As a culturally sensitive and culturally affirming therapist, my highest intention is to restore dignity to those who have been marginalized or exiled from our human community because of their traumatic experiences. I see therapy as a journey we embark on together, where I am invited not only to tread the well-worn paths of our shared humanity, but also to walk reverently into the sacred spaces of my clients’ life stories. I approach this work with humility, deep respect, and a fierce commitment to my clients’ well-being. I am known to hang in there when things get tough, and I enjoy a healthy dose of playfulness and humor in every relationship.
For the past 30 years, Beth Holzhauer (she/her), MSW, LCSW, has companioned adults, adolescents, and pre-teens through life’s ordinary and traumatic challenges. She is committed to advancing social justice, human rights, anti-oppression and anti-racism within social structures, institutions, communities, and relationships. Beth specialize in the treatment of childhood trauma and traumatic loss, self-harm, eating disorders and adoption. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she feels especially privileged to work with individuals who identify within the LGBTQIA+ sexuality and gender spectrum. In addition, she provides consultation for therapists and school social workers, and is an adjunct faculty member for the Trauma Consultation Training Program at Womencare Counseling and Training Center.
Beth’s areas of specialty:
- Childhood trauma and traumatic loss
- Dissociation
- Self-injury
- Eating disorders
- Adoption
- LGBTQ+ spectrum issues
- Grief
- Anxiety
Beth can be reached at 847-475-7003 x 24 or [email protected]
Beth facilitates the group:
Stronger Together: A Group for Young Women and Transgender/Gender Queer Teens (ages 14-18)
Beth is available to train, present or consult on:
- Self-Injury in Adolescents
- The Effects of Complex Trauma on Learning, Behavior and Relationships in School-Age Children and Teens
- Working with LGBTQIA Youth
- The Special Needs and Struggles of Adopted Children and Teens
- Creating Trauma Informed Schools and Agencies
Beth accepts: Northwestern Student Insurance (Aetna)
Education and Credentials
Bachelor of Science in Zoology, 1984, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Master of Social Work, 1993, University of Illinois, Chicago
LCSW (Illinois Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Illinois Educator License in Social Work and Secondary Education
Professional Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISST-D)
Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW)