Transgender Therapists in Oakville, ON
![Photo of Carrie Anne Hojnoski, BA(H), BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ad13607-939d-4bb0-b833-92b43dde9c72/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carrie Anne Hojnoski
Registered Social Worker, BA(H), BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H (Online Only)
I specialize in Mood&Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, ADHD/ASD, AuDHD, Woman’s Health/PPD/PPA, Addiction, Narcissistic &Borderline Personality Disorders, Relationships, Grief&Loss, Sexual Health Education& supporting Transgender & Polyamory LGBTQIA+ folks.
Hello, thank you for reading my profile! I bring 20 years of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist to support you in navigating life's many challenges. I provide virtual care psychotherapy in Ontario to adults 18-65. I am a caregiver, listener and a social justice advocate. I offer you a safe space to explore your current challenges utilizing an anti-oppressive & decolonized social work practice. My focus will be using an evidence based therapy modality to address your challenges and assist you in building skills. I focus on emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, mindfulness & interpersonal skills.
I specialize in Mood&Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, ADHD/ASD, AuDHD, Woman’s Health/PPD/PPA, Addiction, Narcissistic &Borderline Personality Disorders, Relationships, Grief&Loss, Sexual Health Education& supporting Transgender & Polyamory LGBTQIA+ folks.
Hello, thank you for reading my profile! I bring 20 years of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist to support you in navigating life's many challenges. I provide virtual care psychotherapy in Ontario to adults 18-65. I am a caregiver, listener and a social justice advocate. I offer you a safe space to explore your current challenges utilizing an anti-oppressive & decolonized social work practice. My focus will be using an evidence based therapy modality to address your challenges and assist you in building skills. I focus on emotion regulation skills, distress tolerance, mindfulness & interpersonal skills.
![Photo of Jane van de Ven - Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (Q), RN, MScN, CNP/CPN, (Q)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1efed2dd-378e-463b-b20c-650aa9c55b5c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jane van de Ven - Certified Nurse Psychotherapist (Q)
RN, MScN, CNP/CPN, (Q)
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6L (Online Only)
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression from work/life burnout, chronic illness (e.g., addiction, cancer, pain), toxic relationships or intimate partner violence, traumatic pregnancy, labour and delivery or postpartum, autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), identifying as two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2SLGBTQ+), or having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from careers such as teaching, military, corrections, and healthcare? Is your goal to mentally heal and bring health and wellness into your life?
Are you struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression from work/life burnout, chronic illness (e.g., addiction, cancer, pain), toxic relationships or intimate partner violence, traumatic pregnancy, labour and delivery or postpartum, autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), identifying as two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (2SLGBTQ+), or having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from careers such as teaching, military, corrections, and healthcare? Is your goal to mentally heal and bring health and wellness into your life?
![Photo of Dr. Ambreen Basria, PsyD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/961a9b4e-968d-4fbe-81c0-3bed29316eab/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients that are gender non conforming, exploring gender identity, fertility challenges, postpartum and perinatal mental health issues, relational issues, anxiety, depression, mood related concerns, first responders, and exploring their own identity. I work with clients from a solution focus, humanistic, and person centered approach. I believe the client is the expert in their life, their challenges, and really emphasize guiding treatment through the lens of the client. I offer virtual sessions and in person sessions, which gives you the luxury of having therapy in the space of your own comfort.
I work with clients that are gender non conforming, exploring gender identity, fertility challenges, postpartum and perinatal mental health issues, relational issues, anxiety, depression, mood related concerns, first responders, and exploring their own identity. I work with clients from a solution focus, humanistic, and person centered approach. I believe the client is the expert in their life, their challenges, and really emphasize guiding treatment through the lens of the client. I offer virtual sessions and in person sessions, which gives you the luxury of having therapy in the space of your own comfort.
![Photo of Magda Piskorski, BSc, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/67c6fec0-d852-40d3-a6bc-e75ea1f13bff/2/320x400.png)
Magda Piskorski
Registered Psychotherapist, BSc, MA, RP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M
Are you having relationship difficulties? Are you interested in learning more about how your childhood impacts you as an adult? Does it feel like your past experiences are weighing on you, and your sense of self is foggy or unclear? You are not alone! Together we can look at the steps that have brought you to this point, and increase self-awareness, emotional stability, and insight into your experiences.
Are you having relationship difficulties? Are you interested in learning more about how your childhood impacts you as an adult? Does it feel like your past experiences are weighing on you, and your sense of self is foggy or unclear? You are not alone! Together we can look at the steps that have brought you to this point, and increase self-awareness, emotional stability, and insight into your experiences.
![Photo of Abigail Robinson, RP, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51154687-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling overwhelmed/trapped/or having racing thoughts while not knowing what to do/who turn to can be a very lonely & painful experience. The life we want for ourselves may feel distant due to stress, fear, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, & feelings of unworthiness, shame, & guilt. I would love to walk alongside you during this time as you learn new ways of coping, get to know yourself on a deeper level, & heal/transform so that you may relate to yourself/others effectively & express yourself in a healthy way. I provide a safe, accepting, warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel empowered to be you.
Feeling overwhelmed/trapped/or having racing thoughts while not knowing what to do/who turn to can be a very lonely & painful experience. The life we want for ourselves may feel distant due to stress, fear, sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, & feelings of unworthiness, shame, & guilt. I would love to walk alongside you during this time as you learn new ways of coping, get to know yourself on a deeper level, & heal/transform so that you may relate to yourself/others effectively & express yourself in a healthy way. I provide a safe, accepting, warm, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel empowered to be you.
![Photo of Ian Shulman - Shift Cognitive Therapy + Assessment, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d1944c3-79c0-4840-9da7-dfc9312a6761/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shift Cognitive Therapy + Assessment
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6K
Serving the people of Halton Region for 24 years, we know that every person's challenges are unique. Our Therapy Team consists of experienced psychologists and registered psychotherapists, and provides therapy and diagnostic services to children, teens, adults, couples and families in English and Farsi.
Serving the people of Halton Region for 24 years, we know that every person's challenges are unique. Our Therapy Team consists of experienced psychologists and registered psychotherapists, and provides therapy and diagnostic services to children, teens, adults, couples and families in English and Farsi.
![Photo of Jodi Rouah - Jodi Rouah, Counselling & Co. , MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1c02d3c4-bbf7-4ab1-b13f-d2d09c4efa4c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jodi Rouah, Counselling & Co.
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile. My hope is that through our work together you feel empowered to understand, strengthen and repair your relationship with self and other, even when it doesn't seem possible. I work from a collaborative and client centered stance; facilitating individuals, couples and families towards a greater understanding of their emotional responses and needs. As we become aware of ourselves and our needs, we have a better sense of where to make change. My specialties include Maternal Mental Health (pregnancy/postpartum), Substance Use & Addiction, relationship struggles and Hold Me Tight Workshops.
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile. My hope is that through our work together you feel empowered to understand, strengthen and repair your relationship with self and other, even when it doesn't seem possible. I work from a collaborative and client centered stance; facilitating individuals, couples and families towards a greater understanding of their emotional responses and needs. As we become aware of ourselves and our needs, we have a better sense of where to make change. My specialties include Maternal Mental Health (pregnancy/postpartum), Substance Use & Addiction, relationship struggles and Hold Me Tight Workshops.
![Photo of Nancy Friedman, BAPsy, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54d3b792-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nancy Friedman
Registered Social Worker, BAPsy, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6L
I am currently accepting new clients. Do you or one of your family members or employees suffer from anxiety and depression, work performance challenges, issues with self-esteem, anger and stress management, martial or co-parenting conflict? Holding onto these problems can often interfere with your job, family relationships, and day-to-day life. I am a Registered Social Worker. I offer a range of individual, couple, and family counselling, utilizing Anti-Oppressive Practice, Trauma Informed, Solution Focused Therapy & Cognitive Behavior Therapy . If you would like more information about counselling services please contact me.
I am currently accepting new clients. Do you or one of your family members or employees suffer from anxiety and depression, work performance challenges, issues with self-esteem, anger and stress management, martial or co-parenting conflict? Holding onto these problems can often interfere with your job, family relationships, and day-to-day life. I am a Registered Social Worker. I offer a range of individual, couple, and family counselling, utilizing Anti-Oppressive Practice, Trauma Informed, Solution Focused Therapy & Cognitive Behavior Therapy . If you would like more information about counselling services please contact me.
![Photo of Uzma Ilahi, MACP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e9c326a1-61e6-4e4f-9cf7-fb8016f8511d/3/320x400.jpeg)
You might be looking to increase psychological fitness, or make sense of past wounds, or make a change in your present way of being in the world – I offer a safe, non judgmental and supportive space to facilitate your healing. My work is to help you experience who you truly are, harness your personal strength and overcome your challenges. I work with a firm belief in the resilience of the human spirit and this belief is supported by a solid educational base, a multi-cultural variety of life experience, and a range of counselling skills and tools that makes it possible for me to meet your individual needs.
You might be looking to increase psychological fitness, or make sense of past wounds, or make a change in your present way of being in the world – I offer a safe, non judgmental and supportive space to facilitate your healing. My work is to help you experience who you truly are, harness your personal strength and overcome your challenges. I work with a firm belief in the resilience of the human spirit and this belief is supported by a solid educational base, a multi-cultural variety of life experience, and a range of counselling skills and tools that makes it possible for me to meet your individual needs.
![Photo of Crystal Gerlach: Individual And Couples Therapy, MA, RP, RSW, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c79cfd8-aa32-47ab-8198-cca129dc3d1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Crystal Gerlach: Individual And Couples Therapy
Registered Social Worker, MA, RP, RSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J
Accepting New Clients. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, teens and families. My practice is focused on those with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic health diagnosis, emotional eating, burnout, infertility, adoption. I help relationship issues including: communication, lost connection, intimacy, affair recovery, partner withdrawal, separation. Support for child free and childless couples and for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families. Therapy will help work through difficult emotions and experiences while building healthy relationships.
Accepting New Clients. I provide therapy for individuals, couples, teens and families. My practice is focused on those with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic health diagnosis, emotional eating, burnout, infertility, adoption. I help relationship issues including: communication, lost connection, intimacy, affair recovery, partner withdrawal, separation. Support for child free and childless couples and for LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families. Therapy will help work through difficult emotions and experiences while building healthy relationships.
![Photo of Sadaf Sheikh - Your Lifetime Counselling, MD, MACP, RP, PMP, CCRP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/808655ca-b95d-4dbd-83f8-e3dc5f627ce7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Your Lifetime Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist, MD, MACP, RP, PMP, CCRP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H
I wear many professional hats. I am an MD, MACP, RP, a Clinical Researcher, a Project Management Professional, a Professor at George Brown College, previously an instructor for 15 years at UofT and a family oriented female. I am a published author in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, International Diabetes Federation and the Journal of European Society of Cardiology. I have a number of years worth of work experience in mental health. I have taken care of clients in the in/out patient settings. I believe in providing a non-judgmental and safe space for people to share. My aim is to build stronger communities.
I wear many professional hats. I am an MD, MACP, RP, a Clinical Researcher, a Project Management Professional, a Professor at George Brown College, previously an instructor for 15 years at UofT and a family oriented female. I am a published author in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, International Diabetes Federation and the Journal of European Society of Cardiology. I have a number of years worth of work experience in mental health. I have taken care of clients in the in/out patient settings. I believe in providing a non-judgmental and safe space for people to share. My aim is to build stronger communities.
15 Second Videos
Carrie Anne Hojnoski
Magda Piskorski
Shift Cognitive Therapy + Assessment
Susan Sergeant
The Journey Counselling and Psychotherapy- Virtual
Peachey Counselling & Family Support
Lucia Borrelli
Candice Hamilton-Miller
NKS Therapy
Matt Eldridge & Associates
Meagan Szwed
Strength Counselling Services
M. Christine Brown Clearview Wellness Counselling
Josh Sebastian
James Curtis-Welsh
Rebound Total Health
Kendra Hamilton
R. Maveneka Social Work Professional Corp
Margarita Rabinovich
Bryan Choi
Infertility & Pregnancy Loss | Dr. Mashal Haque
Couples And Individual Therapist Catherine McMullan
Brooke Hill
Liz Bostwick
![Photo of Janice Gill- Holistic Therapist, MSW, RSW, RYT200, Registered Social Worker](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e1af3f51-1c0c-487e-aa83-5187efd3ca7b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janice Gill- Holistic Therapist
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RYT200
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6M (Online Only)
Are you looking to recover from burnout, repair your relationship(s), and/or explore and unlearn the patterns that got you to this tricky spot in the first place? (Sighs in Anxious exhaustion). I have been there. It’s not fun. I see you. And I want to help you. Hi, I’m Janice/Jan/Jay(she/her). I am a holistic psychotherapist (with 12+ years of clinical experience), clinical supervisor, yoga & meditation teacher, college professor, world traveller, recovering perfectionist/people-pleaser, lifelong learner, and imperfect human.
