Joy Belonger, MFA (She/They)

Joy is a clinical intern in her final year at The University of Chicago, where she studies trauma-responsive social work. She is a queer, transfeminine writer and educator based in Chicago. She has a MFA in poetry writing from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.

Joy is interested in relational, collaborative work where clients can be their complete selves. She is excited to explore the meaning of gender identity, sexuality, and neurotype through an intersectional lens. As a neurodivergent person herself, Joy does not shy away from engaging with sensations and dysregulation when they show up in-session; she roots her body work in fat liberation. Joy is a white clinician who prioritizes anti-racism and decolonization in her practice.

Joy has previous experience in medical settings, groups homes, and schools, working especially closely with neurodivergent, queer, and trans adolescents. She looks forward to working with fellow creatives, trans folks, and anyone interested in creating the capacity to live more authentically, no matter how confronting.

Joy offers therapy in Illinois