Sex after sexual trauma can bring up a whole host of emotions. To be clear, some survivors of sexual violence don’t experience changes in their relationship with sex, while many others do. All reactions to trauma are valid–your mind and body are responding to protect you from experiencing further harm. This article is for those…
The decision to start therapy often occurs as a result of emotional suffering that we can’t seem to shake, as well as a desire to change. For some, this decision can be scary, hopeful, exciting, or vulnerable– maybe all at the same time. Knowing this, I seek to create a warm, radically accepting, non-judgmental space in which we can combine our knowledge–yours of yourself and your experience, and mine of mental health–to reach your goals. My therapeutic approach is holistic, relational, and informed by feminist and queer theory. I understand that every facet of our lives, from our physical health to sociopolitical events, impacts who and how we are in the world. I take into account the impact of systemic forces, such as oppression, both on your life and on our therapeutic relationship. Having a strong, trusting relationship with each other is one of the most important factors in therapeutic success, so you will often hear me asking for feedback and encouraging conversations on how we are both showing up in this work together. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Colorado College, with minors in Feminist & Gender Studies and Spanish Language. During this time, I conducted research both on intimate partner violence connected to the military and abortion rhetoric in Quito, Ecuador, as well as worked with teens and adults experiencing homelessness. I obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago. During my graduate training I completed my clinical internship at a rape crisis center, working with survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, and continued this work after graduation. At Wildflower, my work focuses on those who have concerns around relationships, fertility, or motherhood, those who have experienced trauma, and those with mood disorders. I draw upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to create the treatment plan that fits your unique goals. I am also proficient in Spanish and am happy to provide services in “Spanglish.” LCSW License Number: 149024175 Type 1 NPI Number: 1568113850 Accepts: BCBS PPO and BlueChoice plans, UnitedHealthcare/Optum PPO, self-pay and out of network clients Pronouns she/her/hers Selected training and affiliation 60-Hour Rape Crisis Counselor Training Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified in Psychological First Aid Gottman Training Level 1 for Couples Therapy Highly-Sensitive Person (HSP) Knowledgeable Therapist Key beliefs You are the expert of yourself. We are all complex beings with the capacity for change. Everyone is worthy of love, safety, and compassion. Life takes a village. More about me I am a white, cis-gender woman from the Chicagoland area. I adore being silly with my loved ones, getting outside, learning new things, tending to my plants, and playing guitar.
Supporting Trauma Survivors During the Perinatal Period
The perinatal period can be challenging, and for those who have experienced trauma, it can be triggering. Survivors of trauma who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, struggling with infertility, or have delivered children often encounter situations that remind them of previous trauma. These experiences may be traumatizing in and of themselves. Loved ones of…
Therapist Spotlight: Rachel Mintz, MA, LCSW
Rachel (she/her) is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Her therapeutic approach is holistic, relational, and informed by feminist and queer theory. At Wildflower, her work focuses on those who have concerns around sex, intimacy, fertility, or motherhood, people who have experienced trauma, and people with mood disorders. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Colorado…
