Ariel Fleenary, LSW

Ariel is a warm and compassionate therapist who’s here to support individuals of all ages on their journey to healing and self-discovery. Her dedication to her work is driven by her passion for empowering individuals, especially children and teenagers, who have faced systemic harm and societal stigma, including LGBTQ and TGNC individuals, women, and those from other marginalized communities. Through their extensive experience working with young people who have endured complex trauma, Ariel has come to believe in the power of a strengths-based relational therapy model, creating a safe and comfortable space where her clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions. Additionally, Ariel is an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained clinician who utilizes somatic and movement-based healing in her clinical practice. Ariel loves incorporating art, play, music, and other imaginative techniques to engage their clients and make the therapeutic process both enjoyable and effective. Her commitment to celebrating diversity is evident in her affirming stance on all genders, sexualities, careers, reproductive choices, and alternative relationship structures.

Ariel’s educational foundation includes master’s degrees in both Social Work and Gender and Women Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Their professional background includes three meaningful years working in the foster care system, where they provided healing and affirming support to queer and trans youth, as well as to underage victims of human trafficking. Ariel understands the intricate nuances of life’s challenging situations and uses her experience to help her young clients find their unique paths to healing.

In her free time Ariel volunteers with PAWS Chicago. She’s also a proud member of a queer-fem basketball team, an enthusiastic karaoke performer, and a Pisces.