My name is Angel Ziegler (she/her pronouns), and I am a relationship therapist (technically a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or LMFT) who specializes in working with folks in the LGBTQIA+, polyamory, and kink communities, although my experience extends beyond those identities and lifestyles. I work with adolescents and adults who may be facing relationship conflict, sexual concerns, identity development, and grief or loss. I also have experience working with fellow therapists in both individual and relational contexts. The lens through which I view therapy is mostly depth-oriented and systemic.
From my point of view (which has been partially formed from the psychodynamic and existential, partially from Internal Family Systems or IFS), each of us is made up of a system of different parts. Have you ever said to yourself when trying to make a decision, “Well, a part of me wants Thing X…But another part of me wants Thing Y!”? That’s exactly what I’m referring to. Those different parts of us can sometimes work together but can also be in opposition at times. I see myself as a facilitator who can help you better understand the beautiful and complex galaxy that is you.
Community: Life can be hard, and it is too much to expect any of us to face it alone. Not only do I value the communities to which I am a part of in Chicago, but I also value calling on your own communities to strengthen your growth journey. Whether it’s a chosen family, biological family, a group of friends with shared interests, a spiritual group, or you’re still searching for your community, I see these all as being ways to empower your self-discovery and self-awareness.
Curiosity: “Curiosity killed the cat…” but I say, it also kills my boredom! There is such beautiful diversity in this world and every human and every experience is so unique. Every question just opens up a new path of exploration, discovery, and adventure. Being curious means that I can better learn about and understand people and their situations from an open-minded, non-judgmental standpoint.
Freedom: The systems we live within and at times are oppressed by are exhausting to say the least. If we can’t feel safe or free to fully express our true selves, to explore, to connect, to live, that puts a major strain on our mental well-being and sense of self. I believe in trying to practice from a feminist, anti-racisit perspective in order to help create at least one small space of safety and freedom in your life. We are not free until we are all free.
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT)
Kink & Polyamory Aware Chicago Therapists (KPACT)
Northwestern University Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
University of Wisconsin – Madison Bachelor of Arts in Psychology