Transgender Therapists in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA
![Photo of Kathleen McGrath, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cdf9388-cd1f-45ca-92b8-9cecfdf3e7eb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kathleen McGrath
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
When my oldest kiddo was in high school, they came out to me as being transgender.
My ideal client is looking to become authentically themself. They would be motivated to change and curious about what has brought them to where they are. They want to process their trauma so that it is no longer upsetting but is simply part of their story. I don't want to specify too much here, as I don't want anyone to feel excluded. If you are curious and want help, I am here for you!
When my oldest kiddo was in high school, they came out to me as being transgender.
My ideal client is looking to become authentically themself. They would be motivated to change and curious about what has brought them to where they are. They want to process their trauma so that it is no longer upsetting but is simply part of their story. I don't want to specify too much here, as I don't want anyone to feel excluded. If you are curious and want help, I am here for you!
![Photo of Hayley Roverana, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74351377-2594-4b81-bdfc-a4055f7aafa0/1/320x400.png)
Hayley Roverana
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
You just want to know that you can walk into a room and don't have to play the "pronoun game", pretend you only have one partner, or have to listen to someone minimize your relationship, sexuality, or gender dysphoria. I am here, above all, to be your biggest advocate. I aim to create a radically accepting space to confront, question, and explore what makes you who you are. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard things. Sex, intimacy, relationships, trauma… This is your space to let it all out. Everyone is welcome here. Judgement isn't tolerated. Arriving with your real, raw, and heavy baggage is celebrated.
You just want to know that you can walk into a room and don't have to play the "pronoun game", pretend you only have one partner, or have to listen to someone minimize your relationship, sexuality, or gender dysphoria. I am here, above all, to be your biggest advocate. I aim to create a radically accepting space to confront, question, and explore what makes you who you are. I’m not afraid to talk about the hard things. Sex, intimacy, relationships, trauma… This is your space to let it all out. Everyone is welcome here. Judgement isn't tolerated. Arriving with your real, raw, and heavy baggage is celebrated.
![Photo of Anne A Forrest - Loving Me Solutions, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4549f444-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Loving Me Solutions
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
Hi! I'm Anne Forrest, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Self-Esteem Coach. I believe that feeling good about ourselves is our birthright, and I help clients to love themselves through individual counseling and self-esteem workshops. I use Gestalt therapy and other approaches which are experiential, feelings-focused, and include the body. I love to work with people who struggle with trauma issues, addictions, and LGBTQIA issues, as well as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, and codependency. I like people who are unconventional, whether that is in their spirituality, gender identity, or any other area.
Hi! I'm Anne Forrest, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Self-Esteem Coach. I believe that feeling good about ourselves is our birthright, and I help clients to love themselves through individual counseling and self-esteem workshops. I use Gestalt therapy and other approaches which are experiential, feelings-focused, and include the body. I love to work with people who struggle with trauma issues, addictions, and LGBTQIA issues, as well as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, and codependency. I like people who are unconventional, whether that is in their spirituality, gender identity, or any other area.
![Photo of Elis O'Marehen, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb66351f-7e29-4965-bf8b-f5765e224e94/1/320x400.png)
Elis O'Marehen
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Currently accepting new clients! Being able to connect with a therapist is hard. Really hard. Especially if you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Am I right? Feeling "other" has become so normal that we often don't even realize we are merely surviving because we don't know there's another way to exist. Stress, shame, and all of the other emotions swirling around create a tornado that is hard to get out of. That's where I come in. I'm a LGBTQIA+, relationship (i.e. CNM), and culturally affirming therapist with lived experience as a queer woman with a trans partner, as well as assisted reproduction and gender-expansive parenting.
Currently accepting new clients! Being able to connect with a therapist is hard. Really hard. Especially if you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Am I right? Feeling "other" has become so normal that we often don't even realize we are merely surviving because we don't know there's another way to exist. Stress, shame, and all of the other emotions swirling around create a tornado that is hard to get out of. That's where I come in. I'm a LGBTQIA+, relationship (i.e. CNM), and culturally affirming therapist with lived experience as a queer woman with a trans partner, as well as assisted reproduction and gender-expansive parenting.
