Transgender Therapists in San Francisco, CA
![Photo of Estella Violet, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1356bed3-5f2e-44fa-b2ba-958ee61f9bd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. I have worked extensively with clients from the LGBTQ community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
I work with clients who are dealing with a variety of life challenges including anxiety, depression, shame, gender dysphoria, trauma, and low self-esteem. I have worked extensively with clients from the LGBTQ community, and I am particularly interested in working with transgender and gender non-conforming adults and adolescents and their families as well as individuals and partners involved in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationships. Therapy is a space for healing, but I believe that it is equally important that we center joy, growth, and resilience in this work as well.
![Photo of Dr. Luke Allen, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3733edcb-f5f7-4a1b-894a-a0d4e82e6db5/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working transgender and non-binary youth and their families on matters related to gender identity.
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
I specialize in working transgender and non-binary youth and their families on matters related to gender identity.
My approach to therapy is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). A core idea in ACT is that trying too hard to get rid of or control our emotions tends to backfire. Instead of trying to get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings (e.g., anxiety & depression), I will help you learn to react differently to them so that you can keep your focus on living a meaningful and fulfilling life based on what’s important to you. We will work together to set meaningful goals to address your concerns–whether they relate to life transitions, depression, anxiety, body image, grief/loss, job or academic stress, or gender & sexuality.
![Photo of Skye Nashelsky, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9aaa0348-eb5c-4b75-9f0a-622d01d84160/2/320x400.png)
Skye Nashelsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
My expertise is with LGBTQIA+, especially transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse folks, & BIPOC communities.
You have the capacity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life! There are multiple forms and layers of oppression that impact our daily lives and self worth. I support clients in acknowledging and addressing shame, grief, trauma, and anxiety. I specialize in issues concerning gender, sexuality, intimacy, relationships, and identity. As your therapist, I act as a support working collaboratively alongside you to identify goals, action steps and interventions tailored specifically to your individual needs and identity.
My expertise is with LGBTQIA+, especially transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse folks, & BIPOC communities.
You have the capacity to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life! There are multiple forms and layers of oppression that impact our daily lives and self worth. I support clients in acknowledging and addressing shame, grief, trauma, and anxiety. I specialize in issues concerning gender, sexuality, intimacy, relationships, and identity. As your therapist, I act as a support working collaboratively alongside you to identify goals, action steps and interventions tailored specifically to your individual needs and identity.
![Photo of Luanna Rodgers, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d033b46-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My work with transgender individuals includes supportive psychotherapy, assessment, coming out, gender change and choices, confidence building, relationship issues, and referrals for ancillary services.
I am a caring, empathetic, and experienced therapist with more than 20 years in practice. I can assist you to find your unique life's path, overcome obstacles such as difficult emotions and past trauma, and expand your potential for happiness. I work with individuals, families, and people in many sorts of relationships, especially in the areas of anxiety and stress management, trauma and post-traumatic stress, depression, self worth and self-actualization, gender identity, sexuality and intimacy, and life transitions.
My work with transgender individuals includes supportive psychotherapy, assessment, coming out, gender change and choices, confidence building, relationship issues, and referrals for ancillary services.
I am a caring, empathetic, and experienced therapist with more than 20 years in practice. I can assist you to find your unique life's path, overcome obstacles such as difficult emotions and past trauma, and expand your potential for happiness. I work with individuals, families, and people in many sorts of relationships, especially in the areas of anxiety and stress management, trauma and post-traumatic stress, depression, self worth and self-actualization, gender identity, sexuality and intimacy, and life transitions.
![Photo of Lark Nierenberg, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22e8c4da-d088-40dd-b95e-0c9fbe8d2f3d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lark Nierenberg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic focus on gender and sexuality, early trauma, and family and relationship dynamics. My approach is empathic, warm, and thoughtful. My clients often wish to understand their identities more deeply; seek support staying true to themselves in their relationships and community; and pursue healing and meaning-making following trauma. Through our work, you can develop new insights and coping skills to manage overwhelm, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I'm particularly dedicated to working with queer, transgender, non-binary, and kink communities.
