Transgender Therapists in New Westminster, BC
Based on the belief that: "we all have our own answers", I focus my efforts to provide a professional, non judgmental and non critical space, where people can safely engage in a process of self reflection and discovery through which they can increase their self awareness, and learn how to access their own answers and solutions to a wide range of mental health concerns and challenging life situations.
Based on the belief that: "we all have our own answers", I focus my efforts to provide a professional, non judgmental and non critical space, where people can safely engage in a process of self reflection and discovery through which they can increase their self awareness, and learn how to access their own answers and solutions to a wide range of mental health concerns and challenging life situations.
Dr. Tanya Elez, Registered Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3M
I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples and families who wish to address issues of past trauma, grief, loss, depression and anxiety, strengthen their relationship, increase intimacy and trust, or augment parenting skills.
I practice from a systemic, strength based perspective and hold a holistic, hopeful view of human nature. In in order to promote well being and help you accomplish personal goals, I will collaborate with you, relying on your own incredible resiliency and capacity to heal.
I am a Registered Psychologist, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. I work with individuals, couples and families who wish to address issues of past trauma, grief, loss, depression and anxiety, strengthen their relationship, increase intimacy and trust, or augment parenting skills.
I practice from a systemic, strength based perspective and hold a holistic, hopeful view of human nature. In in order to promote well being and help you accomplish personal goals, I will collaborate with you, relying on your own incredible resiliency and capacity to heal.
Christina Faedo
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), RPC-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3M
My name is Christina, and I am a Registered Counsellor Candidate with the CPCA. I work with people who may have experienced trauma or life challenges. This could include anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or vicarious trauma from working in the first responder world. I will work alongside you to help navigate and support you during these and many other roadblocks that may be in your way. This process is collaborative and unique to each individual. I draw from many modalities ensuring a holistic approach for each client.
My name is Christina, and I am a Registered Counsellor Candidate with the CPCA. I work with people who may have experienced trauma or life challenges. This could include anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, or vicarious trauma from working in the first responder world. I will work alongside you to help navigate and support you during these and many other roadblocks that may be in your way. This process is collaborative and unique to each individual. I draw from many modalities ensuring a holistic approach for each client.
Janele Lajoie
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3L (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who is passionate about supporting clients to navigate challenging life events or mental health concerns. I am also focused on reducing negative stigma of mental health. I have worked in various roles in the social services sector for ten years before beginning my career as a clinical counsellor, including immigration, disability support, outreach counselling, cultural safety, social work and case management. This professional experience combined with lived experience allows me to practice from trauma-informed, intersectional and anti oppressive frameworks.
Hello! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) who is passionate about supporting clients to navigate challenging life events or mental health concerns. I am also focused on reducing negative stigma of mental health. I have worked in various roles in the social services sector for ten years before beginning my career as a clinical counsellor, including immigration, disability support, outreach counselling, cultural safety, social work and case management. This professional experience combined with lived experience allows me to practice from trauma-informed, intersectional and anti oppressive frameworks.
I love helping my clients through self-exploration and growth, navigation of personal, familial, social, or professional relationships, dealing with loss, change, decisions, and uncertainty, making sense of various life experiences, and planning for the future. If you find yourself: struggling with unhelpful thoughts, emotional regulation, low mood, or behavioural patterns; in damaging or breaking relationships; faced with grief, difficult life decisions, or loss of control; want to process past experiences; or searching for a path forward, I will be honoured to help you through these challenges and towards becoming your best self.
I love helping my clients through self-exploration and growth, navigation of personal, familial, social, or professional relationships, dealing with loss, change, decisions, and uncertainty, making sense of various life experiences, and planning for the future. If you find yourself: struggling with unhelpful thoughts, emotional regulation, low mood, or behavioural patterns; in damaging or breaking relationships; faced with grief, difficult life decisions, or loss of control; want to process past experiences; or searching for a path forward, I will be honoured to help you through these challenges and towards becoming your best self.
Strength Counselling Services
Counsellor, MEd, RCC, CCC, RSW, RP
Verified Verified
New Westminster, BC V3M (Online Only)
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
We are an online counselling agency so do not provide services in person. Strength Counselling Services has licensed, experienced therapists who use evidence-based practices, prioritize client needs, and maintain ethical standards. We offer culturally sensitive, affordable services in a supportive environment. We offer a comprehensive goals assessment, regularly assess progress, and collaborate with other professionals. We provide transparency in our fees and for thirteen years now have held a positive reputation of trust, and client success. Lastly, ensuring our clients' privacy and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us.
