Transgender Therapists in Kendall Park, NJ

Photo of Dawn Marie Hall, MA, LPC,  NJ, LCMHCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dawn Marie Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NJ, LCMHCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
Welcome! I'm passionate about helping women navigate the complexities of life. As a seasoned therapist specializing in women's mental health, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Whether you're facing career transitions, relationship challenges, or grappling with existential questions, I'm here to support you every step of the way. With a deep understanding of the unique struggles that women encounter during this pivotal stage of life, I offer personalized therapy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Welcome! I'm passionate about helping women navigate the complexities of life. As a seasoned therapist specializing in women's mental health, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Whether you're facing career transitions, relationship challenges, or grappling with existential questions, I'm here to support you every step of the way. With a deep understanding of the unique struggles that women encounter during this pivotal stage of life, I offer personalized therapy tailored to your specific needs and goals.
(919) 367-1167 View (919) 367-1167
Photo of Monika Kushwaha, PsyD, Psychologist
Monika Kushwaha
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
You're busy, and that's part of the problem. You’ve been thinking about therapy for a while -- between getting it done at work, parenting your ass off, trying to be the partner you think your partner deserves, managing family obligations, PTA, book club, carpool… In fact, thoughts of therapy have probably popped up as you’re lying in bed at night worrying through your mental to-do list for tomorrow while too exhausted to sleep and knowing that tomorrow won’t provide any more of a break than today did (spoiler alert: there was no break). And you just want a friggin' rest without worrying that those you love won't suffer for it.
You're busy, and that's part of the problem. You’ve been thinking about therapy for a while -- between getting it done at work, parenting your ass off, trying to be the partner you think your partner deserves, managing family obligations, PTA, book club, carpool… In fact, thoughts of therapy have probably popped up as you’re lying in bed at night worrying through your mental to-do list for tomorrow while too exhausted to sleep and knowing that tomorrow won’t provide any more of a break than today did (spoiler alert: there was no break). And you just want a friggin' rest without worrying that those you love won't suffer for it.
(732) 410-5438 View (732) 410-5438
Photo of Chrystie L. Obie, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chrystie L. Obie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kendall Park, NJ 08824  (Online Only)
Life...it is filled with ups and downs, joys and pains, satisfaction and disappointments. Sometimes life can shift out of balance and we may notice feeling “off," or lose sight of our purpose and meaning. Whether dealing with everyday stressors or significant life transitions, we may feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
Life...it is filled with ups and downs, joys and pains, satisfaction and disappointments. Sometimes life can shift out of balance and we may notice feeling “off," or lose sight of our purpose and meaning. Whether dealing with everyday stressors or significant life transitions, we may feel frustrated and overwhelmed.
(609) 554-5387 View (609) 554-5387
Photo of Rama Jiandani - Rama\'s Counseling Center Inc., LCSW, SAP, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rama\'s Counseling Center Inc.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAP, MSW
Verified Verified
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
I specialize in counseling to individuals and families coping with relationship issues, parent-child issues, and extended family issues that are exacerbated by alcohol and substance abuse.
I specialize in counseling to individuals and families coping with relationship issues, parent-child issues, and extended family issues that are exacerbated by alcohol and substance abuse.
(732) 391-1215 View (732) 391-1215
Photo of Kate Bachus Ware, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Bachus Ware
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
I have always liked the metaphor that therapy is like riding in the car with someone. You are the one behind the wheel, deciding where and how fast we go and I am the one with the map helping you to get there. I believe in forming collaborative relationships with the people I work with. I strive to help you understand yourself better so that you can make meaningful change in your life. My goal is to help you form strategies and ways of thinking that can be translated from the therapy room to every day life - to work, school. relationships, and within yourself.
I have always liked the metaphor that therapy is like riding in the car with someone. You are the one behind the wheel, deciding where and how fast we go and I am the one with the map helping you to get there. I believe in forming collaborative relationships with the people I work with. I strive to help you understand yourself better so that you can make meaningful change in your life. My goal is to help you form strategies and ways of thinking that can be translated from the therapy room to every day life - to work, school. relationships, and within yourself.
