therapy • Mindfulness-Based Therapy • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) • Flash Technique
Whether clients are working through mental health challenges, substance use, or trauma, Rachael is committed to helping them heal, grow, and move toward a life that feels more aligned with their authentic selves.