Are you looking to recover from burnout, repair your relationship(s), and/or explore and unlearn the patterns that got you to this tricky spot in the first place? (Sighs in Anxious exhaustion). I have been there. It’s not fun. I see you. And I want to help you. Hi, I’m Janice/Jan/Jay(she/her). I am a holistic psychotherapist (with 12+ years of clinical experience), clinical supervisor, yoga & meditation teacher, college professor, world traveller, recovering perfectionist/people-pleaser, lifelong learner, and imperfect human.
![Photo of Grace Demerling, MA, RPQ, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36fb96c0-0776-4d64-9764-2270d52dad65/1/320x400.jpeg)
Has your child received a new diagnosis? Or maybe you and your child are looking to try some new strategies to help with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and executive functioning? Living in a world designed for neurotypicals can be quite challenging when your brain works differently! I am a neurodivergent-affirming Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who enjoys working with children and teens on the spectrum, and/or have ADHD. As an RP (Qualifying), I integrate my 10+ years of work experience outside of the field of psychotherapy working with neurodivergent people into my strengths-based practice.
Has your child received a new diagnosis? Or maybe you and your child are looking to try some new strategies to help with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and executive functioning? Living in a world designed for neurotypicals can be quite challenging when your brain works differently! I am a neurodivergent-affirming Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) who enjoys working with children and teens on the spectrum, and/or have ADHD. As an RP (Qualifying), I integrate my 10+ years of work experience outside of the field of psychotherapy working with neurodivergent people into my strengths-based practice.
![Photo of Mojgan (Megan) Rasaei, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a8e2bd7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you seeking support and guidance to navigate life's challenges and find a path towards healing and growth? At my practice, I extend a warm and understanding hand to individuals who are grappling with a wide spectrum of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness, depression, adolescent emotional and behavioral difficulties, pregnancy and postpartum mental wellness, self-injurious behavior, sleep issues, stress management, coping strategies, motor vehicle accidents, and trauma. My approach to psychotherapy is deeply rooted in compassion, acceptance, loving kindness, and mindfulness.
Are you seeking support and guidance to navigate life's challenges and find a path towards healing and growth? At my practice, I extend a warm and understanding hand to individuals who are grappling with a wide spectrum of concerns, including anxiety, ADHD, chronic illness, depression, adolescent emotional and behavioral difficulties, pregnancy and postpartum mental wellness, self-injurious behavior, sleep issues, stress management, coping strategies, motor vehicle accidents, and trauma. My approach to psychotherapy is deeply rooted in compassion, acceptance, loving kindness, and mindfulness.
![Photo of Kristy DaSilva, MA, CRPO, BSc, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82f45cfc-4f8d-470c-8fd6-32bfeb3542d1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristy DaSilva
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA, CRPO, BSc
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6K
I work with children, teens and adults who present with various mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, behavioural problems, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. I aim to provide you with a safe and confidential space where you can speak freely about your experience without any fear of judgement. I am here to listen and will follow your lead, moving at whatever pace feels comfortable for you.
I work with children, teens and adults who present with various mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, behavioural problems, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. I aim to provide you with a safe and confidential space where you can speak freely about your experience without any fear of judgement. I am here to listen and will follow your lead, moving at whatever pace feels comfortable for you.
![Photo of Katherine Chung - Katherine C Counselling, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5375e138-acdd-4c58-86f6-9f094b871489/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine C Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6J
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and stressful, thus making it difficult to cope. Therefore, my hope is to help you work through some of your issues (i.e., anxiety, grief, loss) that you are struggling with by providing the skills, insight, and knowledge you need to lead a life you want. I know talking to someone about painful emotions and memories can be difficult so thank you for taking the first step to seeking help.