![Photo of Samantha Goldberg - Open Space Counseling, Consulting & Wellness, MSW, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26ce1144-f49f-405b-a12a-958cfd0c3fcd/1/320x400.png)
Open Space Counseling, Consulting & Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Open Space CCW is a LGBTQIA+ competent, relationship minority affirming, and social justice-oriented practice. Our goal is to eliminate fear of judgement as a barrier to personal growth and wellness. We help people move from merely surviving their lives—to truly thriving. FINALLY. We want people to walk in and feel—in their gut—genuinely welcomed with open arms and open minds. We want people to finally LET GO of the things that have been weighing them down—unabashedly and without hesitation. Our clinicians show up authentically, so that you feel like you can, too. NOTHING is off limits around here. We are holding this space for you.
Open Space CCW is a LGBTQIA+ competent, relationship minority affirming, and social justice-oriented practice. Our goal is to eliminate fear of judgement as a barrier to personal growth and wellness. We help people move from merely surviving their lives—to truly thriving. FINALLY. We want people to walk in and feel—in their gut—genuinely welcomed with open arms and open minds. We want people to finally LET GO of the things that have been weighing them down—unabashedly and without hesitation. Our clinicians show up authentically, so that you feel like you can, too. NOTHING is off limits around here. We are holding this space for you.
![Photo of Leigh Hendrix, MA, NCC, LAPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb6cfb90-3f03-4337-b47a-4183011dd356/1/320x400.png)
Leigh Hendrix
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, NCC, LAPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients! You don't remember a time when you didn't feel "other". You have spent a lifetime navigating a world that doesn't seem to have a place for you, and it has made it immensely difficult to show up as your authentic self. You've never had a safe space to explore your identity in a way that allows you to bring ALL of your "stuff" to the table. Constantly analyzing your physical and emotional safety to do so has made it too exhausting to get to that next level even when you're finally able to determine it's safe. I want you to bring ALL of you in here. I want THIS to be that space for you, finally.
Currently accepting new clients! You don't remember a time when you didn't feel "other". You have spent a lifetime navigating a world that doesn't seem to have a place for you, and it has made it immensely difficult to show up as your authentic self. You've never had a safe space to explore your identity in a way that allows you to bring ALL of your "stuff" to the table. Constantly analyzing your physical and emotional safety to do so has made it too exhausting to get to that next level even when you're finally able to determine it's safe. I want you to bring ALL of you in here. I want THIS to be that space for you, finally.
![Photo of Charles Warren, MS, NCC, LAPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ab2ff92-f6dd-4ce8-a095-491c3155f009/1/320x400.png)
Charles Warren
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, NCC, LAPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients! As a queer, trans, non-binary human I will offer my lived experience and clinical expertise where appropriate to provide a safe and affirming space. Not only for queer people, but anyone who has ever felt alone or ‘other’. I became a therapist because I know how hard it was for me to find a queer-competent and affirming mental healthcare provider when I needed it the most. I specialize working with people who struggle with complicated thoughts and feelings surrounding sexual health & wellness, intimacy, desire, sexuality, gender identity, trauma, and non-monogamous relationships.
Currently accepting new clients! As a queer, trans, non-binary human I will offer my lived experience and clinical expertise where appropriate to provide a safe and affirming space. Not only for queer people, but anyone who has ever felt alone or ‘other’. I became a therapist because I know how hard it was for me to find a queer-competent and affirming mental healthcare provider when I needed it the most. I specialize working with people who struggle with complicated thoughts and feelings surrounding sexual health & wellness, intimacy, desire, sexuality, gender identity, trauma, and non-monogamous relationships.
![Photo of Alyssa Roig, LPC, ATR, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9759c047-1c48-4c35-aaba-66e3fa4809b3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alyssa Roig
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Seeking counseling is a courageous step in your healing journey. As a therapist, I work to create a safe and affirming space for you to work towards your personal goals and growth. I am trained in art therapy and utilize art to help individuals authentically process and connect to themselves. I am here to work collaboratively with you, providing a non-judgmental space that is both safe and affirming. I believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to help individuals process emotions, connect with their true selves, and foster healing.
