FINLAY Sarafa McHale (THEY/THEM), LCSW

Do you struggle with intrusive thoughts or memories? Have you been told to mask yourself for other people’s comfort? Do you hold yourself to a higher standard than the one to which you hold others? Have you had difficulty finding a therapist with an intersectional understanding of systemic oppression and all the harm it brings? I work with adults of all ages and teens who want to expand their skills for communication, emotional self-regulation, and radical self-love. I use anti-oppressive practices to help empower my clients to live authentically, joyfully, and with as much safety as possible in a marginalizing society.

As a mixed SWANA (Middle Eastern), queer, nonbinary, disabled person, I believe strongly in decolonizing mental healthcare and approaching client needs based on client goals. A core tenet of social work is the right to client self-determination, and in partnering with you, my goal is to empower you to make the decisions you feel are right for you. You are your own expert.

I specialize in sexuality and gender, trauma work, and disability. Let’s work together to bring radical, decolonized joy and wellness into your life and build a space where you always feel seen and heard.

SLIDING SCALE

Clients with insurance will typically pay around $20-$40/session if they have not hit their deductible for the year, but please check with your provider. For clients without insurance or in need of sliding scale, my rates are negotiable depending on need. Coaching clients (clients outside IL) can expect to pay up to $200/session unless otherwise qualifying for sliding scale.

Payment can be made via credit card, Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle. HSA/FSA cards are accepted.

My fees work as wealth redistribution. I encourage clients with financial privilege to pay higher rates so that I can take on more low-cost sliding scale clients.

My sliding scale has tiers of priority which may factor into the rates I have available and urgency on a waitlist. Tiers 1 and 2 will be treated the most urgently and will be offered the lowest rates. These tiers are subject to change and are designed to reflect the current needs and health disparities on Turtle Island.

  • Tier 1: unhoused people, refugees & asylees, Black people, Indigenous people, trans femmes, disabled/ill folks with extensive medical needs/fees

  • Tier 2: people with extensive trauma histories, trans mascs, nonbinary people, GNC folks, non-Black/Indigenous POC, other disabled and chronically ill folks, members of ethnic minorities

  • Tier 3: neurodivergent people, queer folks, fat people, members of religious minorities

  • Tier 4: otherwise in need of sliding scale

Current sliding scale availability: waitlist

SCHEDULING

Contact intake@practicalmagichealing.org to get Finn’s current availability.