![Photo of Remi Bean - Remi Bean, LPCC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/96412491-d015-4bb7-b983-5b6470b5746b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Remi Bean
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with transgender, non-binary, and queer clients who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
Many of us move through life ashamed of who we really are, believing we're unlovable at our core or that we're not enough - for our parents, our partners, our friends, or the world at large. These beliefs can keep us feeling stuck and alone, or even cause conflict with people we care about. A therapist is a safe person who can help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, and trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.
I specialize in working with transgender, non-binary, and queer clients who are exploring their gender and sexuality.
Many of us move through life ashamed of who we really are, believing we're unlovable at our core or that we're not enough - for our parents, our partners, our friends, or the world at large. These beliefs can keep us feeling stuck and alone, or even cause conflict with people we care about. A therapist is a safe person who can help you see past the lies that your anxiety, depression, and trauma tell you about yourself, so that you can see yourself with new eyes and learn to love and accept yourself as you are. Embracing yourself without judgment makes it easier to cope with life stress and conflict and to heal from trauma.
![Photo of John Hanig, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ba2bdbe4-6c02-4461-99af-51e196b9a564/1/320x400.jpeg)
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and POC.
Looking for a queer therapist? I specialize in working with queer, gay, bisexual, & transgender adults & adolescents in California. I am most passionate about providing advocacy for cultural and economic diversity in our community and serving LGBTQ+ people experiencing depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Engaging in therapy is more important than ever especially in response to our current political climate and recent backlash of conservative values showing incredible disrespect toward the LGBTQ+ community and throwing extra stress at immigrant populations and POC.
![Photo of Michelanne Baker, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3caf88f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
I have over twenty years working with people who identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender/non-binary as well as people from diverse ethnic and racial groups.
My approach to therapy is interactive and relational. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is what is most healing and helpful in therapy. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where difficult issues can be addressed. When people feel supported and understood; they are often more able to face challenges. I also help clients become more aware of the obstacles which prevent them from leading more satisfying lives. Sometimes that may involve exploring past experiences and relationships or it may involve learning new coping skills.
I have over twenty years working with people who identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender/non-binary as well as people from diverse ethnic and racial groups.
My approach to therapy is interactive and relational. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is what is most healing and helpful in therapy. I strive to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere where difficult issues can be addressed. When people feel supported and understood; they are often more able to face challenges. I also help clients become more aware of the obstacles which prevent them from leading more satisfying lives. Sometimes that may involve exploring past experiences and relationships or it may involve learning new coping skills.
![Photo of Jeanna Eichenbaum, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46606995-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jeanna Eichenbaum
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
My speciaties include marriage and relationship work, including monogamous and polyamorous relationships, alternative sexuality concerns (kink/BDSM/vanilla), transgender and non-binary issues and transition support, LGBTQQI supportive therapy, and recovery from depression, anxiety, and trauma/PTSD related disorders.
Longing for a different outcome? Want to write a new story? You are probably hoping to find support with the process of healing something that isn't feeling right. Psychotherapy can help by offering an accepting space to look, non-judgmentally, at whatever feels stuck, painful, or unresolved. Use my support and encouragement to help you approach these challenges in new ways, and find new solutions. My goal is to provide you with acceptance and ways to access your own innate wisdom and energy. I offer individual and relationship psychotherapy. Short and long term therapy options are available, depending on your concerns and goals.
![Photo of Powell Burke, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/18ca891b-ff10-4269-b75b-392062b3202d/1/320x400.png)
Powell Burke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
As human beings, we often find ourselves wanting more freedom, or perhaps wanting more purpose in our lives, or craving a sense of inner peace. Other times, we find ourselves caught up in difficult and challenging relationships in our personal lives or at work. Whether your life feels overwhelming or underwhelming, I believe that care and courage, along with some healthy curiosity can go a long way in helping you locate new possibilities and finding solutions that work for you. Treating depression, gender dysphoria, relationship problems, and more. Online therapy available statewide in California, Georgia, Florida, and Colorado.
As human beings, we often find ourselves wanting more freedom, or perhaps wanting more purpose in our lives, or craving a sense of inner peace. Other times, we find ourselves caught up in difficult and challenging relationships in our personal lives or at work. Whether your life feels overwhelming or underwhelming, I believe that care and courage, along with some healthy curiosity can go a long way in helping you locate new possibilities and finding solutions that work for you. Treating depression, gender dysphoria, relationship problems, and more. Online therapy available statewide in California, Georgia, Florida, and Colorado.
