Relational, trauma-informed therapy in Chicago, Illinois.
Individual and couples therapy that meets you where you’re at and supports sustainable change.
Therapy & Mediation Services
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is integrative, incorporating trauma-informed practices and foundations like Internal Family Systems, EMDR, attachment theory, and somatics. Our therapeutic relationship is collaborative and is intended to support you in creating a deeper and more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Relationship Therapy
Relationship therapy is grounded in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and Intimacy from the Inside Out, two frameworks that are attachment-based and focus on differentiation and connection. Relationship therapy is for romantic partners and any kind of relationship – roommates, friends, siblings, family members, etc. are all welcome.
Mediation
Mediation is a shorter-term, focused service in which we discuss areas of conflict, identify underlying interests, and find common ground. Mediation is a voluntary process in which the parties reach their own agreement. The process is facilitated by the mediator, but the mediator is neutral and does not make decisions about the agreement.
Learn more about therapy with me:
Trauma-informed care means unconditionally meeting you where you are truly at right now. We have all developed protective patterns that have supported us through difficult times. Therapy is about befriending and loving those protectors and re-integrating our vulnerable parts so that we can develop self-compassion and be our most authentic selves.
Research shows that the most important factor in therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. I see the therapeutic relationship as one where clients can build communication skills, practice boundary-setting, look inward at the roots of their beliefs and feelings, and try out new things. Our relationship is both an agent of and a staging ground for greater change.
If these approaches resonate with you, contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
Fees & Insurance
I am in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Choice PPO plans. I can also bill other insurance plans as an out-of-network provider.
The self-pay rate is $200 per session. Sliding scale is available; reach out for more information.
Note that individual and relationship therapy are generally covered by insurance, but mediation is not and is self-pay only.
Alex Ragsdale, LMFT
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Chicago. My work is in helping clients with relationships with themselves or others, trauma and PTSD healing, anxiety and depression, adapting to life transitions, self-exploration and growth. I am also queer and specialize in providing affirming, non-pathologizing care for queer and trans folks.
My belief is that therapeutic work should be integrative, drawing from the wisdom of many different modalities and frameworks. Many theorists, writers, teachers, and trainers have influenced my approach as a therapist and mediator. A few that feel especially important to name are Kai Cheng Thom, Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, Layla Saad, Sarah Schulman, Devon Price, Virginia Satir, and Harlene Anderson.
My Education & Training
M.A. Couple & Family Therapy, Adler University
Internal Family Systems Level 2 trained
EMDR trained
Certified mediator
Additional training in somatic parts work and somatic attachment therapy
Reach out to get started:
Location
Therapy is available via telehealth for anyone located in Illinois or in-person at my office in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago.
Mediation is available online for anyone anywhere in the world or in-person at my office or your location (TBD during the intake process).
Office Location
5443 N Broadway, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60640
2 blocks from the Berwyn or Bryn Mawr stations on the Red Line & on or near the 36, 151, 147, 136, 146, 92, and 84 buses.