Why Gay Men Sometimes Fall For Straight Guys: A Therapist’s Perspective

April 1, 2026 2SC Staff

Working as a gay therapist in Chicago’s diverse Lakeview and Boystown neighborhoods, I’ve sat with countless gay men who’ve found themselves emotionally invested in straight guys. It’s a pattern I see regularly in my practice […]

LGBTQ+ Trauma Counseling man traumitized

Does Trauma Therapy Help LGBTQ+ People Heal?

April 1, 2026 2SC Staff

Trauma has a way of making you feel like you’re the problem. For LGBTQ+ people in Chicago — from Boystown and Andersonville to Avondale and Pilsen — that feeling is usually the result of years […]

Two people holding hands representing authentic connection in therapy

Building Authentic Relationships: LGBTQ+ Affirming Counseling in Chicago

March 25, 2026 2SC Staff

For many LGBTQ+ individuals in Chicago, the journey toward authentic connection can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of dating in Boystown, rebuilding relationships after coming out, or simply seeking deeper emotional intimacy, the […]

gay man in chicago reflecting on IFS parts therapy at 2nd Story Counseling

The Power of Parts Work: How IFS Therapy Transforms Gay Men’s Mental Health

March 9, 2026 2SC Staff

As a gay man navigating life in Chicago, you might notice different versions of yourself showing up in different situations. There’s the confident professional you are at work, the careful observer you become when meeting […]

Two people in genuine conversation at Chicago cafe, illustrating authentic connection in LGBTQ+ therapy

Breaking Through Isolation: Relational Therapy for LGBTQ+ Adults in Boystown

February 26, 2026 2SC Staff

Walking down Halsted Street on a Friday night, surrounded by crowds and rainbow flags, you’d think isolation would be impossible in Boystown. Yet many LGBTQ+ adults in our neighborhood know a different truth: you can […]

Body Shaming: Shame as a Sick and Twisted Game

February 21, 2026 2SC Staff

queer lgbt men going to CBT therapy in Chicago

CBT for LGBTQ+ Identity and Anxiety in Chicago

February 12, 2026 2SC Staff

How CBT Benefits Queer Identifying People You’ve done the work of coming out. You’ve built community, found queer safe spaces in Chicago where you can be yourself, created a life that reflects your authentic identity. […]

queer men walking through streets avondale chicago

7 Cool Things for LGBTQ People To Do in Avondale Chicago

February 1, 2026 2SC Staff

As a queer therapist who’s practiced in Chicago for nearly two decades, I’ve watched Avondale transform from a quiet working-class neighborhood into one of the Northwest Side’s coolest spots—and it’s way more queer than […]