![Photo of Sam Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6e194a9a-6c09-4dae-baaa-c8e3fae06246/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
I am a trans Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with trans, queer, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming teens and adults. I have a non-pathologizing approach and deeply value identities outside the "norm." I have fifteen years of experience as a mental health provider, including support groups with teens and adults, individual therapy, and crisis work. I am a Bay Area activist who has fought for transgender rights by organizing provider trainings and public demonstrations. I am a visual artist and storyteller who believes that underrepresented individuals expressing themselves creatively and authentically is powerful and important.
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![Photo of Jordyn Serwin, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8e72b1d-a065-45a6-afac-87d8ca59b92b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jordyn Serwin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
We all deserve to feel seen, included, and understood, no matter who we are. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, my aim is to help you better see yourself in all aspects of who you are, feel more included in relation to those around you, and experience a greater understanding of how you fit into a wider world. Maybe you’re exploring your non-binary gender for the first time. Maybe you’re supporting a transgender family member or partner. Maybe you’re working through relationship challenges as an LGBTQ+ person. Together, we can explore what “seen,” “included,” and “understood” mean for you and how you can achieve them.
We all deserve to feel seen, included, and understood, no matter who we are. As an LGBTQ+ affirmative therapist, my aim is to help you better see yourself in all aspects of who you are, feel more included in relation to those around you, and experience a greater understanding of how you fit into a wider world. Maybe you’re exploring your non-binary gender for the first time. Maybe you’re supporting a transgender family member or partner. Maybe you’re working through relationship challenges as an LGBTQ+ person. Together, we can explore what “seen,” “included,” and “understood” mean for you and how you can achieve them.
![Photo of Zaire Flowers, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c4457a3f-1010-4ee1-ae04-ea92ea66b79f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Zaire Flowers
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
As a transgender, black, and openly queer therapist, I have the skills and experience to help you reach your true potential.
Are you a Black, Queer, Trans, or differently-abled person ready to live authentically with no regrets? I'll help you build the confidence and self-love that will get you there. Discover a life where self-expression thrives and empowerment reigns! I help people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions overcome their internalized oppression and step into a better future. Learn how to eliminate the emotional obstacles that are blocking the path to your best life. Discover delight, balance, and confidence in your own skin. Change the way you live and experience the life that is rightfully yours!
As a transgender, black, and openly queer therapist, I have the skills and experience to help you reach your true potential.
Are you a Black, Queer, Trans, or differently-abled person ready to live authentically with no regrets? I'll help you build the confidence and self-love that will get you there. Discover a life where self-expression thrives and empowerment reigns! I help people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions overcome their internalized oppression and step into a better future. Learn how to eliminate the emotional obstacles that are blocking the path to your best life. Discover delight, balance, and confidence in your own skin. Change the way you live and experience the life that is rightfully yours!
![Photo of Bianca Christian, ACSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0d8c997-6120-4b17-9969-98114425fe3f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Additionally, I have gained rewarding, and pivotal counseling experience with the LGBTQ+ community, with specific experience counseling Transgender community members.
The way in which a person cultivates their sense of self, self-esteem, and relationships with others, can be extremely important in their path to wellness. My goal is to meet every client where they are in their journey to mental health and wellness, which means we start where you are and not where I think you should be. I believe that everyone has the capacity to become their best selves and that my work is to provide a safe, helpful, and non-judgmental, environment for those who I am working with.
Additionally, I have gained rewarding, and pivotal counseling experience with the LGBTQ+ community, with specific experience counseling Transgender community members.
The way in which a person cultivates their sense of self, self-esteem, and relationships with others, can be extremely important in their path to wellness. My goal is to meet every client where they are in their journey to mental health and wellness, which means we start where you are and not where I think you should be. I believe that everyone has the capacity to become their best selves and that my work is to provide a safe, helpful, and non-judgmental, environment for those who I am working with.
![Photo of Ezak Marquez, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f0785acb-f855-455e-b69f-f721860d5dc1/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
I specialize in working with the LGBTQ community with a focus on transgender and nonbinary folks to address a variety of issues including gender dysphoria, identity exploration, anxiety, and depression.
