Transgender Therapists in Hastings, MI
![Photo of Dr. Kara Thomas, PsyD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5f9a6e4-9714-4b16-8d1b-310624ce0a70/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am committed to providing a comfortable and warm therapeutic experience for clients to explore their experiences and needs. In understanding how your story fits with who you are and identifying ways to manifest what you want, together we'll build self-awareness, healthier relationships, and effective coping.
I am committed to providing a comfortable and warm therapeutic experience for clients to explore their experiences and needs. In understanding how your story fits with who you are and identifying ways to manifest what you want, together we'll build self-awareness, healthier relationships, and effective coping.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Ann Bixler, LLP, ICAADC, RPT, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/438c945b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ann Bixler
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, ICAADC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
LGBTQ community including the use of WPATH standards and seeing transgender clients through their process of transformation.
I 've been in private practice since 1997. Throughout that time I have continued to expand on my knowledge and develop specialties in play therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, substance abuse, and trauma including PTSD. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. I see each client as unique and feel honored to join them in their journey towards health and wellness. I am affiliated with organizations that keep me abreast of evidence-based practices for the unique situations that clients bring to therapy.
LGBTQ community including the use of WPATH standards and seeing transgender clients through their process of transformation.
I 've been in private practice since 1997. Throughout that time I have continued to expand on my knowledge and develop specialties in play therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, substance abuse, and trauma including PTSD. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. I see each client as unique and feel honored to join them in their journey towards health and wellness. I am affiliated with organizations that keep me abreast of evidence-based practices for the unique situations that clients bring to therapy.
![Photo of Diane Allen, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50c8899f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience in mental health, substance abuse, dual diagnosed clients, anxiety issues, family and relationship issues, post traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and loss issues, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, medical issues, adolescent issues, obsessive compulsive disorder and transgender and gay issues.
I have found that everyone can hit a bump in the road. The hardest part of this experience is to walk in the door and ask for help. I value the therapeutic process between my clients and myself, and enjoy as well am honored in getting you into a healthier place. Everyone comes with a different story and event, and I can help you with this. Together we will forge through whatever it is you are struggling with, and I look forward to empowering you on this non judgmental journey. Please feel free to text 810-350-9111 my office hours are Monday-Friday 5-8 and Saturday 10-3
I have extensive experience in mental health, substance abuse, dual diagnosed clients, anxiety issues, family and relationship issues, post traumatic stress disorder, domestic violence, sexual abuse, grief and loss issues, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, medical issues, adolescent issues, obsessive compulsive disorder and transgender and gay issues.
I have found that everyone can hit a bump in the road. The hardest part of this experience is to walk in the door and ask for help. I value the therapeutic process between my clients and myself, and enjoy as well am honored in getting you into a healthier place. Everyone comes with a different story and event, and I can help you with this. Together we will forge through whatever it is you are struggling with, and I look forward to empowering you on this non judgmental journey. Please feel free to text 810-350-9111 my office hours are Monday-Friday 5-8 and Saturday 10-3
![Photo of Dalton Connally - Connally Counseling, LMSW, ACSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/39fcfb36-a374-4ab8-8da1-70046d3efd12/1/320x400.jpeg)
Connally Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
We are committed to providing culturally affirming care to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer-Identified and those exploring gender, sexuality, diverse relationships.
All people deserve to live healthy, satisfying lives. Our intention is to help clients find ways to increase insight, clarity, balance, and meaning. We are passionate about the intersection between psychotherapy, research, and contemplative mindfulness with a goal of supporting clients on their journey to wellness and self-discovery. Connally Counseling is an agency committed to providing affirming care to LGBQIAA, Transgender folx, Queer-Identified, those exploring gender, sexuality, kink, polyamory and their families.
We are committed to providing culturally affirming care to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer-Identified and those exploring gender, sexuality, diverse relationships.
All people deserve to live healthy, satisfying lives. Our intention is to help clients find ways to increase insight, clarity, balance, and meaning. We are passionate about the intersection between psychotherapy, research, and contemplative mindfulness with a goal of supporting clients on their journey to wellness and self-discovery. Connally Counseling is an agency committed to providing affirming care to LGBQIAA, Transgender folx, Queer-Identified, those exploring gender, sexuality, kink, polyamory and their families.
![Photo of Jessica Cieslak, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50bbac07-d6ed-4c99-a921-53ef23f15917/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Cieslak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Ada, MI 49301 (Online Only)
I work with children, adolescents, and adults that may struggle with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Mood Regulation Disorders, Grief & Loss, Body & Gender Dysphoria, LGBTQ+ & Transgender Matters.
