Our Team

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  • Supervisor
  • Therapist
  • EMDR Therapist

John Guilfoile

They/Them

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Staff Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor

jguilfoile@liveoakchicago.com

773.886.1394

English

Values & Philosophy

For as long as I can remember, human connection has been one of the greatest joys I have found in my life. When interacting with folks I find deep importance in spending time learning and understanding the person(s) so I can show up for them in whatever way they need that will best align with their values and lived experience. It is important to me to foster a comfortable, authentic, and safe enough environment for doing the hard work of moving through trauma/difficult life experiences.

At the core of my practice is honoring the intersectionality of the individuals I work with to aid in understanding the individual as a whole. I strongly value respecting the identity intersections each person 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 who grew up in rural Georgia, I have spent my lifetime living in space where outsiders struggle to see me in the ways I wish to be seen. My job in our work is to be someone who actively makes a conscientious and continuous effort to see you for all of your identity intersections and therefore respecting you as a whole..

When we work together you will find my approach 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 so we can have enough security to face the parts of ourself that are worthwhile to examine but sometimes difficult to hold.

I will show up to sessions as myself, a non judgemental, warm, and laid back person who is compassionate about understanding your journey and how you have come to be as you are today. My goal in our work is to be a guide towards the change you are looking for or the acceptance you want to find while knowing you are the expert in your lived experience.

If any part of my approach resonates with you and you’re interested in creating an authentic space and relationship together, please reach out to me or our intake team.

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

  • Gender identity and sexual orientation development and exploration
  • Neurodiversity exploration and support
  • Complex dissociation navigation and exploration
  • Recent and/or childhood trauma recovery
  • Support and education for parents and families of transgender individuals
  • Family of origin issues
  • Consultation for therapists and counselors interested in and/or challenged by any of the above areas of focus

I Work With

  • Individuals
  • Relationships (triads, polycules, metamours, constellations, couples.)
  • Families (chosen & family of origin)
  • Adults and Adolescents (16 and older)

Modalities

  • LGBTQ+ and TGNC Affirmative Practice
  • Polyamorous/Non-Monogamous Affirming Practice
  • EMDR Therapy
  • Systemic and Relational Therapy
  • Parts Work
  • Somatic Approach
  • Client Centered Approach
  • Anti-Racist and Intersectional Family Perspective