(609) 751-5879 View (609) 751-5879
Photo of Roberto Schiraldi, EdD, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Roberto Schiraldi
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, LCADC
Verified Verified
Kendall Park, NJ 08824  (Online Only)
I have been providing counseling and consulting services for over 35 years. My office is conveniently located in the Princeton area. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of New Jersey, offering counseling to individuals seeking help for emotional issues that are affecting their sense of satisfaction and well-being in their lives. My priority in treatment is to provide a safe, relaxing, non-threatening atmosphere, where individuals will feel "listened to/really understood", in examining whatever issues or concerns might be preventing them from experiencing happy, peaceful, and fulfilling lives.
I have been providing counseling and consulting services for over 35 years. My office is conveniently located in the Princeton area. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of New Jersey, offering counseling to individuals seeking help for emotional issues that are affecting their sense of satisfaction and well-being in their lives. My priority in treatment is to provide a safe, relaxing, non-threatening atmosphere, where individuals will feel "listened to/really understood", in examining whatever issues or concerns might be preventing them from experiencing happy, peaceful, and fulfilling lives.
(609) 375-8051 View (609) 375-8051
Photo of Anita McLean, PhD, PsyD, Psychologist
Anita McLean
Psychologist, PhD, PsyD
Verified Verified
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples from different backgrounds. Mental health can be compromised by chronic stress that negatively affects our mind and body. Stress can result from living challenging workplace environments, family difficulties, personal emotional problems, the experience loss or trauma. I have particular expertise in helping those living in intense high pressure environments stressors that may have caused depression and anxiety, identity concerns, relationship problems, workplace conflicts or academic difficulties, family problems, and serious mental health challenges.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples from different backgrounds. Mental health can be compromised by chronic stress that negatively affects our mind and body. Stress can result from living challenging workplace environments, family difficulties, personal emotional problems, the experience loss or trauma. I have particular expertise in helping those living in intense high pressure environments stressors that may have caused depression and anxiety, identity concerns, relationship problems, workplace conflicts or academic difficulties, family problems, and serious mental health challenges.
(732) 603-1764 View (732) 603-1764
Photo of Hinda Winawer, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hinda Winawer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kendall Park, NJ 08824
At Princeton Family Institute we provide psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals from a culturally sensitive collaborative family systems perspective. I work with a range of problems:depression, anxiety, school refusal, child behavior problems, arrested emotional independence, substance abuse recovery, anorexia, and family and couples' conflict. In child-focused issues, I believe children should not alone bear the burden of change. I enlist family members as a resource in problem-solving. Parents and I work as a team to help their children. I welcome individuals, couples, and families whose problems have not been successfully addressed through other therapeutic approaches.
At Princeton Family Institute we provide psychotherapy to families, couples and individuals from a culturally sensitive collaborative family systems perspective. I work with a range of problems:depression, anxiety, school refusal, child behavior problems, arrested emotional independence, substance abuse recovery, anorexia, and family and couples' conflict. In child-focused issues, I believe children should not alone bear the burden of change. I enlist family members as a resource in problem-solving. Parents and I work as a team to help their children. I welcome individuals, couples, and families whose problems have not been successfully addressed through other therapeutic approaches.
(609) 536-4584 View (609) 536-4584

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Del Sasso, PsyD, Psychologist
Del Sasso
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
I am a non-binary/queer psychologist, speaker, and consultant with extensive expertise in gender identity/ transgender care (PsyPact certified for telehealth in 39 US States). Empowering LGBTQ+ people while creating more affirming mental health, medical, educational, and business settings is my passion. Offerings: 1)Adult Individual Therapy - Let's find and nourish your most authentic self, with a strong, warm relationship between us as the core of our work. Treatment tailored to your goals and strengths, liberation and trauma informed. 2)Surgical, Hormone Evaluations. 3)Speaking/Training for providers, educators, and the public.
