John Rutka, LPC

John identifies as a queer, sex-positive, gay therapist based in Chicago — specializing in sex therapy, relationship issues, and anxiety. John is kink and poly-friendly and works with all genders and orientations looking to explore sexual identity, accelerate confidence, build emotional intimacy, master communication, or folx just looking to have more thrills in the bedroom (or wherever you get your thrills!). John also provides a safe space for folx to explore intersectional identities (e.g., race, age, religion, socio-economic status, spirituality, gender, education, ability, etc.) that impact your sexuality and well-being.

 

After earning a Bachelor’s in Business, John completed a specialized certificate in Psychology at Northwestern University while working as an Academic Program Coordinator and a soccer Commissioner for the largest LGBTQ sports organization in the Midwest developing the first LGBTQ national soccer tournament. John started his pursuit for a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health while working for two mental health agencies and focused mostly on group counseling and individual therapy. John completed his Master’s from Roosevelt University and has continued developing professionally attending trainings such as Mental Health First Aid, and Gottman’s Level 1 Training. John has also watched seminars pertaining to Attachment Therapy, Internal Family systems (IFS), as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aimed at mental health providers. John focuses on person-centered and mindfulness approaches, Buddhist philosophy, and attended a mindfulness meditation retreat in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

If you’re interested in working with John, we invite you to book a free 20-minute consultation.

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How does payment work and what are my options?

Psychotherapy (Illinois residents only):

You may pay out-of-pocket or use your HSA or FSA accounts to cover the costs of psychotherapy.  If you are interested in teletherapy services, check with your HSA or FSA company to make sure that is a covered service.  You *may* also use out-of-network insurance benefits to cover psychotherapy costs.  In this case, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you have a separate deductible for out-of-network services and what percentage of costs will be covered once you hit that deductible.  Additionally, in order for sessions to be covered by your out-of-network benefits, they should be deemed “medically necessary.” Relationship concerns and couples counseling are not typically covered by insurance unless the person whose insurance is being used has a diagnosable mental health condition that is being treated concurrently. If you would like to use your out-of-network benefits, John will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance plan for reimbursement of costs.  In this case, you should also make sure you are comfortable with your insurance company receiving your diagnosis code.

Coaching:

Coaching sessions are all out-of-pocket and not billable to insurance.

How Often Should I Go to Therapy/Coaching?

This is different for everyone! There are a variety of factors that influence the frequency of therapy/coaching sessions. When you meet with John during your consultation you will determine the frequency of sessions based on how long you have struggled with these issues, how severely they impact your everyday life, and how motivated you are to sort them out. Cost and availability are also influences to be aware of.

Do we only talk about sex in session?

A lot of clients ask if they can talk about non-sexual/relationship things. The answer is YASSS! Sex and relationships are naturally holistic, incorporating mind, body and spirit.  Sex and relationships impact how we feel about ourselves and how we feel in the world.  And the reverse is also true: how we are feeling physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually impact how we show up in all of our relationships from co-worker relationships to family relationships to friendships and intimate partnerships.

What is a Sex Coach?

A sex coach helps you have a healthy and happy sex life! My goal is to help you acknowledge and understand how we’ve been socialized to act on specific thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be impeding your intimacy with others and to help you learn to have more fun in the bedroom! Whether you are challenged by self-esteem, emotional connection, body image, anxiety, sexuality, conflict management, (re)building intimacy, differing sexual desires, arousal concerns, or just navigating the world of dating; huge transformations await you and I can help!

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Mission

John’s mission is to help people understand the way our culture shapes how we view relationships may not always be healthy. John actively works to help people un-learn and re-learn how to have happy and healthy relationships so they can can fully embrace themselves and the people they love.

What benefits will I get from Working With John?

  • A feeling of authenticity in your intimate relationships.
  • A better understanding if you’re truly compatible with your partner.
  • How to become an expert communicator.
  • To have a space to unlearn myths about sexuality and relearn what really works.
  • How to make time in your busy life for sex and intimacy.

Who is a good fit to work with John?

John has a particular passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community, folks in both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships, and working professionals. Clients that tend to be a good fit are typically more aimed at wanting to be more sex-positive, embrace more understanding and meaning in their lives, and are looking for new ways to connect to themselves and others (e.g., romantic partners, friends, family).  All ages, races, religions, sexual orientations, relationship styles, and gender identities are very welcome!

What is John like?

John is a psychotherapist, but he is a human being first. John’s own journey through mental wellness has given him access to a level of empathy and insight to the work he does with clients. John is warm, relaxed and likes to make clients feel welcome and at home in therapy. John believes this process doesn’t have to be intimidating and is not interested in formalities, or labels–so you can expect feel humanized and empowered! John can be described as someone with a non-judgmental attitude no matter what you bring to sessions.

John is a former higher-ed administrator and a competitive soccer player. He is an avid traveler, has a big sense of curiosity for the world around him loves learning and trying new things. John also loves dogs, so please feel free to  bring them in to sessions with you!

Credentials

  • Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Roosevelt University)
  • Current Clinical Mental Health Licensure in Illinois (2021)
  • Specialized Studies Certificate in Psychology (Northwestern University)
  • Completion of Gottmans Level 1 Counseling Training
  • Member of AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators Counselors and Therapists)