Craig Pelka, MSW, LSW, LCACA

Growing up and living queer in the Midwest has positioned me on a journey of navigating personal, professional, relationship, and systemic experiences – many positive, many challenging. Without a doubt, I’m actively traveling my own path of exploration and growth… and the idea of pride has been a journey, not a just destination. Providing therapy from a social work perspective enables me to remain accountable to this path while also supporting individual and collective health. My experience working within the LGBTQIA+ community has varied throughout my career, at times being directly focused on individual healing and equity work and other times more indirectly from public sector perspectives (e.g., higher education, healthcare).

I work with LGBTQIA+ identified, exploring/expanding, and allied clients (including youth and adults individually, within relationship structures, and families) as they move through experiences such as adjusting to changes, integrating past experiences such as trauma, living with anxiety and depression, exploring and improving sex and sexuality, working with behavioral patterns and addiction, and navigating boundaries and expectations with self and others.

Seeking support and trying to find a fit with a therapist or counselor can be challenging, especially when you’re needing relief and momentum. My hope is that you feel welcomed enough to reach out. If we meet and you or I think different type of therapist or professional would be better suited, we’ll come up with a plan to make it happen and keep you moving on your path.