Seeking counseling is a courageous step in your healing journey. As a therapist, I work to create a safe and affirming space for you to work towards your personal goals and growth. I am trained in art therapy and utilize art to help individuals authentically process and connect to themselves. I am here to work collaboratively with you, providing a non-judgmental space that is both safe and affirming. I believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to help individuals process emotions, connect with their true selves, and foster healing.
![Photo of Gene-Leigh Wheeler, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fcb6f2fe-dd41-402d-9c73-e20edb4982d8/1/320x400.png)
Gene-Leigh Wheeler
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Currently accepting new clients! You are feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed. You feel "other". And our current social and political climate is exacerbating it. You feel like no one gets it. You have such a hard time trusting people, so the idea of taking the first step to start therapy is terrifying. You don't feel like yourself anymore, and sometimes you wonder what that even means. You feel shame. You feel like you simply "don't have time for therapy", but also know you can't continue like you have been. You want to feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. But you have no idea how to get there.
Currently accepting new clients! You are feeling misunderstood and overwhelmed. You feel "other". And our current social and political climate is exacerbating it. You feel like no one gets it. You have such a hard time trusting people, so the idea of taking the first step to start therapy is terrifying. You don't feel like yourself anymore, and sometimes you wonder what that even means. You feel shame. You feel like you simply "don't have time for therapy", but also know you can't continue like you have been. You want to feel more grounded, balanced, and resilient. But you have no idea how to get there.
![Photo of Pat Brosseau, MSW, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cb5dadd8-c234-4e7f-96dd-3765b60e4179/1/320x400.png)
Pat Brosseau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Accepting new clients! The world is just... really hard right now. It's difficult to imagine how therapy would even help when the world is on fire. You constantly feel "other", in so many ways, which makes maintaining social and romantic relationships nearly impossible. You know you have a long list of things to process, but have never felt like you've had a truly safe, nonjudgmental space to do that. In order to heal, you know on a visceral level that you need to feel fully accepted, not just tolerated. You are starting to drown from the overwhelming stress, anxiety, neurodiversity, perfectionism, low self-worth, and isolation.
Accepting new clients! The world is just... really hard right now. It's difficult to imagine how therapy would even help when the world is on fire. You constantly feel "other", in so many ways, which makes maintaining social and romantic relationships nearly impossible. You know you have a long list of things to process, but have never felt like you've had a truly safe, nonjudgmental space to do that. In order to heal, you know on a visceral level that you need to feel fully accepted, not just tolerated. You are starting to drown from the overwhelming stress, anxiety, neurodiversity, perfectionism, low self-worth, and isolation.
![Photo of Shannon McKenzie, MSW, LSW](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/78e297ba-b347-4267-9141-b94b1a451bc4/1/320x400.png)
You are so tired of merely existing. You want to find self-acceptance, but sometimes you struggle with knowing what that "self" even is. You feel like you don't belong anywhere and that everyone around you has abandoned you. You feel like you are doing all of this alone. You are in pain and no one around you even knows, because you refuse to let them see it. Or you don't want to be a burden. But you know deep down you can't keep going like this, because you're a pressure cooker and you just need some relief. Or some guidance. Or SOMEthing. You may feel like you face rejection everywhere... but not here.
You are so tired of merely existing. You want to find self-acceptance, but sometimes you struggle with knowing what that "self" even is. You feel like you don't belong anywhere and that everyone around you has abandoned you. You feel like you are doing all of this alone. You are in pain and no one around you even knows, because you refuse to let them see it. Or you don't want to be a burden. But you know deep down you can't keep going like this, because you're a pressure cooker and you just need some relief. Or some guidance. Or SOMEthing. You may feel like you face rejection everywhere... but not here.
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![Photo of M Dillie, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bbd75a0d-bd24-4678-936b-37f9224d6e37/1/320x400.png)
M Dillie
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Waitlist for new clients
I'm passionate about working with folks of marginalized identities who seek a therapist with similar lived experience. My main areas of interest include gender identity, disability/illness, neuroemergence, perfectionism, dissociation, trauma, and sexuality and relationships (including non-monogamy, kink, and sex work). I enjoy supporting other therapists, caregivers, and academics/scholars. I'm also invested in serving other folks living with Septad Super Syndrome. Those who are drawn to working with me often identify as radicals, misfits, outsiders, and cycle breakers.