Sometimes life can be overwhelming and stressful, thus making it difficult to cope. Therefore, my hope is to help you work through some of your issues (i.e., anxiety, grief, loss) that you are struggling with by providing the skills, insight, and knowledge you need to lead a life you want. I know talking to someone about painful emotions and memories can be difficult so thank you for taking the first step to seeking help.
![Photo of Christina Ricciuti, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f19029d6-05a8-49ff-a525-fab6455ed0a7/1/320x400.jpeg)
With over 25 years experience, I work with children, teens, families and adults who are facing a range of mental health and developmental concerns. My work has included clients coping with depression, anxiety, managing grief, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, behavioural problems, relationship concerns, parenting issues, stress, and the full range of developmental and learning isues (autism, ADHD, LD's, intellectual disabilities, language disorders). Several clients are also members of the LGBT2SQ+ community.
With over 25 years experience, I work with children, teens, families and adults who are facing a range of mental health and developmental concerns. My work has included clients coping with depression, anxiety, managing grief, trauma, eating disorders, OCD, behavioural problems, relationship concerns, parenting issues, stress, and the full range of developmental and learning isues (autism, ADHD, LD's, intellectual disabilities, language disorders). Several clients are also members of the LGBT2SQ+ community.
![Photo of David Johnston, RP, CRPO, OCT, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b07eceb-de80-4271-984c-6a5c9bcafacb/1/320x400.jpeg)
David is an individual, couples/relationship, and family therapist. He believes in creating a safe space where people of all backgrounds are welcome, and where clients feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. He works together with clients to empower inherent strengths and skills in those that he sees. Here, clients can discover greater feelings of connection, understanding, curiosity and mindfulness in their lives.
David is an individual, couples/relationship, and family therapist. He believes in creating a safe space where people of all backgrounds are welcome, and where clients feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. He works together with clients to empower inherent strengths and skills in those that he sees. Here, clients can discover greater feelings of connection, understanding, curiosity and mindfulness in their lives.
![Photo of Juan Marine, MA, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/643203f2-0cf4-4c0c-b37d-3c91eb727e32/1/320x400.png)
Hi, I’m Juan. If you’re reading this let me celebrate your bravery. Reaching out for help is the first, and most important step in this journey. Probably, something is not working for you, and your life is not going as planned. Maybe you are feeling stuck and you don’t know how to move forward, or you are struggling with something you feel inside, or your couple life is facing a hard time. What ever the case, I’m here for you. Often, our emotions and thoughts get in the way, leading us to places where it’s difficult to be genuine. Together, we'll walk through the situation, learn about it, and find effective ways to deal with it.
Hi, I’m Juan. If you’re reading this let me celebrate your bravery. Reaching out for help is the first, and most important step in this journey. Probably, something is not working for you, and your life is not going as planned. Maybe you are feeling stuck and you don’t know how to move forward, or you are struggling with something you feel inside, or your couple life is facing a hard time. What ever the case, I’m here for you. Often, our emotions and thoughts get in the way, leading us to places where it’s difficult to be genuine. Together, we'll walk through the situation, learn about it, and find effective ways to deal with it.
![Photo of Gayle M Goldstein, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bf671ee2-8443-4f31-b748-abd7d0cd51f5/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hello and welcome! I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Ontario and I work with children, adolescents, adults and families. Over the last 15 years I have been providing assessment, therapy and consultation for a variety of concerns and issues. I am able to provide developmental, educational, and diagnostic assessments. I am also trained to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I also draw from other approaches that include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and collaborative problem solving.
Hello and welcome! I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Ontario and I work with children, adolescents, adults and families. Over the last 15 years I have been providing assessment, therapy and consultation for a variety of concerns and issues. I am able to provide developmental, educational, and diagnostic assessments. I am also trained to provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I also draw from other approaches that include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and collaborative problem solving.
See more therapy options for Oakville
Nearby Transgender Counsellors Searches for Oakville
- Ancaster
- Brampton
- Burlington
- Dundas
- Etobicoke
- Georgetown
- Grimsby
- Hamilton
- Mississauga
- Stoney Creek
- Toronto
- York
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.