I have immediate availability next week. My name is Jess (she/her) and I specialize in creating a safe, comfortable, supportive virtual environment. I am also proudly an LGBTQIA+ ally! During our sessions, we'll explore your life experiences and learn how the brain plays a crucial role in emotional expression and regulation. Together, we'll work to improve the quality of your relationship with yourself and others while honing skills to regulate your nervous system. Feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation!
I work with children, adolescents, and adults that may struggle with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Mood Regulation Disorders, Grief & Loss, Body & Gender Dysphoria, LGBTQ+ & Transgender Matters.
I have immediate availability next week. My name is Jess (she/her) and I specialize in creating a safe, comfortable, supportive virtual environment. I am also proudly an LGBTQIA+ ally! During our sessions, we'll explore your life experiences and learn how the brain plays a crucial role in emotional expression and regulation. Together, we'll work to improve the quality of your relationship with yourself and others while honing skills to regulate your nervous system. Feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation!
![Photo of Jimmy Dagostino, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e43ed9d8-bdbf-41e7-a0af-bac9666ee162/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jimmy Dagostino
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Novi, MI 48377 (Online Only)
My main specialty is the LGBTQ+ community, which I am a member of. I also work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and adults with ADHD or Autism. I have particular experience with non-binary (I myself am non-binary) and transgender individuals, childhood trauma, and addiction. Whoever you are, whatever you're dealing with, my goal and my passion is to help people find their inner strength and get to know themselves. I want to help you trust yourself, rely on yourself, and to help you learn how to not just overcome your challenges but go beyond that and become the best version of yourself you can be because you deserve that.
My main specialty is the LGBTQ+ community, which I am a member of. I also work with depression, anxiety, trauma, and adults with ADHD or Autism. I have particular experience with non-binary (I myself am non-binary) and transgender individuals, childhood trauma, and addiction. Whoever you are, whatever you're dealing with, my goal and my passion is to help people find their inner strength and get to know themselves. I want to help you trust yourself, rely on yourself, and to help you learn how to not just overcome your challenges but go beyond that and become the best version of yourself you can be because you deserve that.
![Photo of Alexander Eliot Fry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50400f9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have experience working with those who identify under the transgender umbrella, offering support and guidance through navigating how the world sees you as, and discovering the person you know you are.
I value working with a variety of different populations and presenting issues. It can be a difficult process finding the right person to talk to openly, my goal is to help create a safe, warm, and respectful environment. I am very passionate about what I do, and my areas of specialization and look forward to helping you become the person you would like to see in all areas of your life. I do also see teens- but at least a few sessions will be family based to better understand the system and the identified problem.
I have experience working with those who identify under the transgender umbrella, offering support and guidance through navigating how the world sees you as, and discovering the person you know you are.
I value working with a variety of different populations and presenting issues. It can be a difficult process finding the right person to talk to openly, my goal is to help create a safe, warm, and respectful environment. I am very passionate about what I do, and my areas of specialization and look forward to helping you become the person you would like to see in all areas of your life. I do also see teens- but at least a few sessions will be family based to better understand the system and the identified problem.
![Photo of Elle Callahan, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f225d306-2173-4088-9f25-5907d0778e1a/1/320x400.jpeg)
My primary area of focus is working with LGBT clients, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. I consider it an honor to be able to support members of my community. I believe that community is a need and no one should be alone in their identity. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients come to a better understanding of themselves, who they want to be, and how they want to live their lives.
My primary area of focus is working with LGBT clients, particularly transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals. I consider it an honor to be able to support members of my community. I believe that community is a need and no one should be alone in their identity. My goal as a therapist is to help my clients come to a better understanding of themselves, who they want to be, and how they want to live their lives.
![Photo of Jonelle Tunney, MA, LLPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f659ec1d-77b7-488a-a225-c0ea81ca6e70/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is difficult, and sometimes challenges can overwhelm us. In over 20 years of counseling, I have gained a wealth of experience in helping people achieve meaningful growth and a greater sense of well-being. I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality. And as someone who identifies as a transgender female, I am naturally a strong advocate and ally for all those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Life is difficult, and sometimes challenges can overwhelm us. In over 20 years of counseling, I have gained a wealth of experience in helping people achieve meaningful growth and a greater sense of well-being. I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality. And as someone who identifies as a transgender female, I am naturally a strong advocate and ally for all those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
![Photo of Lorne Clarkson, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2e28fe5-315e-47bc-bad0-5d8872ddfb5d/1/320x400.png)
Lorne Clarkson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
A little bit about me, I identify as a gay nonbinary transgender man and know how important it is for trans people to be able to see a trans therapist.
My office is a supportive and calm space where you can show up exactly as you are. I believe everyone is capable of healing and finding joy and satisfaction in their life. Therapy is an opportunity for support while you work toward your goals.
A little bit about me, I identify as a gay nonbinary transgender man and know how important it is for trans people to be able to see a trans therapist.