My name is Ezak and my pronouns are they, them, theirs. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Gender Specialist at Diaspora Therapy Group. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and I have been trained through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. I work with adolescents and adults wanting to make a change in their life and I work collaboratively with my clients to identify their goals.
![Photo of Bren Benoit, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c6281314-b76a-405c-a38c-2294399516c4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bren Benoit
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102 (Online Only)
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
It is a radical act to pursue health, liberation, and self-acceptance in a world that too often seeks to dehumanize and control us. My intention is for therapy to be a refuge from that pressure and trauma, where you can explore who you want to be and how you want to live your life. Everyone has unique needs, strengths, and values, so my therapeutic approach is always as collaborative and egalitarian as possible. As a member of the transgender community, I am particularly experienced in issues relating to LGBTQ+ identity, relationships, and discrimination.
![Photo of Fii Sperling, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a002cb65-3f89-4abf-a207-a235abfe8b84/2/320x400.jpeg)
Fii Sperling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94112
As a queer, transgender & non-binary, neurodivergent and chronically ill therapist, my approach to therapy centers you as the expert in the room. I believe the wisdom in your lived experience will help us collaboratively create a healing space that supports you. Most of the people I work with inhabit identities resistant to social norms primarily teens and adults who are transgender, non-binary, polyamorous, and or neurodivergent. I also provide support to family members of transgender youth and other LGBTQIA+ folks.
As a queer, transgender & non-binary, neurodivergent and chronically ill therapist, my approach to therapy centers you as the expert in the room. I believe the wisdom in your lived experience will help us collaboratively create a healing space that supports you. Most of the people I work with inhabit identities resistant to social norms primarily teens and adults who are transgender, non-binary, polyamorous, and or neurodivergent. I also provide support to family members of transgender youth and other LGBTQIA+ folks.
![Photo of Amber Leshan, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e602c12-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
I aim to bring heart, presence, connection, and meaningful guidance to all who choose to work with me. Some of my main areas of focus with clients are navigating relationship issues, building healthy self esteem, anxiety and stress management, and working through trauma. I also have specialized experience working with LGBTQ+ clients, individuals and couples navigating polyamory and open relationships, gender identity (non binary and transgender), sexuality and sacred sexuality, and non traditional spiritual practices. I enjoy working with clients who have a general interest and motivation towards self-reflection and personal growth.
![Photo of Michael Stample, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d8bfb5fd-c87f-4c4c-9d44-ff6c244f4b84/2/320x400.png)
Hello, I'm Michael F. Stample, PhD, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I work extensively with individual adults, couples and families. My primary expertise is in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ and transgender healthcare. I mostly work with adults over age 17 or 18, through the later years. While psychiatric diagnoses have their uses, I prefer to see my clients as dealing with "problems of living." I work comfortably with psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other evidence-based therapies. My early training included internship at the Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
Hello, I'm Michael F. Stample, PhD, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I work extensively with individual adults, couples and families. My primary expertise is in mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, dual diagnosis, LGBTQ+ and transgender healthcare. I mostly work with adults over age 17 or 18, through the later years. While psychiatric diagnoses have their uses, I prefer to see my clients as dealing with "problems of living." I work comfortably with psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and other evidence-based therapies. My early training included internship at the Jung Institute of Los Angeles.
![Photo of Anthony Lee, ACSW, #119732](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f439cc83-323c-4ad1-a5c9-d6c7501bf038/4/320x400.jpeg)
Anthony Lee
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ACSW, #119732
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108 (Online Only)
We all have unique perspectives in the world and often our identities are at the forefront of our conflict with ourselves and environments. As a 1st-Gen Hmong Queer person I know the challenges of navigating our intersecting identities and relationships. I engage with individuals of all ages who want to take the next step in their life journeys. I have helped many individuals and families experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, navigating challenging relationships, and much more.
We all have unique perspectives in the world and often our identities are at the forefront of our conflict with ourselves and environments. As a 1st-Gen Hmong Queer person I know the challenges of navigating our intersecting identities and relationships. I engage with individuals of all ages who want to take the next step in their life journeys. I have helped many individuals and families experiencing symptoms of depression, trauma, anxiety, gender dysphoria, navigating challenging relationships, and much more.
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Transgender Therapists
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.