Shauna Cheney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
New Westminster, BC V3M (Online Only)
If you want to change your life, therapy is a great way to start. I help people develop coping skills to manage complicated thoughts and emotions. With 22 years of experience, I provide a supportive setting to help you manage your emotions, make positive changes, and overcome difficulties. But, the first step is actually reaching out for help.. I provide therapy for clients who struggle anxiety, depression, life transitions, PTSD/trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), panic attacks, mood swings, and relationship problems. I also work with couples who are struggling with communication, stress, infidelity and intimacy issues
If you want to change your life, therapy is a great way to start. I help people develop coping skills to manage complicated thoughts and emotions. With 22 years of experience, I provide a supportive setting to help you manage your emotions, make positive changes, and overcome difficulties. But, the first step is actually reaching out for help.. I provide therapy for clients who struggle anxiety, depression, life transitions, PTSD/trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), panic attacks, mood swings, and relationship problems. I also work with couples who are struggling with communication, stress, infidelity and intimacy issues
Alex F Lekei
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, CCAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3L (Online Only)
My philosophy for counselling is rooted in finding connection in communities, safety from within, and discovery of what makes you feel passionate about a life worth living. I have always been a strong proponent for human development and diversity, and I'm curious by nature. Presently I work as an addictions counsellor, am an advocate for ending homelessness, and work with organizations to provide safety to our most vulnerable groups. Ive been to therapy, I struggled with addiction in the past... we all have had an adversity to overcome, and I can relate.
My philosophy for counselling is rooted in finding connection in communities, safety from within, and discovery of what makes you feel passionate about a life worth living. I have always been a strong proponent for human development and diversity, and I'm curious by nature. Presently I work as an addictions counsellor, am an advocate for ending homelessness, and work with organizations to provide safety to our most vulnerable groups. Ive been to therapy, I struggled with addiction in the past... we all have had an adversity to overcome, and I can relate.
Hi, I'm Laura Trevisan, RCC, a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor in New Westminster, B.C. With a Master's in Counselling and an ongoing Professional Counselling Diploma, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and offer transformative support. Whether you're navigating daily stressors, executive challenges, or life transitions, my person-centred approach fosters deep self-understanding, resilience, and purposeful living. Join me in shaping a fulfilling life through proactive and sustainable transformation.
Hi, I'm Laura Trevisan, RCC, a compassionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor in New Westminster, B.C. With a Master's in Counselling and an ongoing Professional Counselling Diploma, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and offer transformative support. Whether you're navigating daily stressors, executive challenges, or life transitions, my person-centred approach fosters deep self-understanding, resilience, and purposeful living. Join me in shaping a fulfilling life through proactive and sustainable transformation.
Wayfinding Psychology by Dr. Megan Suehn, R. Psych
Psychologist, PhD, RPsych
Verified Verified
New Westminster, BC V3L (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Affirming LGBTQIA+ people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Recovery from grief, & life transitions of career shifts or immigration. Revitalization from burnout and trauma. Strengthening marriages, families, & other relationships for success. Supporting front line workers like police, nurses, doctors, therapists, & other caregivers. I help you integrate aspects of your identity and learn to navigate more comfortable, safer, and healthier relationships with family, friends, and community. Helping you grow into your favourite self: from one member of the queer community to another. (Please note: I only offer online counselling).
Affirming LGBTQIA+ people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Recovery from grief, & life transitions of career shifts or immigration. Revitalization from burnout and trauma. Strengthening marriages, families, & other relationships for success. Supporting front line workers like police, nurses, doctors, therapists, & other caregivers. I help you integrate aspects of your identity and learn to navigate more comfortable, safer, and healthier relationships with family, friends, and community. Helping you grow into your favourite self: from one member of the queer community to another. (Please note: I only offer online counselling).
I am passionate about working with women and addressing issues that are standing in the way of you experiencing life from a place of joy, self-love and empowerment. As women we tend to wear many hats such as daughter, mother, spouse, caregiver, career woman. Low self-esteem, co-dependency or inability to say no, feeling responsible, poor body image, fertility issues, sexual abuse or abuse, perfectionism or emotional eating...all these challenges can create stress and overwhelm which can lead to anxiety, depression and more. Pls check out my website www.goddessrevealed.ca for more information about my work.
I am passionate about working with women and addressing issues that are standing in the way of you experiencing life from a place of joy, self-love and empowerment. As women we tend to wear many hats such as daughter, mother, spouse, caregiver, career woman. Low self-esteem, co-dependency or inability to say no, feeling responsible, poor body image, fertility issues, sexual abuse or abuse, perfectionism or emotional eating...all these challenges can create stress and overwhelm which can lead to anxiety, depression and more. Pls check out my website www.goddessrevealed.ca for more information about my work.
