About Me

Avery Ravitz, LCPC, NCC (he/they)

I decided to become a therapist after witnessing the transformative power of listening. In 2012, I worked as a storytelling artist-in-residence for a system of affordable housing buildings in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. As I interviewed dozens of residents, I witnessed stories about navigating systemic barriers, mental health crises, and community activism. After this experience, I wanted to learn the skills to help people process their inner worlds and develop their sense of self.

Since working in Uptown, I have experienced many chapters in my own story. I learned more about myself through these changes, and came out later in life as a nonbinary trans man. Coming into this aspect of my identity has affirmed my belief that identities shift over time as we gather life experiences and learn more about ourselves.

In addition to founding Your Identity Counseling, I have facilitated SMART Recovery groups, provided ketamine-assisted therapy, served as faculty at the Integrative Psychiatry Institute’s psychedelic assisted therapy certification program, and have given talks and trainings on queer and trans experiences with psychedelics.

These diverse experiences have contributed to a therapeutic perspective that is is grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed practices, and supporting clients in developing self-advocacy. My belief is that clients hold the wisdom within their own experiences that drives their current needs and goals. In my role as a facilitator, the goal is to help clients uncover and enhance their existing strengths. Similar to my earlier storytelling work, I help my therapy clients rewrite their stories to develop a coherent sense of self in the present-day.

I spend my free time birding, hanging out with my cats, and running. Never afraid to try new skills, this year I am also learning how to play a variety of video games.

Select education and professional development includes:

• Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC): #180.013408
• Certification in Psychedelic Assisted Therapy: Integrative Psychiatry Institute
• Autism in the Adult Certificate: Zur Institute
• Affirming Queer Neurodivergence: Counseling LGTGEQIAP+ Clients w/ Autism and ADHD
• Understanding Chronic Trauma: Narcissistic Injury
• Autistic-Affirming ERP
• Adler University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Wellesley College: B.A.