Brooke Petersen, MDiv, LCPC, PhD

I began my career as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  After working in the parish for 6 years, I returned to school to work on a PhD in Pastoral Psychology at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary.  My dissertation specifically focused on Queer persons who had experienced Religious Trauma in non-accepting religious communities.  My academic research begins with the belief that religious communities must recognize and affirm the fluidity and diversity of gender identities and sexuality in order to meaningfully support human flourishing. 

During my PhD work, I engaged in clinical training at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy.  My therapeutic techniques are eclectic, meaning that I use techniques and theories best suited to each client.  My work is intersectional in nature, centered in anti-racist and feminist theory.  I am mindful of the ways that trauma influences life experience and therapeutic practice.  I have experience with a wide range of clients in age, race, and sexual orientation. I have significant experience in addressing spiritual concerns as well as religious difficulty and religious trauma.  I have specific training in Narrative, Client-Centered, Family Systems and Self Psychology methods.  I am Licensed as a Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois.