Female Therapists in Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC
![Photo of Melanie McCabe, PhD, LP, HSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e77f721c-c4d9-4219-9021-cd3b25cc8e17/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melanie McCabe
Psychologist, PhD, LP, HSP
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
Hello, and it is nice to meet you. My clients tend to be high achieving adults, young adults or children yet they may not be reaching their potential for a number of reasons. Some clients may be new to therapy, others may have had 5+ years of working with other therapists and haven't yet achieved what they've set out to accomplish. I provide a safe place for you to explore your goals and teach you concrete skills to make meaningful changes.
Hello, and it is nice to meet you. My clients tend to be high achieving adults, young adults or children yet they may not be reaching their potential for a number of reasons. Some clients may be new to therapy, others may have had 5+ years of working with other therapists and haven't yet achieved what they've set out to accomplish. I provide a safe place for you to explore your goals and teach you concrete skills to make meaningful changes.
![Photo of Debra Apollonia, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43e7ad25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Debra Apollonia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to explore issues and improve the quality of their lives. I use an integrative style of psychotherapy that pulls from many different approaches with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and have experience working with those struggling with addiction and recovery issues.I also have years of experience working with emergency and trauma patients and their families. I treat children, adolescents and adults using individual, family and/or couples' counseling.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to explore issues and improve the quality of their lives. I use an integrative style of psychotherapy that pulls from many different approaches with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am also a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and have experience working with those struggling with addiction and recovery issues.I also have years of experience working with emergency and trauma patients and their families. I treat children, adolescents and adults using individual, family and/or couples' counseling.
![Photo of Angeline Martin Woodson, PhD, LCMHC-S, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/101a8343-4c7b-47dd-84d7-25fddda3cb4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Angeline Martin Woodson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LCMHC-S, NCC
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
Today you are one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path to growth and well-being. As a solution-focused therapist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
![Photo of Kristin Snyder Brandon, MSW, LCSW, LCAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5395758e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Snyder Brandon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LCAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you don't belong." Life is an amazing and very personal journey that at times feels manageable and at other times, maybe not,. These shifts are normal & reflective of our powerful drive towards wholeness. While ebbs and flows are a necessary part of living, the changes can be unsettling. At those times it is helpful to partner with a skilled & empathetic therapist to regain equilibrium. Perhaps you are seeking transformation or the skills to get through the day. With Kristin, you will find a safe place in which to travel the path to wholeness.
"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But, nothing is as painful as staying stuck where you don't belong." Life is an amazing and very personal journey that at times feels manageable and at other times, maybe not,. These shifts are normal & reflective of our powerful drive towards wholeness. While ebbs and flows are a necessary part of living, the changes can be unsettling. At those times it is helpful to partner with a skilled & empathetic therapist to regain equilibrium. Perhaps you are seeking transformation or the skills to get through the day. With Kristin, you will find a safe place in which to travel the path to wholeness.
![Photo of Kelsey L. Garner, MEd, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8fb07e7-98ee-45a9-be0b-92e074108680/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kelsey L. Garner
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MEd, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
Whether you're navigating through a challenging time, seeking to strengthen your mind-body connection, or exploring ways to foster greater inner peace and coherence, I'm here to support you. My therapeutic approach is relational and integrative, grounded in creating safe spaces where you can fully embody your experiences and cultivate deeper connections within yourself. Through evidence-based strategies and a focus on somatic and holistic healing, I aim to help you achieve a harmonious state where your mind, body, and spirit can thrive.
Whether you're navigating through a challenging time, seeking to strengthen your mind-body connection, or exploring ways to foster greater inner peace and coherence, I'm here to support you. My therapeutic approach is relational and integrative, grounded in creating safe spaces where you can fully embody your experiences and cultivate deeper connections within yourself. Through evidence-based strategies and a focus on somatic and holistic healing, I aim to help you achieve a harmonious state where your mind, body, and spirit can thrive.
![Photo of Katy Moyer, MA, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474b7153-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Katy Moyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
I approach counseling from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each client. I believe that a safe, therapeutic environment and strong rapport are critical to growth and healing. I consider counseling as a collaborative journey, respecting that the client is the expert of their own life. As such, I work together with my clients in developing goals that meet each client's specific needs.
I approach counseling from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of each client. I believe that a safe, therapeutic environment and strong rapport are critical to growth and healing. I consider counseling as a collaborative journey, respecting that the client is the expert of their own life. As such, I work together with my clients in developing goals that meet each client's specific needs.