15 Second Videos
Strength Counselling Services
Wayfinding Psychology by Dr. Megan Suehn, R. Psych
Julie Chang
These are unique and challenging times. We are faced with very real stressors that can trigger lots of anxiety. What is happening right now can also activate past trauma. Financial concerns, health concerns, worrying about loved ones, having to adjust to living with each other...it can bring out the best and the worst of us. If you have already been struggling with disconnect, unresolved conflict and hurt, or unhealthy ways of coping, now is the time to reach out. I have a very compassionate yet practical approach and focus on providing you with tools that will enable you to make positive life and love changes
These are unique and challenging times. We are faced with very real stressors that can trigger lots of anxiety. What is happening right now can also activate past trauma. Financial concerns, health concerns, worrying about loved ones, having to adjust to living with each other...it can bring out the best and the worst of us. If you have already been struggling with disconnect, unresolved conflict and hurt, or unhealthy ways of coping, now is the time to reach out. I have a very compassionate yet practical approach and focus on providing you with tools that will enable you to make positive life and love changes
Whether you are struggling with a mental health issue or simply want to achieve a more fulfilling life Jocelyn is here to help. She is compassionate, non-judgemental and experienced. She creates a comfortable space to support you to build inner strategies and become more attuned to your strengths within. If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, low mood or depression, going through a life transition or just feel generally dissatisfied in your life she can help. You will develop and achieve your personal goals and create a life that leaves you feeling excited and inspired.
Whether you are struggling with a mental health issue or simply want to achieve a more fulfilling life Jocelyn is here to help. She is compassionate, non-judgemental and experienced. She creates a comfortable space to support you to build inner strategies and become more attuned to your strengths within. If you or your child are struggling with anxiety, low mood or depression, going through a life transition or just feel generally dissatisfied in your life she can help. You will develop and achieve your personal goals and create a life that leaves you feeling excited and inspired.
Welcome to the first step of your journey to flourishing mental health with me. I look forward to supporting you while you explore, reflect, and find the ideal self you would like to become psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I believe in a world where people achieve flourishing mental health. To do so, I am helping individuals such as yourself one at a time to gain more control of their lives and to become versions of themselves they envision. I promise to try my best to treat you with absolute worth, to respect your autonomy, and to give you the therapy experience you want using Directing, Following, or Guiding Style.
Welcome to the first step of your journey to flourishing mental health with me. I look forward to supporting you while you explore, reflect, and find the ideal self you would like to become psychologically, physically, and spiritually. I believe in a world where people achieve flourishing mental health. To do so, I am helping individuals such as yourself one at a time to gain more control of their lives and to become versions of themselves they envision. I promise to try my best to treat you with absolute worth, to respect your autonomy, and to give you the therapy experience you want using Directing, Following, or Guiding Style.
Sara Pun
Registered Provisional Psychologist, MEd, MMT, CCC, RCC, MTA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Westminster, BC V3L
Is there a longing inside of you? A feeling you can’t quite name? Maybe it’s a cascade of emotion and you may feel too overwhelmed to understand or know how to process it. These emotions could be a sign of grief, sadness, anxiety, depression, or unhappiness with your current life circumstances. You may feel stuck and alone. My name is Sara and I welcome you here. I work from an integrated model that draws from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, and the expressive arts. I believe each person is the expert of their own life and my role is to support you in a safe and non-judgemental space.
Is there a longing inside of you? A feeling you can’t quite name? Maybe it’s a cascade of emotion and you may feel too overwhelmed to understand or know how to process it. These emotions could be a sign of grief, sadness, anxiety, depression, or unhappiness with your current life circumstances. You may feel stuck and alone. My name is Sara and I welcome you here. I work from an integrated model that draws from Emotion-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, mindfulness, and the expressive arts. I believe each person is the expert of their own life and my role is to support you in a safe and non-judgemental space.
More Therapists Nearby
Tricia Antoniuk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Surrey, BC V3V
Waitlist for new clients
If you have Relationship Problems, if you want Counselling for Coming Out and Sexual Identity Questions as a Lesbian, Gay, or Transgender person, if you have experienced Childhood Abuse, Relationship Abuse or Trauma, or if you are looking for Counselling for Stress, Depression and Anxiety, I can help.
