Meet Dr. Africa Rainey
Dr. Africa Rainey is a Counseling Psychologist, professor, and founder of Authentic Self Inc. She provides psychotherapy with a focus on trauma, neurodivergence, and gender, racial, and sexual minority communities. In addition to her clinical work, she develops research based personal growth programs that translate psychological science into practical tools for emotional resilience, self understanding, and meaningful change.
Dr. Rainey has spent her career serving diverse populations, including individuals with developmental disabilities, LGBTQI2S+ communities, and racial and gender minorities. With more than 30 years of experience working directly with people, she is known for her depth of insight, relational presence, and ability to understand the emotional and cultural layers that shape each person’s story.
Thirteen years ago, she founded Authentic Self Inc. to help individuals recognize their inherent capacity for growth, resilience, and self directed healing. What began as a counseling practice has evolved into a broader mission that integrates counseling, education, and accessible learning experiences grounded in psychological research.
Much of her professional journey has been rooted in nonprofit service, where she received both service and achievement awards for her leadership and dedication. She developed a reputation for taking on complex and high risk cases, offering steady presence, discernment, and unwavering commitment to those navigating significant adversity.
Dr. Rainey is also a dynamic speaker and West African percussionist. She has lectured extensively to schools, graduate programs, and professional audiences on multicultural competence, racial identity development, gender and sexual minority wellbeing, and systemic inequities in mental health care. She has served on the Cultural Competency Committee of McHenry County, contributing to community wide efforts to advance equity and cultural awareness.
Outside of her clinical and educational work, she maintains a deep commitment to animal welfare. She rescues and fosters cats and dogs, and many of her companion animals have been soul partners in the healing work she has carried throughout her career.
What is a Counseling Psychologist?
A Counseling Psychologist is a doctoral level psychologist trained in psychotherapy, psychological assessment, research, and multicultural competence. The field emphasizes identity development, social context, strengths, and systemic influences on mental health. While Counseling and Clinical Psychologists share similar licensure and scope of practice, Counseling Psychology has a longstanding focus on cultural awareness, prevention, and human development across the lifespan.