I am a non-binary/queer psychologist, speaker, and consultant with extensive expertise in gender identity/ transgender care (PsyPact certified for telehealth in 39 US States). Empowering LGBTQ+ people while creating more affirming mental health, medical, educational, and business settings is my passion. Offerings: 1)Adult Individual Therapy - Let's find and nourish your most authentic self, with a strong, warm relationship between us as the core of our work. Treatment tailored to your goals and strengths, liberation and trauma informed. 2)Surgical, Hormone Evaluations. 3)Speaking/Training for providers, educators, and the public.
(732) 410-5142 View (732) 410-5142
Photo of Margaret Nichols - Institute for Personal Growth — Transgender Care, PhD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist
Institute for Personal Growth — Transgender Care
Psychologist, PhD, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904
We subscribe to the WPATH guidelines (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), which maintain that gender non-conformity is NOT a "mental illness" but a natural variation in human gender presentation, & that any attempts to "fix" gender-variant children by conforming them to traditional gender norms is harmful & unethical treatment.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. At IPG, we are proud pioneers in gender-affirming psychotherapy for trans and gender gon-conforming people. We view gender diversity as normal, not a mental illness. We're likely more experienced than any other practice in New Jersey, with roughly 20% of our clients being gender-diverse in some way, though of course we work with other communities. In 2019 we were awarded a PROUD Award recognizing our decades of work with the trans community. All of our NJ locations (Highland Park, Jersey City, Freehold) have therapists who work with trans/GNC adults, adolescents, and children.
We subscribe to the WPATH guidelines (World Professional Association for Transgender Health), which maintain that gender non-conformity is NOT a "mental illness" but a natural variation in human gender presentation, & that any attempts to "fix" gender-variant children by conforming them to traditional gender norms is harmful & unethical treatment.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free. At IPG, we are proud pioneers in gender-affirming psychotherapy for trans and gender gon-conforming people. We view gender diversity as normal, not a mental illness. We're likely more experienced than any other practice in New Jersey, with roughly 20% of our clients being gender-diverse in some way, though of course we work with other communities. In 2019 we were awarded a PROUD Award recognizing our decades of work with the trans community. All of our NJ locations (Highland Park, Jersey City, Freehold) have therapists who work with trans/GNC adults, adolescents, and children.
(732) 481-1767 View (732) 481-1767
Photo of Susan Menahem - Institute for Personal Growth, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist
Institute for Personal Growth
Psychologist, LCSW, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free, no commitment. IPG has roughly 30 therapists over three NJ offices: Highland Park, Freehold, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for concerns ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We have a special focus on the LGBTQ community, including transgender/GNC youth, but we see clients from all walks of life. We also have many other niche specialties such as sex therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and eating disorders.
Thinking of therapy? Ask us for the first session free, no commitment. IPG has roughly 30 therapists over three NJ offices: Highland Park, Freehold, and Jersey City. Since 1983 we've combined compassionate care with high-level expertise. We provide individual, family, child, and relationship counseling for concerns ranging from depression to life transitions to marital strife. We have a special focus on the LGBTQ community, including transgender/GNC youth, but we see clients from all walks of life. We also have many other niche specialties such as sex therapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and eating disorders.
(732) 487-3688 View (732) 487-3688
Photo of Bobbie McArdle, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bobbie McArdle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Highland Park, NJ 08904  (Online Only)
I am licensed in the states of NJ, NY, and FL and am currently accepting new clients. I am open to all populations although I primarily work with individuals who identify in the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, polyamorous relationships, sexual issues, and trauma. My approach is flexible and down to earth using research proven techniques. I am also a Gender Specialist who provides assistance to transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming adults, adolescents, and their families as well as writing the letters necessary to obtain gender affirming medical care.
I am licensed in the states of NJ, NY, and FL and am currently accepting new clients. I am open to all populations although I primarily work with individuals who identify in the LGBTQIA+ community. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, polyamorous relationships, sexual issues, and trauma. My approach is flexible and down to earth using research proven techniques. I am also a Gender Specialist who provides assistance to transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming adults, adolescents, and their families as well as writing the letters necessary to obtain gender affirming medical care.
