David Lovely

Bio

I understand that all lives have a unique path, and not everyone gets a map and a guidebook when they set out. Sometimes we need compassionate, thoughtful advice from someone else who’s been there, too!

My therapy approach is client-centric, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. It can be hard to open up, especially for clients who have marginalized identities, and I attempt to be very aware of the intersectional complexities that our society creates. My strengths are in working with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, sexuality and gender, kink, and consensual nonmonogamy. I’m an eclectic practitioner and use a mix of techniques from DBT, CBT, EFT, and trauma-oriented work. I also attempt to practice from a stance that is decolonizing, anti-racist, feminist, and queer.

I’m a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Loyola University in 2022. Additionally, I earned a Master in Library & Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelors in English Language and Literature from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. Before turning to mental health, I worked for 20 years in corporate environments, mostly as a project manager or a business analyst, generally in the IT sector.

It takes an enormous amount of strength to admit that you need help, and if you’re reading this you’ve already come a long way. I’m profoundly grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to help others, and I would be honored if you let me walk some of your path alongside you.

In-network insurances

Blue Cross Blue Shield • Self pay • Aetna

Specialties

ADD/ADHD Behavior Therapies • Adjustment Disorder • Anger Management • Anxiety • Autism • Bipolar Disorder • Borderline Personality Disorder • Daytime Sleepiness • DBT/CBT • Depression • Divorce • Gender Dysphoria • Grief and Loss/Bereavement • LGBTQIA+ • Life Coaching • Life Transition • Major Depressive Disorder • Mindfulness • Mood Disorders • Narcissism • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) • Occupational Difficulties • Personality Disorder • Phobias/Irrational Fears • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Trauma • Relationship Issues • Sadness • Self Esteem • Sexual Dysfunction • Social Anxiety • Stress/Worry • Suicidal Thoughts

Education and training

• Loyola University, Masters in Social Work
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Masters in Library & Information Science
• Bard College at Simon's Rock, Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature

Professional memberships

• National Association of Social Workers

Languages spoken

• English

Pronouns

• he/him/his