I'm passionate about working with folks of marginalized identities who seek a therapist with similar lived experience. My main areas of interest include gender identity, disability/illness, neuroemergence, perfectionism, dissociation, trauma, and sexuality and relationships (including non-monogamy, kink, and sex work). I enjoy supporting other therapists, caregivers, and academics/scholars. I'm also invested in serving other folks living with Septad Super Syndrome. Those who are drawn to working with me often identify as radicals, misfits, outsiders, and cycle breakers.
![Photo of Casey Watkins, LAPC, NCC, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ee28d0e7-dc18-49e0-aaca-f11cb8cca983/1/320x400.jpeg)
As a counselor, my goal is to create a respectful and affirming environment with my clients. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to the counseling process and hope to encourage empowerment through respect, kindness, and equity. I value authenticity and encourage open and honest communication with my clients. I try to show up authentically each session to show that I am a person, just like you. I don’t pretend to be an expert, because YOU are the expert on your life. My therapeutic environment is based on equality between me and my clients.
As a counselor, my goal is to create a respectful and affirming environment with my clients. I believe the therapeutic relationship is central to the counseling process and hope to encourage empowerment through respect, kindness, and equity. I value authenticity and encourage open and honest communication with my clients. I try to show up authentically each session to show that I am a person, just like you. I don’t pretend to be an expert, because YOU are the expert on your life. My therapeutic environment is based on equality between me and my clients.
![Photo of Diane Elliot McHirella, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46fcd2f0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Diane Elliot McHirella
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (Online Only)
Hello & Welcome! With over 25 years of experience in counseling with folks of varying backgrounds, I am honored to walk the path of the Counseling Journey with you. Our work & play together will allow you to further discover the strengths & resources you already have, while using these innate abilities to work with the growing edges you may wish to explore. I work in tandem with clients, parents & families as a guide, helping you to understand the ways you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will engage in an authentic therapeutic relationship to enhance your life & well-being. Helpful info: EMDRIA.org & dnmsinstitute.com
Hello & Welcome! With over 25 years of experience in counseling with folks of varying backgrounds, I am honored to walk the path of the Counseling Journey with you. Our work & play together will allow you to further discover the strengths & resources you already have, while using these innate abilities to work with the growing edges you may wish to explore. I work in tandem with clients, parents & families as a guide, helping you to understand the ways you are the expert on your own life. Together, we will engage in an authentic therapeutic relationship to enhance your life & well-being. Helpful info: EMDRIA.org & dnmsinstitute.com
![Photo of Casey Weaverling, MA, MS, NCC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5310f934-2b54-40b5-a0a8-23af5229e7c6/1/320x400.png)
Casey Weaverling
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Your life is a garden; it needs attention and care! Therapy with me is a supportive, dedicated space where you develop into a skilled gardener who can cultivate the life you want. We will work together to figure out what are weeds that need to be thinned, and what flowers and crops you want to nurture. We will identify what tools, knowledge, and skills you need to grow your garden. We will navigate the barriers, internal and external, that have hindered your gardening efforts. Therapy can be hard work, but it can also be quite enjoyable, and you may be surprised by how much laughter can be involved!
Your life is a garden; it needs attention and care! Therapy with me is a supportive, dedicated space where you develop into a skilled gardener who can cultivate the life you want. We will work together to figure out what are weeds that need to be thinned, and what flowers and crops you want to nurture. We will identify what tools, knowledge, and skills you need to grow your garden. We will navigate the barriers, internal and external, that have hindered your gardening efforts. Therapy can be hard work, but it can also be quite enjoyable, and you may be surprised by how much laughter can be involved!
![Photo of Nicolas DiSalvo, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56e981c6-7c10-4bc3-9428-65512bc7fbad/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nicolas DiSalvo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Mental health can be a difficult and challenging experience. The hardest step is reaching out for help. If you have made it this far keep going. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, you are not alone. I work with a variety of people, from all backgrounds and all walks of life. I am interested in the human existence, and how everyone has a unique experience. I am interested in stories people tell themselves and others.
Mental health can be a difficult and challenging experience. The hardest step is reaching out for help. If you have made it this far keep going. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, you are not alone. I work with a variety of people, from all backgrounds and all walks of life. I am interested in the human existence, and how everyone has a unique experience. I am interested in stories people tell themselves and others.