(732) 517-7348 View (732) 517-7348
Photo of Allison June Maroney-Lobell, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Allison June Maroney-Lobell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542  (Online Only)
Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary professionals, I provide a respectful, safe space for transgender clients seeking gender confirming assessment and counseling.
*Currently offering sessions by phone or video* I offer an open minded approach to the specific needs of every individual I meet with. Emphasizing an individual's sense of agency and inner strength, I will help provide a safe environment for clients to explore and find what strategies are right for them. I have years of experience in working with the exploration of gender, including working with children, adolescents, and adults who identify as trans* or nonbinary. I have a background in crisis, and other areas of emphasis include depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, and grief/loss. Let me help you find yourself again.
Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary professionals, I provide a respectful, safe space for transgender clients seeking gender confirming assessment and counseling.
*Currently offering sessions by phone or video* I offer an open minded approach to the specific needs of every individual I meet with. Emphasizing an individual's sense of agency and inner strength, I will help provide a safe environment for clients to explore and find what strategies are right for them. I have years of experience in working with the exploration of gender, including working with children, adolescents, and adults who identify as trans* or nonbinary. I have a background in crisis, and other areas of emphasis include depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, and grief/loss. Let me help you find yourself again.
(908) 460-1922 View (908) 460-1922
Photo of Russell Healy, DSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Russell Healy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
Transgender clients will not be subjected to excessive gatekeeping .
After 37 years of clinical experience, I have limited my practice to transgender-identified minors, their parents and transgender adults. Because transgender experience is not a psychopathology, my approach emphasizes assessment, case management, referrals to medical providers, education, and counseling related to transgender experience. If you want help for a minor, please know that I follow the current standards of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. I work in a thorough, time effective manner. If the minor is seeing a therapist for a co-occurring condition I will collaborate with that provider.
Transgender clients will not be subjected to excessive gatekeeping .
After 37 years of clinical experience, I have limited my practice to transgender-identified minors, their parents and transgender adults. Because transgender experience is not a psychopathology, my approach emphasizes assessment, case management, referrals to medical providers, education, and counseling related to transgender experience. If you want help for a minor, please know that I follow the current standards of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. I work in a thorough, time effective manner. If the minor is seeing a therapist for a co-occurring condition I will collaborate with that provider.
(908) 349-1179 View (908) 349-1179
Photo of Alexa Borrows, MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexa Borrows
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Princeton Junction, NJ 08550  (Online Only)
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
My goal is to empower you to identify and overcome personal obstacles that are preventing you from getting the most out of life. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, understanding and, most importantly, collaborative environment. Working together, we will tackle life’s challenges—whether they may be problems of anxiety, self-esteem, or unhealthy patterns of behavior. I specialize in treating adults with anxiety, OCD, phobias, eating disorders, and life transitions. I also work with transgender individuals. My background is in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and my hope is to help you live a more meaningful life.
(856) 872-2669 View (856) 872-2669
Photo of Maureen Zdanis, PhD, Psychologist
Maureen Zdanis
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08540
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
At any stage of development, we are bound to encounter obstacles to our ability to thrive. I help clients to become proactive agents in their own process. I have worked with all ages to reduce symptoms, promote growth, and instill lasting change. I support children, teens, adults, and families in healing from anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression and OCD. I have a speciality in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals, especially GNC and transgender folks. I am licensed in AL, AZ, AR, CT, CO, DE, GA, FL, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
(267) 376-8313 View (267) 376-8313
Photo of Carol N Davis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carol N Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Brunswick, NJ 08904
Clinical training incorporates theories from Self psychology, Intersubjective theory, Family therapy, Grief and Trauma theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) issues.
My approach to psychotherapy encompasses listening for the "life story" and helping a person understand and reach self-acceptance. I have extensive experience helping individuals with severe psychological trauma, grief & loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse and all aspects of substance abuse including the impact on family life. I also treat individuals with depression & anxiety. I have worked individually and in groups for the past 30 years. In addition, I have worked with couples and families. My office provides a warm and safe place where an individual can explore and come to increased peace with yourself and those in your life.
Clinical training incorporates theories from Self psychology, Intersubjective theory, Family therapy, Grief and Trauma theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) issues.
