About

Avery Ravitz, LCPC, NCC (he/they)

I became a counselor 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. I interviewed dozens of residents and helped them develop their personal stories to share at a community night. Even the most reticent resident relaxed and safe as they began to share stories of trauma, mental health crises, and goals for their future. After this experience, I knew I wanted to learn the skills to help people process their inner worlds and develop their sense of self.

My therapy is grounded in harm reduction, trauma-informed practices, and supporting clients in developing self-advocacy. I believe clients hold wisdom about their own experiences, which drives their current needs and goals. I act as a facilitator 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.

My clinical interests include queer studies, autism and neurodivergence, and psychedelic integration.

I am autistic, queer, and spend my free time training for and running ultramarathons.

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
• Advanced trauma trainings
• Adler University: M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Wellesley College: B.A.