![Photo of Renee J Jennings, MA, MSW, LCSW, CHT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60c01ee4-789b-4156-9983-36a0a615374c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Renee J Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW, CHT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
As a transpersonal, body and gestalt psychotherapist, EMDR and Comprehensive Energy Psychology practitioner, meditation teacher and hypnotherapist, I offer an embodied and integrated approach to therapy, coaching, consultation, and teaching. Our problems and difficulties are opportunities for growth and wisdom, our innate intelligence always knows exactly what we need to transform or heal. Often, we need to undergo a process of compassionately encountering what it is that we find unacceptable, terrifying, or seemingly impossible for us to bear or let go. Paradoxically, these are the things that can lead us into deeper relationship with our true self.
As a transpersonal, body and gestalt psychotherapist, EMDR and Comprehensive Energy Psychology practitioner, meditation teacher and hypnotherapist, I offer an embodied and integrated approach to therapy, coaching, consultation, and teaching. Our problems and difficulties are opportunities for growth and wisdom, our innate intelligence always knows exactly what we need to transform or heal. Often, we need to undergo a process of compassionately encountering what it is that we find unacceptable, terrifying, or seemingly impossible for us to bear or let go. Paradoxically, these are the things that can lead us into deeper relationship with our true self.
![Photo of Caitlin Senk, PhD, NCC, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94b8d4b3-524d-4aeb-b781-61598fbdb2c7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caitlin Senk
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is an integrative one that focuses on a person-centered approach. I view the therapeutic relationship as a significant element of change and will collaborate with you in a respectful, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive manner. I believe that our past and current experiences effect our lives in impactful ways and influence our relationship with ourselves and those around us. I aim to empower you by uncovering your strengths and resilience on which we will build a more confident and vivid individual. I am here to help you find your place, feel connected, and reclaim control of your mind and body.
My approach to therapy is an integrative one that focuses on a person-centered approach. I view the therapeutic relationship as a significant element of change and will collaborate with you in a respectful, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and supportive manner. I believe that our past and current experiences effect our lives in impactful ways and influence our relationship with ourselves and those around us. I aim to empower you by uncovering your strengths and resilience on which we will build a more confident and vivid individual. I am here to help you find your place, feel connected, and reclaim control of your mind and body.
![Photo of Marcus Robinson, MSEd, MPhilEd, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ce62948-07d8-4f3b-9f78-aca3132177dc/1/320x400.jpeg)
Marcus Robinson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSEd, MPhilEd
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shadyside, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (Online Only)
Hi! I’m marcus. I am a pre-licensed counselor who practices on the unceded land of the Lenape people, based in the city of Philadelphia. I am a queer, nonbinary, neurodistinct, Black, African American, Dominican, person. I am a recent graduate of the Counseling and Mental Health Services (M.S.Ed.) and Professional Counseling (M.Phil.Ed.) programs at the University of Pennsylvania; I also hold a BA in Psychology with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Hi! I’m marcus. I am a pre-licensed counselor who practices on the unceded land of the Lenape people, based in the city of Philadelphia. I am a queer, nonbinary, neurodistinct, Black, African American, Dominican, person. I am a recent graduate of the Counseling and Mental Health Services (M.S.Ed.) and Professional Counseling (M.Phil.Ed.) programs at the University of Pennsylvania; I also hold a BA in Psychology with a minor in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
![Photo of Sarah Rizzi, MA, ATR-P, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4451b8f6-c837-4399-8a2f-83609bd43aea/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am pro-you in whatever way you show up–your gender identity, sexual orientation, justice system involvement, relationship style, body size and physical ability, race and ethnicity, and unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world are welcome and celebrated here! I am affirming of neurodiversity and dissociative identities, and I believe that you are the expert on yourself and your experiences. I love working with the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, dissociative systems, and people who have experienced trauma.
I am pro-you in whatever way you show up–your gender identity, sexual orientation, justice system involvement, relationship style, body size and physical ability, race and ethnicity, and unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world are welcome and celebrated here! I am affirming of neurodiversity and dissociative identities, and I believe that you are the expert on yourself and your experiences. I love working with the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, dissociative systems, and people who have experienced trauma.
See more therapy options for Shadyside, Pittsburgh
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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.