Our Team

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John, a white non binary person with long light brown hair and a brown with hints of red beard smiles at the camera. they are wearing a brown beanie and a blue and yellow flannel shirt. They have their left eyebrow pierced and turquoise plugs in their ear lobes.
  • Supervisor
  • Therapist

John Guilfoile

They/Them

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Staff Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

jguilfoile@liveoakchicago.com

773.886.1394

English

Values & Philosophy

From a young age I have had an affinity for connecting with humans beyond your typical everyday surface level interactions. As I grow in myself, I come to understand the healing and joy that blooms from establishing authentic human connection.

It has become evermore apparent that the core of my practice is related to honoring intersectionality. I strongly value respecting the identity intersections each individual holds and I understand the importance of examining how these intersections flow and crash within ourselves and in our community. As a non-binary, transgender, and queer human, I have spent my lifetime living in space where outsiders struggle to see me in the ways I wish to be seen. It is my hope that I can be someone who actively makes a conscientious and continuous effort to see you for all of your identity intersections and therefore respecting all of you.

You will find my approach to our work together is relaxed and comfortable while also being a space for challenging beliefs and habits that may be getting in your way. I believe that in order to cultivate space for change we first need to feel safe to be authentic and transparent. With that foundation it is my hope that you will have the support and security needed when it is time to explore the tougher pieces of your journey. I will show up to sessions as myself, a non judgemental, warm, and laid back person who is compassionate about understanding all of the pieces that make up the person you are today. I want to meet you where you stand and be a guide towards the change you are looking for or the acceptance you want to find.

If any part of my approach resonates with you and you’re interested in creating an authentic space and relationship together, please reach out. I would be honored to cultivate that space with you.

Education & Training

Licensure

LCSW, 149.022861
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, 2020

Degrees

MSW
Loyola University Chicago, 2017

BA
Smith College, 2013

Areas of Focus & Specialization

  • Identity Exploration, Development, & Intersectionality
  • Developmental Trauma
  • Family of Origin Issues
  • Parents and Families of TGNC Individuals
  • Poly & Non-Monogamy Affirming Practice
  • Kink Aware & Affirming Practice
  • Codependency and Attachment Centered Work
  • Depression, Anxiety, & Stress
  • Neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities)

I Work With

  • Individuals (Adults and Adolescents 12+)
  • Relationships (triads, polycules, metamours, constellations, couples.)
  • Families (chosen & family of origin)

Modalities

  • LGBQ+ and TGNC Affirmative Practice
  • Intersectional and Anti-Racist Feminist Practice
  • Client Centered and Strengths Based Approach
  • Sex and Body Positive Approach
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Mindfulness and Body-based Approach