My office is a supportive and calm space where you can show up exactly as you are. I believe everyone is capable of healing and finding joy and satisfaction in their life. Therapy is an opportunity for support while you work toward your goals.
![Photo of Anthany J Beasley - Beasley Family Therapy Sevices, LLC, LMSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f9a68f3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Beasley Family Therapy Sevices, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (Online Only)
Currently Accepting New Medicaid Clients Only! - EMAIL for faster response if possible. It has long been a passion and dream of mine to provide therapeutic services for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive children, youth, adolescent, adults and their families. As a queer transgender man of color, I passionately believe that when individuals are able to live as their true authentic selves they can live longer, robust, and happier lives. I strive to help my clients and their families grow together on a journey that is enriching and nourishing to the soul.
Currently Accepting New Medicaid Clients Only! - EMAIL for faster response if possible. It has long been a passion and dream of mine to provide therapeutic services for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive children, youth, adolescent, adults and their families. As a queer transgender man of color, I passionately believe that when individuals are able to live as their true authentic selves they can live longer, robust, and happier lives. I strive to help my clients and their families grow together on a journey that is enriching and nourishing to the soul.
![Photo of Eli Simmons, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56dcab16-db5a-4555-8fe0-d80e2127ebcc/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a transgender Queer person, I also provide a space for other transgender and Queer people to cope with related issues, such as discrimination.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you have spent ages trying to connect with the right fit, everyone is welcome regardless of where they are at in their healing journey. I am a firm believer in my clients being the experts in their life and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore and grow. I also believe that there is no one-shoe-fits-all approach to therapy and that each client brings their own knowledge and strengths. No matter what you are experiencing, I am here to help you get where you want to be.
As a transgender Queer person, I also provide a space for other transgender and Queer people to cope with related issues, such as discrimination.
Whether this is your first time looking for a therapist or you have spent ages trying to connect with the right fit, everyone is welcome regardless of where they are at in their healing journey. I am a firm believer in my clients being the experts in their life and my role as a therapist is to provide a safe, affirming space for clients to explore and grow. I also believe that there is no one-shoe-fits-all approach to therapy and that each client brings their own knowledge and strengths. No matter what you are experiencing, I am here to help you get where you want to be.
![Photo of Joanna Ransdell, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e97a05d4-5b33-4a97-9b65-8071e53afd54/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joanna Ransdell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Additionally, I provide empathic and affirming support to the LGBTQ+ community, specializing in the treatment of gender dysphoria and working with transgender clients.
Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble adjusting to life stressors, professional support can be immensely beneficial. I admire the strength and courage required to take the first step to getting help. Therapy can be a life-changing and transformative experience, and it's a great honor to serve as a guide for those who are on their personal path to healing.
Additionally, I provide empathic and affirming support to the LGBTQ+ community, specializing in the treatment of gender dysphoria and working with transgender clients.
Whether you are feeling anxious, depressed, or having trouble adjusting to life stressors, professional support can be immensely beneficial. I admire the strength and courage required to take the first step to getting help. Therapy can be a life-changing and transformative experience, and it's a great honor to serve as a guide for those who are on their personal path to healing.
![Photo of Radha K Bhatt, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d3372fe-7460-459b-96b0-865fe2289c2a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi there! My name is Radha, I am a sex therapist who provides an affirming space for BIPOC Transgender, Non-binary and Queer/2SLBGIAA+ identified individuals and couples/triads/polycules to explore and understand sex/intimacy/sexual health and gender through trauma informed care. I provide a Feminist and Multicultural framework centering Pleasure as an everyday experience. I provide somatic and sensorimotor focused work exploring how current or past trauma impacts feeling present in your body and feeling attuned in your relationships. We will also explore how larger oppressive systems can interfere with pleasure.
Hi there! My name is Radha, I am a sex therapist who provides an affirming space for BIPOC Transgender, Non-binary and Queer/2SLBGIAA+ identified individuals and couples/triads/polycules to explore and understand sex/intimacy/sexual health and gender through trauma informed care. I provide a Feminist and Multicultural framework centering Pleasure as an everyday experience. I provide somatic and sensorimotor focused work exploring how current or past trauma impacts feeling present in your body and feeling attuned in your relationships. We will also explore how larger oppressive systems can interfere with pleasure.
![Photo of Amy Lynn Ver Wey, MA, LLP, RPT, Limited Licensed Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33f088cf-be1c-4773-a244-a1993ec131bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amy Lynn Ver Wey
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
![Photo of Kalina Crafton, LLMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/02de4cb1-6d97-4ad4-b27c-e10d13c54458/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kalina Crafton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
In light of this, I value opportunities to work with those that identify with the LGBTQIA2S+ community, as I myself am a transgender woman.
