For teenagers ages 11-18, this group focuses on teens who identify as gender non conforming or transgender. This is a safe place to explore emotions and feel accepted and cared about.
Hosted by Lynn B Barnett
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSCSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Kansas City, MO 64131
My area of focus is working with children, youth and young adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
I believe that everyone, young and old, has a right to feel good about themselves. Sometimes, things happen in life that leave us feeling unprepared for the road ahead. We look in the mirror and are unhappy with what we see, past trauma can leave us vulnerable to the environment around us, or our bodies and our brains do not create a cohesive whole. That is when we need help in discovering who we are and how we want to live our lives.
We are an inclusive and empowering group designed specifically for LGBTQ+ teens. In our supportive and accepting space, we aim to foster personal growth, build resilience, and create meaningful connections. Through engaging discussions and activities, we explore topics such as identity, self-expression, relationships, and navigating the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Our goal is to provide a safe haven where teens can freely express themselves, receive support, and develop a strong sense of self. Join us at Rainbow Rising to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and connection with peers who truly understand.
Hosted by Darbi Keene
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Kansas City, MO 64111
You're tired of regular "talk therapy" and are sick of being stuck in a cycle that leaves you feeling burnt out. Maybe you are LGBTQ+ or Neurodivergent and need someone who understands the nuances of that. Do you want to learn distress tolerance skills to use in moments where it seems like the overwhelming emotions you feel are a dangerous tidal wave about to crash around you? Are you a caretaker who has discovered how overstimulating parenting is and want to improve your own emotional regulation so that you can help your child regulate? You are capable of the hard things. Let me help you find that capability within yourself!
Our LGBTQ+ Support Group is an affirming place for teens to explore gender identify, sexual orientation or gender expression without fear of rejection or judgement. Teens in this community who experience depression or anxiety have at some point experienced bullying, teasing and rejection, and likely feel like they do not belong to any group. They may not only have increased negative emotions, lower self-esteem and hopelessness, but also could experience an increase in suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors. Here, your teen is accepted and affirmed and is embraced as they explore their true strengths and gifts.
Hosted by Embark Counseling Services, LLC
Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Kansas City, MO 64151
We are here to help! We are a group of professionals who approach therapy with compassion and understanding, providing a partnership with you in a safe, caring and supportive place to explore life's difficulties, and learn how to balance any challenge, and improve your relationships. We use an individualized, integrated approach to therapy, promoting wellness in all areas of your life: physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual. We work with children, teens, young adults, millennials, families, couples and partners. We also have counseling interns to provide an affordable options for your mental healthcare.
See more therapy options for Kansas City
Transgender Support Groups
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 recognize 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 recognize 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.