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet your deep longings and be free to be your truest self. You deserve to feel good about you. I work with gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and straight youth and adults. I want you to have the inner freedom to be who you were meant to be. I want you to feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life.
If you have Relationship Problems, if you want Counselling for Coming Out and Sexual Identity Questions as a Lesbian, Gay, or Transgender person, if you have experienced Childhood Abuse, Relationship Abuse or Trauma, or if you are looking for Counselling for Stress, Depression and Anxiety, I can help.
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet your deep longings and be free to be your truest self. You deserve to feel good about you. I work with gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and straight youth and adults. I want you to have the inner freedom to be who you were meant to be. I want you to feel better about yourself, your relationships, and your life.
You know the best way out is always through...but "through" is HARD, especially when you're experiencing painful emotions and you're not sure where to start. So let us help you through. Breaking free from deeply-rooted self-doubt, anxiety, body image concerns, relational conflicts, and struggling self-worth isn't something you need to do alone. We've got you! You'll fit right in with us if you're ready to change your relationship with yourself, to really get to know who you are, and finally heal from the patterns that are holding you back.
You know the best way out is always through...but "through" is HARD, especially when you're experiencing painful emotions and you're not sure where to start. So let us help you through. Breaking free from deeply-rooted self-doubt, anxiety, body image concerns, relational conflicts, and struggling self-worth isn't something you need to do alone. We've got you! You'll fit right in with us if you're ready to change your relationship with yourself, to really get to know who you are, and finally heal from the patterns that are holding you back.
Hi, I am Andressa Taverna. Being a trauma survivor has moulded me and impacted my life in many obvious and also many mysterious ways. Numbing out and dissociating has helped me bear the trauma, but burying it deep and pretending it didn’t exist never really worked. It was only when I started looking at it and inviting my demons to come forward, to speak up, to scream out their rage, that what I saw behind it was pain. Eventually, I saw that they were not demons after all, but my inner child.
Hi, I am Andressa Taverna. Being a trauma survivor has moulded me and impacted my life in many obvious and also many mysterious ways. Numbing out and dissociating has helped me bear the trauma, but burying it deep and pretending it didn’t exist never really worked. It was only when I started looking at it and inviting my demons to come forward, to speak up, to scream out their rage, that what I saw behind it was pain. Eventually, I saw that they were not demons after all, but my inner child.
Mike Kling
Registered Professional Counsellor - Candidate, BA, RCC-C, RPC
Verified Verified
Burnaby, BC V3N
I believe in your innate capacity for change and am dedicated to helping you find your authentic self and emotional balance. With training in various therapies and insights from mindfulness and attachment theory, I offer a safe, inclusive approach. I specialize in trauma informed care and use a variety I offer an integrative and holistic approach that prioritizes your unique needs and goals.. I also focus on queer-focused counseling, including polyamorous relationships, transitioning, shame, self doubt and navigating a heteronormative world.
I believe in your innate capacity for change and am dedicated to helping you find your authentic self and emotional balance. With training in various therapies and insights from mindfulness and attachment theory, I offer a safe, inclusive approach. I specialize in trauma informed care and use a variety I offer an integrative and holistic approach that prioritizes your unique needs and goals.. I also focus on queer-focused counseling, including polyamorous relationships, transitioning, shame, self doubt and navigating a heteronormative world.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck lately? Struggling to feel connected with yourself and those around you? Have you been feeling lonely, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you're noticing that your past is having a negative impact on your present. So many of us find ourselves making the same mistakes; repeating old patterns, again and again. This often leaves us feeling defeated, invalidated and powerless in our very own lives. I am passionate about helping clients identify and overcome the obstacles that keep them from reaching their full potential.
Do you find yourself feeling stuck lately? Struggling to feel connected with yourself and those around you? Have you been feeling lonely, overwhelmed, anxious or depressed? Maybe you're noticing that your past is having a negative impact on your present. So many of us find ourselves making the same mistakes; repeating old patterns, again and again. This often leaves us feeling defeated, invalidated and powerless in our very own lives. I am passionate about helping clients identify and overcome the obstacles that keep them from reaching their full potential.
Davina Ma
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V3N (Online Only)
“Stress doesn’t cause burnout. Capitalism and white supremacy does” - Jenn Mullan. Are you a member of a marginalized community - BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, people with mental health issues? Have you been struggling with people pleasing, imposter syndrome, caregiver fatigue, and/or coming to terms with a mental health diagnosis? It is exhausting to exist in a world that was not built for us. You matter, and you deserve to be heard in a safe space that does not blame you for not doing or being enough. With an anti-oppressive and decolonial approach, I support people of marginalized identities to process their grief and honour their rage.