Hello! I'm Kalina, and my passion is to help guide people in their journey back to their fullest, brightest, most authentic self that is filled with life and vitality. We all weather storms and hardship, and sometimes we become imbalanced from these experiences. This imbalance can express itself as anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, etc. Through this, we can feel distant from our authentic self, and life itself can feel empty or lacking purpose. My role in this work is to help a person navigate these feelings of imbalance, attune to their innate strength and wisdom, and reconnect with their authentic self!
In light of this, I value opportunities to work with those that identify with the LGBTQIA2S+ community, as I myself am a transgender woman.
Hello! I'm Kalina, and my passion is to help guide people in their journey back to their fullest, brightest, most authentic self that is filled with life and vitality. We all weather storms and hardship, and sometimes we become imbalanced from these experiences. This imbalance can express itself as anxiety, depression, PTSD, low self-esteem, grief, etc. Through this, we can feel distant from our authentic self, and life itself can feel empty or lacking purpose. My role in this work is to help a person navigate these feelings of imbalance, attune to their innate strength and wisdom, and reconnect with their authentic self!
![Photo of Sarah Gonzalez, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/edc16441-77b8-4880-8be9-5b446a917411/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah Gonzalez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48823
My ideal clients are dealing with life. Transitions, trauma, relationships, or just dealing with the world...all of these things come without a manual of how to manage. I work with individuals in adolescence through adulthood dealing with a variety of issues such as trauma/PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. I meet with families struggling with poor communication and life transitions. I provide couples therapy to those struggling with communication, connection, boundaries, parenting, and exploring non-monogamy. I work with individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+.
My ideal clients are dealing with life. Transitions, trauma, relationships, or just dealing with the world...all of these things come without a manual of how to manage. I work with individuals in adolescence through adulthood dealing with a variety of issues such as trauma/PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria. I meet with families struggling with poor communication and life transitions. I provide couples therapy to those struggling with communication, connection, boundaries, parenting, and exploring non-monogamy. I work with individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+.
![Photo of Sierra Ellison, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fdaa99f4-ea5f-4e29-b7de-be170fe42d5c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sierra Ellison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (Online Only)
I assess and write letters for transgender, non-binary, or other identifying individuals who are experiencing gender dysphoria and want to start HRT or have gender affirming surgery.
I talk about real solutions to daily problems and functioning including skills to prepare us for when things inevitably shift day to day. I support clients in identifying their goals, building upon strengths and skills they already possess, and learning skills to adapt to life's challenges. Through processing and coping we will work together to tackle your concerns (such as anxiety, depression, domestic abuse or violence, grief, self esteem, self-harming, suicidal ideation, stress, trauma, and whatever else is on your mind) and try to create long lasting positive change. I'm eager to help you achieve your personal goals!
I assess and write letters for transgender, non-binary, or other identifying individuals who are experiencing gender dysphoria and want to start HRT or have gender affirming surgery.
I talk about real solutions to daily problems and functioning including skills to prepare us for when things inevitably shift day to day. I support clients in identifying their goals, building upon strengths and skills they already possess, and learning skills to adapt to life's challenges. Through processing and coping we will work together to tackle your concerns (such as anxiety, depression, domestic abuse or violence, grief, self esteem, self-harming, suicidal ideation, stress, trauma, and whatever else is on your mind) and try to create long lasting positive change. I'm eager to help you achieve your personal goals!
![Photo of Lynn Frances Cartwright, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa9f33dc-4fe3-41fb-ae9b-99120e7118bd/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lynn Frances Cartwright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (Online Only)
I have experience with treating clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality Issues, Transgender issues, Substance Abuse, Psychosis, Behavioral and Parenting Issues. I've worked in the Behavioral Health Unit of a local hospital for the past several years and have practiced in clinics in urban and rural areas. I have seen clients from a variety of educational backgrounds including higher education such as teachers and professors. At this time, I am seeing patients by telehealth only.
I have experience with treating clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality Issues, Transgender issues, Substance Abuse, Psychosis, Behavioral and Parenting Issues. I've worked in the Behavioral Health Unit of a local hospital for the past several years and have practiced in clinics in urban and rural areas. I have seen clients from a variety of educational backgrounds including higher education such as teachers and professors. At this time, I am seeing patients by telehealth only.
![Photo of Sam Darrow, MA, LLPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/abe85561-efa0-455e-a006-e8cfad500575/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sam Darrow
Counselor, MA, LLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (Online Only)
Sam is passionate about their work with clients under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including those who are experiencing gender dysphoria.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 14 and older, couples, and groups.
Sam is passionate about their work with clients under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including those who are experiencing gender dysphoria.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 14 and older, couples, and groups.
See more therapy options for Hastings
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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.