John Dinauer, LCSW

John Dinauer is a licensed therapist based in Illinois with 30 years of professional experience supporting people through challenging life transitions and mental health struggles. As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - he combines long-standing clinical experience with a practical, person-centered focus to help clients manage depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction recovery.

He provides compassionate, affirming care for members of the LGBTQ+ community and for individuals facing isolation, communication difficulties, aging concerns, midlife transitions, and chronic health conditions. His practice pays particular attention to men's issues, process addictions, and alternative relationship dynamics, tailoring interventions to each person’s unique circumstances.

John emphasizes a non-judgmental environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, strengthen coping skills, and build resilience. He works collaboratively to identify goals, develop practical strategies, and support meaningful change, helping people reclaim a sense of purpose and navigate life’s turning points with greater confidence and adaptability.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

John Dinauer uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skill building and problem solving. One core approach emphasizes skills-based coping strategies to help manage stress, anxiety, and everyday emotional challenges by teaching concrete tools for regulation and decision making. Another focus is addiction-informed care, which targets patterns of problematic substance use and process addictions through structured relapse prevention and strategies to restore balance in daily life. He also provides affirming support for LGBTQ+ clients, attending to identity, relationship dynamics, and the specific stressors that can affect this community.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. John works collaboratively with each client to assess needs, set goals, and adapt techniques so the work fits the client’s preferences and life circumstances. This collaborative process helps ensure therapy remains relevant and effective.

Online sessions - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility for clients balancing work, caregiving, or health concerns. Remote therapy makes it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals while accommodating varied schedules and mobility needs.