“Stress doesn’t cause burnout. Capitalism and white supremacy does” - Jenn Mullan. Are you a member of a marginalized community - BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, people with mental health issues? Have you been struggling with people pleasing, imposter syndrome, caregiver fatigue, and/or coming to terms with a mental health diagnosis? It is exhausting to exist in a world that was not built for us. You matter, and you deserve to be heard in a safe space that does not blame you for not doing or being enough. With an anti-oppressive and decolonial approach, I support people of marginalized identities to process their grief and honour their rage.
Feeling lost, exhausted, sad, always on edge, or traumatized? Feeling more emotional pain than joy in your relationship? Now is the time to reach out. If you are seeking to be relieved of tension or pain, feel happier, feel less stressed, and be able to move forward, the start of your journey is making a simple phone call or sending me a message. I will be honoured to hold your story carefully and respectfully, and collaborate with you until things improve or your suffering goes away altogether, depending on your goals. I am an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapist and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to be themselves.
Feeling lost, exhausted, sad, always on edge, or traumatized? Feeling more emotional pain than joy in your relationship? Now is the time to reach out. If you are seeking to be relieved of tension or pain, feel happier, feel less stressed, and be able to move forward, the start of your journey is making a simple phone call or sending me a message. I will be honoured to hold your story carefully and respectfully, and collaborate with you until things improve or your suffering goes away altogether, depending on your goals. I am an LGBTQIA2S+ affirming therapist and provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to be themselves.
Thea Jardine
Counsellor, MC, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V5E
Waitlist for new clients
Counselling is a collaborative process of exploring the difficulties (stress, emotions, experiences) that the client brings forward in session. Counsellors promote change by helping the client to focus on the feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and experiences that are maintaining barriers to attaining goals. Counsellors are there to “do with” not “do for.” The client is the one that leads the way, while the counsellor acts as a guide or support. My goal is to help you find your voice and your path to being your favorite version of you!
Counselling is a collaborative process of exploring the difficulties (stress, emotions, experiences) that the client brings forward in session. Counsellors promote change by helping the client to focus on the feelings, thoughts, behaviours, and experiences that are maintaining barriers to attaining goals. Counsellors are there to “do with” not “do for.” The client is the one that leads the way, while the counsellor acts as a guide or support. My goal is to help you find your voice and your path to being your favorite version of you!
Regina Banales-Lopez
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Burnaby, BC V3N (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I want to understand who you are and unpack the contents of your mind with you. When traumatic events or negative experiences aren’t processed, they can take shape in behaviour, habits, feelings, thoughts and relationship dynamics. I offer a therapeutic journey to disarm the loops in your mind and work towards loosening their grip in your life. Whether you're feeling anxious, jaded, overwhelmed, empty, frozen, or feel your experiences are embarrassing or shameful, I believe you are worthy and deserving of being met with acceptance, care and connection.
I want to understand who you are and unpack the contents of your mind with you. When traumatic events or negative experiences aren’t processed, they can take shape in behaviour, habits, feelings, thoughts and relationship dynamics. I offer a therapeutic journey to disarm the loops in your mind and work towards loosening their grip in your life. Whether you're feeling anxious, jaded, overwhelmed, empty, frozen, or feel your experiences are embarrassing or shameful, I believe you are worthy and deserving of being met with acceptance, care and connection.
Collective Healing Counselling and Consulting
Counsellor, MA, RCC, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burnaby, BC V3N
*Services by student counsellors and Associates available* People we work with describe feeling disconnected, invalidated, and powerless after experiencing trauma and injustice. Some have felt stuck and overwhelmed in the process of reconnecting with themselves, their communities, and in navigating the dominant culture. We support clients in processing their experiences and deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. We affirm clients' needs and desires and value reciprocity and collaboration. Honoring clients' knowledge, we invite clients to co-create safety and exercise their self-determination.
*Services by student counsellors and Associates available* People we work with describe feeling disconnected, invalidated, and powerless after experiencing trauma and injustice. Some have felt stuck and overwhelmed in the process of reconnecting with themselves, their communities, and in navigating the dominant culture. We support clients in processing their experiences and deepening their understanding of themselves and their relationships. We affirm clients' needs and desires and value reciprocity and collaboration. Honoring clients' knowledge, we invite clients to co-create safety and exercise their self-determination.
See more therapy options for New Westminster
Nearby Transgender Counsellors Searches for New Westminster
- Burnaby
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- North Vancouver
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Transgender Counsellors
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognise a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognise a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.