![Photo of Kimberly E. Williams, LCSW, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf8370c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Kimberly E. Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who are looking for help managing intense feelings, navigating social relationships, improving self-esteem, and decrease anxiety. During the therapeutic process, clients learn how to identify, express, and cope with their emotions improving their overall sense of happiness. When working with children, I provide parent support and is an integral part of the therapeutic process. I have providing individual and family therapy in Raleigh since 2001.
I work with children, adolescents, and young adults who are looking for help managing intense feelings, navigating social relationships, improving self-esteem, and decrease anxiety. During the therapeutic process, clients learn how to identify, express, and cope with their emotions improving their overall sense of happiness. When working with children, I provide parent support and is an integral part of the therapeutic process. I have providing individual and family therapy in Raleigh since 2001.
![Photo of Ellen Douglas, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d559f939-0d81-41be-ab0d-e3fe6bb594b4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Douglas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
Ellen Douglas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor who has lived and worked in the Raleigh area since 2008. Her approach to therapy draws upon the strengths and needs of each individual working from various therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy. Ellen's style is collaborative and supportive. She strives to create a safe space that allows clients to process, explore, question, and challenge their thought processes and behaviors.
Ellen Douglas is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor who has lived and worked in the Raleigh area since 2008. Her approach to therapy draws upon the strengths and needs of each individual working from various therapeutic models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy. Ellen's style is collaborative and supportive. She strives to create a safe space that allows clients to process, explore, question, and challenge their thought processes and behaviors.
![Photo of Jennie Dickson-Mills, MSW, LCSW, SEP, E-RYT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc2eae76-5ec9-468e-bfa4-88be047158aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jennie Dickson-Mills
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SEP, E-RYT
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
Seeking support can be a difficult yet rewarding step toward change and growth. I strive to understand your suffering in the context of your whole life and identity, using a warm and non-judgmental approach. I work with people to decrease distress, improve mood, process grief and traumatic experiences, explore identity, improve confidence, address eating and body image concerns, make life decisions, navigate transitions, enhance relationships, and develop a deeper awareness of emotions and connection to the body. I welcome clients from all sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender people, as well as all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Seeking support can be a difficult yet rewarding step toward change and growth. I strive to understand your suffering in the context of your whole life and identity, using a warm and non-judgmental approach. I work with people to decrease distress, improve mood, process grief and traumatic experiences, explore identity, improve confidence, address eating and body image concerns, make life decisions, navigate transitions, enhance relationships, and develop a deeper awareness of emotions and connection to the body. I welcome clients from all sexual orientations and gender identities, including transgender people, as well as all racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
![Photo of Ruth Echols Amos, MAEd, LCMHCS, PMH-C, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4afc0157-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ruth Echols Amos
Counselor, MAEd, LCMHCS, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and have been in private practice since 2006. I have a strong interest in working with mothers through their journey from pregnancy to motherhood. I hope to help clients with navigating the transitions that occur with becoming a parent, the impact it has on relationships, and the importance of self care along the way. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. In addition, I have a background in grief and loss therapy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and have been in private practice since 2006. I have a strong interest in working with mothers through their journey from pregnancy to motherhood. I hope to help clients with navigating the transitions that occur with becoming a parent, the impact it has on relationships, and the importance of self care along the way. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. In addition, I have a background in grief and loss therapy.
![Photo of Peggy Widener, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e5c10d1-f5e6-4623-9ce3-3ae8904685ef/1/320x400.jpeg)
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, unhappy or maybe just lost? Has your marriage gotten too hard? You are not alone. We all encounter difficult times throughout life and sometimes we need help. It is my belief that everyone can achieve the happiness that they desire but sometimes obstacles stand in our way. With a variety of techniques and support you will discover how to live your life to its greatest potential. My office will be a safe and secure place for you to focus on yourself and the goals that you want to achieve.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, unhappy or maybe just lost? Has your marriage gotten too hard? You are not alone. We all encounter difficult times throughout life and sometimes we need help. It is my belief that everyone can achieve the happiness that they desire but sometimes obstacles stand in our way. With a variety of techniques and support you will discover how to live your life to its greatest potential. My office will be a safe and secure place for you to focus on yourself and the goals that you want to achieve.
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![Photo of Madeline Cohen, MS, LCMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef90c62-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Madeline Cohen
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
If you found yourself here looking for a counselor, there is a really good chance your nervous system is dysregulated. So maybe in addition to any anxiety and depression you feel, you might also be experiencing trouble sleeping, digestive issues, chronic pain or muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, being easily overwhelmed by emotions or your environment, quick to anger and irritability, or disconnected and numb. Issues with substance use and impulse control (eating, shopping, scrolling, gambling, etc), also known as behavioral or process addictions, can also result from and contribute to a dysregulated nervous system.
If you found yourself here looking for a counselor, there is a really good chance your nervous system is dysregulated. So maybe in addition to any anxiety and depression you feel, you might also be experiencing trouble sleeping, digestive issues, chronic pain or muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, being easily overwhelmed by emotions or your environment, quick to anger and irritability, or disconnected and numb. Issues with substance use and impulse control (eating, shopping, scrolling, gambling, etc), also known as behavioral or process addictions, can also result from and contribute to a dysregulated nervous system.
![Photo of Lynette Cisneros, LCMHC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e7427dd-19c7-4953-bfc7-54400955c4b3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lynette Cisneros
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
Online Sessions Only. I recognize that finding a therapist can be quite time consuming & feel daunting. I have been a practicing counselor for over 20 years. I provide services in North Carolina & Florida. Areas addressed may include: self worth & esteem, self sabotaging tendencies & negative self talk/thought spirals, resolving shame, establishing healthy boundaries, disentangling from unhealthy relationships, decreasing people pleasing, grief/loss, identity. I strive to aid my clients in identifying which choices, thoughts & behaviors have served them well & which may need to be reframed, redirected or just released.
Online Sessions Only. I recognize that finding a therapist can be quite time consuming & feel daunting. I have been a practicing counselor for over 20 years. I provide services in North Carolina & Florida. Areas addressed may include: self worth & esteem, self sabotaging tendencies & negative self talk/thought spirals, resolving shame, establishing healthy boundaries, disentangling from unhealthy relationships, decreasing people pleasing, grief/loss, identity. I strive to aid my clients in identifying which choices, thoughts & behaviors have served them well & which may need to be reframed, redirected or just released.
![Photo of Chiquana Bryant, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/63309926-db82-4c97-901c-30ad9d57e4f7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chiquana Bryant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.
Chiquana Bryant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia. She has been employed in the mental health field since 2006 starting as a community supports worker/case manager. She became a licensed therapist in 2012 and has gained a wealth of knowledge from the experiences of those she's counseled. She's come across all walks of life from small children and caregivers with a history of trauma and attachment issues, oppositional and defiant teenagers with behavioral challenges, and adults who are figuring out underlying causes of mental and emotional challenges potentially picked up over the course of their lives.
![Photo of Ryanne J Peterson - OIC Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, MS, LCMHC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f7917b9-1322-4b28-b3b4-8c25a50576e2/2/320x400.jpeg)
OIC Counseling and Wellness, PLLC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MS, LCMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
With over seven years of experience in the educational setting and cultivating lifelong partnerships through empowering women, my areas of expertise include therapy for individuals transitioning into new careers, adulthood, relationships, or simply looking to find themselves.
**Practice has immediate openings for new clients**. When was the last time you checked in with you? I’m not talking about your children, partner, your friends, your colleagues, but I’m talking about you. How often do you evaluate your current place in life, then set realistic goals to accomplish life’s milestones? Are you constantly thinking that there has to be more, but you just need help trying to figure it all out? I am here to assist you. My job is to help move you away from the things that no longer work, perhaps they never did, and towards a more ideal way of being.
With over seven years of experience in the educational setting and cultivating lifelong partnerships through empowering women, my areas of expertise include therapy for individuals transitioning into new careers, adulthood, relationships, or simply looking to find themselves.
**Practice has immediate openings for new clients**. When was the last time you checked in with you? I’m not talking about your children, partner, your friends, your colleagues, but I’m talking about you. How often do you evaluate your current place in life, then set realistic goals to accomplish life’s milestones? Are you constantly thinking that there has to be more, but you just need help trying to figure it all out? I am here to assist you. My job is to help move you away from the things that no longer work, perhaps they never did, and towards a more ideal way of being.
![Photo of Samantha Burggraf, MS, LCAS, CSI, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0dcad70e-0a76-40d4-9a18-f83157c29ee4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Samantha Burggraf
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LCAS, CSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
What you learn today can change the future! Are you having a difficult time with destructive or harmful drug/alcohol use or experiencing stress because a loved one is experiencing harmful or destructive drug/alcohol use patterns? I am excited to help you find freedom from the stress that unhealthy patterns of drug/alcohol use brings into your life. I believe in empowering individuals to find and utilize your strengths to build self-acceptance, healthy relationships, and find passion for life without suffering. I am motivated to help you make lasting positive changes in your life.
What you learn today can change the future! Are you having a difficult time with destructive or harmful drug/alcohol use or experiencing stress because a loved one is experiencing harmful or destructive drug/alcohol use patterns? I am excited to help you find freedom from the stress that unhealthy patterns of drug/alcohol use brings into your life. I believe in empowering individuals to find and utilize your strengths to build self-acceptance, healthy relationships, and find passion for life without suffering. I am motivated to help you make lasting positive changes in your life.
![Photo of Daphanie Liliana Argandona, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8a4c196-bfd9-4386-8c68-e3c87495102f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Accepting New Clients: I believe life should be enjoyable. Life is a journey we all walk through with moments that challenge us. Life comes with challenging situations and life circumstances, but we can ask for help. My job is to help you get through those tough moments in life, to collaborate with you to increase your life satisfaction and focus on building a better you. I can create a warm and safe environment to empower you. I will listen and be present. I welcome everyone from all walks of life. I will join you in the journey of becoming a better you.
Accepting New Clients: I believe life should be enjoyable. Life is a journey we all walk through with moments that challenge us. Life comes with challenging situations and life circumstances, but we can ask for help. My job is to help you get through those tough moments in life, to collaborate with you to increase your life satisfaction and focus on building a better you. I can create a warm and safe environment to empower you. I will listen and be present. I welcome everyone from all walks of life. I will join you in the journey of becoming a better you.
![Photo of Janet Heuring Larsen, MA, LCAS, LPA, HSP-PA, CTP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42c456b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Janet Heuring Larsen
Psychologist, MA, LCAS, LPA, HSP-PA, CTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
PRACTICE MAY HAVE A WAITLIST, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR INQUIRIES: My psychology practice is committed to delivering highly effective treatment and outstanding client care. I've helped individuals navigate challenges and improve their lives for over 10 years. I treat clients with an array of issues including relationship struggles, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, PTSD, depression, anger, insomnia, ADD/ADHD, chronic pain, substance use/addiction and grief. I serve many clients with co-occurring disorders and have trained other therapists. I specialize in treating clients with anxiety and trauma using EMDR and also offer ADHD/ADD counseling.
![Photo of Shereece Harley, LCSWA, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47cd7fd8-73b1-4c97-a108-4611e99b7aff/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shereece Harley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSWA, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC 27613 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients: I believe in addressing the full picture of the client, growth, and healing. I recognize that each client' story is unique and deserves a unique approach. I use integrative styles of therapy to create a client-centered fit. I am professionally multi-disciplined much like my educational background which includes psychology, clinical social work, and education. I bring to therapy a culturally competent atmosphere that welcomes all people who are ready to grow. I enjoy the empowerment perspective, strength-based therapy, trauma-informed therapy, coping skill building and more.
Accepting new clients: I believe in addressing the full picture of the client, growth, and healing. I recognize that each client' story is unique and deserves a unique approach. I use integrative styles of therapy to create a client-centered fit. I am professionally multi-disciplined much like my educational background which includes psychology, clinical social work, and education. I bring to therapy a culturally competent atmosphere that welcomes all people who are ready to grow. I enjoy the empowerment perspective, strength-based therapy, trauma-informed therapy, coping skill building and more.
![Photo of Heather R Ryan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/379c251b-c3b4-4a2d-a8b8-e525a1b0540c/1/320x400.jpeg)
I love the Shannon L. Alder quote "Courage doesn't happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life." Taking the first step toward change is scary and difficult. I strive to make a safe space where these steps can be taken in a judgment-free environment. It's important to feel heard and have your experience valued.
I love the Shannon L. Alder quote "Courage doesn't happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life." Taking the first step toward change is scary and difficult. I strive to make a safe space where these steps can be taken in a judgment-free environment. It's important to feel heard and have your experience valued.
See more therapy options for Stonehenge, Raleigh
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Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.