Sophia Gawron
Hi there! I'm Sophie :) I'm just your friendly neighborhood therapist trying to help others navigate the ebbs and flows of every day life, process trauma, feel confident and grow into being their favorite version of themselves. While using a touch of humor, I am able to help patients feel comfortable opening up about difficult topics, awesome topics, and everything in between. I often use the metaphor, "If we're driving a car, you're in the drivers seat and I have the map if we need it" when it comes to my therapeutic approach - this way, people can feel empowered to advocate for themselves in session. Trauma robs so much from us, why don't we take some of that power back?
First session
Starting therapy can be so daunting for anyone and everyone! Whether it's your first time ever exploring therapy, or you're looking for a new therapeutic fit, I want someone to be able to feel seen, heard, and hopeful about therapy after meeting with me for the first time. During the initial session, we are going to go over the intake documentation and policies to be able to provide full information for anyone starting the process.
Strengths
When working with patients, I like to help identify different perspectives in session to encourage deeper thinking, ultimately meeting ourselves more authentically and wholly than before. My patient-led approach in sessions is aimed to help patients feel empowered to practice self-advocacy and build confidence in themselves. Trauma is something that robs us of our autonomy, and I like to help patients take it back. Bringing in various aspects of multiple modalities, I like to have an open and authentic space for patients to be able to express themselves and be met with warmth and care each session.
Ideal clients
I want to work with LGBTQ+ patients who are motivated in their goals for therapy and want to work through any range of circumstances like trauma, early life transitions, relationships with others, self-care. Patients who want to increase their confidence in themselves through prioritizing themselves first and foremost. Patients who appreciate light humor being intertwined throughout sessions to keep the hard conversations light, and still feel validated in their experiences.
Origin story
I was working in an entry level mental health and substance abuse job right after undergraduate school, and I had just witnessed my first patient success from the program and that was the moment I knew I wanted to move further into this realm. Being able to aide someone through a difficult time in their life and be able to watch them move onto a brighter future sealed the deal - I had to become a therapist.
Ongoing work together
As we continue to work together, patients will feel more and more comfortable and confident in managing life stressors, setting boundaries, and being their authentic self.
Treatment methods
Compassion-Focused
Personally speaking, we cannot criticize ourselves into the person we want to become, and the life that we want to have. Leading with compassion in all fronts, and in a way that still holds the self accountable is the best avenue for change.
Attachment-based
Our very first connections tend to be the ones we mimic later on in life, and using attachment work can help address unhealthy coping mechanisms we learn in insecure-based attachments, leading us to earned secure attachment.
Gender-affirming therapy
You are the resident within your body and in using this framework you can truly reach your favorite version of yourself.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I firmly believe that integrating every part of our selves and daily lives in our healing process leads us to the most sustainable and consistent change.
Strength-Based
Learning how to highlight our strengths can help us build confidence in ourselves to manage daily stress.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- IllinoisLicense 149028378