My approach to psychotherapy encompasses listening for the "life story" and helping a person understand and reach self-acceptance. I have extensive experience helping individuals with severe psychological trauma, grief & loss, eating disorders, sexual abuse and all aspects of substance abuse including the impact on family life. I also treat individuals with depression & anxiety. I have worked individually and in groups for the past 30 years. In addition, I have worked with couples and families. My office provides a warm and safe place where an individual can explore and come to increased peace with yourself and those in your life.
(917) 338-0172 View (917) 338-0172
Photo of Deborah A Riviere - Dr. Deborah Riviere, EdD, LCADC, Psychologist
Dr. Deborah Riviere
Psychologist, EdD, LCADC
Verified Verified
Somerset, NJ 08873
I also relate well with and enjoy working with gays, lesbians, transgender, transsexual, and all cultures and ethnicity.
I am a cognitive therapist, trained at the Beck Institute of Cognitive Therapy, with over 30 years of experience in individual and couples' therapy. My focus in therapy is to support you in strengthening self-acceptance, gain insight into your feelings and behaviors, improve your relationships, learn new coping skills, achieve valued life goals, and become your own therapists. Clients that I work with praise not only my knowledge and competence but also my warmth and wisdom.
I also relate well with and enjoy working with gays, lesbians, transgender, transsexual, and all cultures and ethnicity.
I am a cognitive therapist, trained at the Beck Institute of Cognitive Therapy, with over 30 years of experience in individual and couples' therapy. My focus in therapy is to support you in strengthening self-acceptance, gain insight into your feelings and behaviors, improve your relationships, learn new coping skills, achieve valued life goals, and become your own therapists. Clients that I work with praise not only my knowledge and competence but also my warmth and wisdom.
(732) 412-6494 View (732) 412-6494
Photo of Lauren Shelly Jefferson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lauren Shelly Jefferson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Princeton, NJ 08542
Waitlist for new clients
I have had the pleasure of working with a varied clientele. For many years I have built rapport with and facilitated the progress of youth who are on the spectrum, who have attention disorders, who struggled with emotion regulation, who are mute, who are transgender, and have exhibited self-harming behaviors. I have also worked with families as a parent coach and as a provider of psycho-education. Many of my adult clients have had issues with abandonment, attachment, trauma, and self-harm. The goals I have facilitated my clients progression in are myriad. However, one goal most of my clients aspire to attain is self-love.
I have had the pleasure of working with a varied clientele. For many years I have built rapport with and facilitated the progress of youth who are on the spectrum, who have attention disorders, who struggled with emotion regulation, who are mute, who are transgender, and have exhibited self-harming behaviors. I have also worked with families as a parent coach and as a provider of psycho-education. Many of my adult clients have had issues with abandonment, attachment, trauma, and self-harm. The goals I have facilitated my clients progression in are myriad. However, one goal most of my clients aspire to attain is self-love.
(609) 881-1809 View (609) 881-1809
Photo of Simaza Sadek, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Simaza Sadek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Princeton, NJ 08540  (Online Only)
Finding a therapist can be difficult, especially when experiencing life challenges, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or other stressors. For those of us with marginalized identities, it is crucial to identify spaces where we can explore and address these issues. In my practice, I work with women and LGBTQIA+ people to address issues related to identity, life transitions, family, work, relational conflict, self-esteem, and shame. I specialize in working with the relational others (e.g., partners, spouses, family, and friends) of transgender people to explore self-identity and transition (social, emotional, physical, & medical).
Finding a therapist can be difficult, especially when experiencing life challenges, symptoms of depression or anxiety, or other stressors. For those of us with marginalized identities, it is crucial to identify spaces where we can explore and address these issues. In my practice, I work with women and LGBTQIA+ people to address issues related to identity, life transitions, family, work, relational conflict, self-esteem, and shame. I specialize in working with the relational others (e.g., partners, spouses, family, and friends) of transgender people to explore self-identity and transition (social, emotional, physical, & medical).
(609) 928-7452 View (609) 928-7452

See more therapy options for Kendall Park

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.