Our Team

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Donovan Mckinley, a light toned BLack-Mexican queer person with buzzed brown hair smiles wide at the camera. He wears Black circular framed glasses and a dark blue button up with a multi-print.
  • Therapist

Donovan McKinley

He/Him, They/Them

Marriage & Family Therapist

Psychotherapist, Live Oak Founders Fellow

dmckinley@liveoakchicago.com

773.880.1310 ext. 7892

English

Values & Philosophy

My foundational approach to therapy comes from a narrative and solution focused perspective where we work to re-frame your lived experiences through creating a new “story” for yourself. Within the space, we’ll honor your past experiences while integrating strategies for your present and future self. As a bi-racial queer person, I believe that the intersectional identities we hold as we navigate the world impact our stories. I hope to build a space with you where you feel seen and heard.

In my work with couples and families,I work within the belief that members of the LGBT+ community have an opportunity to not only choose our family, but create a more resilient relationship that is based on a foundation of care, communication,and mutual respect,Through authenticity, empathy, and openness in a safer space we can work together towards building strategies for communication so that the relationship you have with yourself, and others, can flourish.

Education & Training

Degrees

MA, Couple & Family Counseling
Northeastern Illinois University, 2022

BA, Family & Consumer Sciences: Family Studies
Sacramento State, 2016

Areas of Focus & Specialization

  • Complex Family Dynamics
  • Family of Origin Concerns
  • Identity Exploration, Development, & Intersectionality
  • Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
  • Poly & Non-Monogamy Affirming Practice

I Work With

  • Individuals
  • Relationships (triads, polycules, metamours, constellations, couples.)
  • Families (chosen & family of origin)
  • Adolescents

Modalities

  • LGBTQ Affirmative Practice
  • Multicultural Approaches
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused