A woman with long dark hair, wearing a black blazer and gray shirt, smiling for the camera against a plain neutral background.

Emma Bonanno, LPC, NCC

Licensed Professional Counselor

Clinical Intern Supervisor in training

Available in Illinois

National Certified Counselor

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Availability: Virtual

Pronouns: She/They

I identify as: Neurodiverse and LGBTQ

Populations Served: individuals | Age18+

Specialties: ADHD, anxiety, ASD, adoption, bipolar, body image, childhood behavioral issues, C-PTSD, depression, desire/libido issues, first responders, foster care, gender identity, gender affirming care, grief & loss, LGBTQ+, midlife transitions, premature ejaculation, pain with penetration, relationship issues, self-harm, survivors of sexual assault, trauma & PTSD, women’s issues

we provide gender affirming care and many of our therapists are part of the LGBQT population.

Healing begins where we stop hiding, and allow ourselves to step into who we are

My Therapeutic Approach

We specialize in supporting first responders and those who struggle with complex grief and PTSD.

I believe therapy works best when it feels genuine and grounded in real human connection. I’m not a passive listener sitting quietly across from you — I’m an active participant in your growth, helping you better understand yourself while also building practical tools you can actually use in everyday life. My approach blends insight-oriented therapy with strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I often use a whiteboard or visual exercises to help make patterns, emotions, and coping tools feel more concrete and approachable. Therapy is never one-size-fits-all, and I tailor our work to your unique experiences, identity, and goals.

I also believe you deserve a therapist who already understands and affirms the core parts of who you are. You shouldn’t have to spend your sessions explaining or defending your identity, relationship structure, or lived experience. My practice is rooted in an affirming, social justice-oriented framework with a strong focus on the LGBTQ+ community, gender-affirming care, and diverse relationship structures. I also specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, people healing from trauma or codependency, and first responders navigating chronic stress, burnout, and high-pressure environments.

Above all, I want therapy to feel like a space where you can show up fully as yourself — messy, uncertain, overwhelmed, hopeful, or anywhere in between — without judgment.

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  • My path to counseling hasn’t been a straight line, and I think that’s what makes my work so grounded. Before earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from DePaul University, I spent nine years in the mountains of Colorado working as a snowboard instructor and wilderness therapy guide. Those years taught me everything I know about the healing power of nature and the incredible resilience we find when we step outside our comfort zones. Whether on a mountain or in a therapy session, I’m a big believer that growth is an adventure—one that requires a little bit of grit and a lot of compassion.

    Since trading the mountains for Chicago, I’ve brought that same sense of exploration into my clinical work. I’m a "human-first" therapist, which means while I have the academic background (including a double major in Psychology and Photography), I also value the real-life stuff that keeps us balanced. When I’m not with clients, you can usually find me hunting for any hill I can snowboard down, experimenting with homemade Italian recipes, catching live music with friends, or hanging out with my nieces and my dog.

  • Under the clinical supervision of Stephanie Franzoni, LCPC, CST, Emma supports individuals navigate challenges with sexual functioning and intimacy.

    Emma currently supports clients experiencing:

    • Fertility challenges

    • Pain with penetration

    • Premature ejaculation & erectile dysfunction

    • Sexual assault & sexual trauma

  • LGBTQIA+ & Gender-Affirming Care: As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am deeply passionate about supporting my peers. I provide dedicated gender-affirming care and am well-versed in the unique intricacies of queer identity and the nuances of LGBTQIA+ relationship dynamics.

    First Responders: I have advanced training and extensive experience supporting the first responder community. I truly understand the unique psychological and emotional toll these roles place on both the individual and their family, and I provide a specialized space to process those pressures.

    Adoption: I understand that the adoption journey is a profound emotional landscape, often traversing the peaks of joy and the valleys of grief. As a counselor, I specialize in navigating the unique complexities of the adoption system alongside my clients. I provide a safe, dedicated space to process the frustrations of the process while honoring the deep transitions and personal growth that define your story.

  • I know finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting task, which is why I like to keep things accessible and collaborative. I’m available for virtual sessions Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. If you’re curious about how we might work together, I’d love for you to schedule a free phone or video consultation through my online portal so we can see if we’re a good match.