Transgender Therapists in Signal Mountain, TN
![Photo of Erica Skidmore, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ca9f7c1-099b-4bca-abf9-5600aef991a6/1/320x400.jpeg)
You have found the courage to begin, and you want someone to walk with you. Maybe you are tired of feeling the crushing weight of anxiety or depression. Maybe you are the parent of a child with special needs, and you don't know what to do next, but you know you need to do something. Maybe you are finally admitting to yourself the truth about your sexuality, spirituality, or situation, and you are ready to grow into the person you are meant to be. I would be honored to join you on your journey.
You have found the courage to begin, and you want someone to walk with you. Maybe you are tired of feeling the crushing weight of anxiety or depression. Maybe you are the parent of a child with special needs, and you don't know what to do next, but you know you need to do something. Maybe you are finally admitting to yourself the truth about your sexuality, spirituality, or situation, and you are ready to grow into the person you are meant to be. I would be honored to join you on your journey.
![Photo of Rachael A Benson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f83928f2-ba99-49aa-b02c-92375ae6e1ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachael A Benson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
I am in the practice of helping people understand themselves and find pathways towards healing and success. Therefore, I have the honor of meeting you just as you are and seeing a glimpse of your inner world, what shaped you, and molded you into a complex individual and being. My desire is to understand where you have come from and where you would like to go. Through understanding we can begin the work of creating a path toward deeper reflection, healing and thriving.
I am in the practice of helping people understand themselves and find pathways towards healing and success. Therefore, I have the honor of meeting you just as you are and seeing a glimpse of your inner world, what shaped you, and molded you into a complex individual and being. My desire is to understand where you have come from and where you would like to go. Through understanding we can begin the work of creating a path toward deeper reflection, healing and thriving.
![Photo of Christy Falco, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/780b462f-6771-480f-9de3-80255b02929b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christy Falco
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
Whether you are a new mother, working mom of three, a teenager striking out socially, a single man struggling with failed relationships, an "empty nester" trying to figure out what comes next or you are facing challenges with your partner, things can seem just so hard. The stresses and strains of life sometimes overwhelm our ability to cope. That is when counseling can provide restorative benefits.
Whether you are a new mother, working mom of three, a teenager striking out socially, a single man struggling with failed relationships, an "empty nester" trying to figure out what comes next or you are facing challenges with your partner, things can seem just so hard. The stresses and strains of life sometimes overwhelm our ability to cope. That is when counseling can provide restorative benefits.
![Photo of Kelly Culpepper Towe, MHSP, MA, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4f9c48-0a80-4701-b416-a22b4d5e5fc1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Culpepper Towe
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Signal Mountain, TN 37377
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor, is pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Tennessee, and is a National Certified Counselor. She works with individuals, couples, and families pursuing growth and healing through supportive, therapeutic relationship. Kelly has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, career direction, affair recovery, spiritual direction, OCD, sexuality, and marital issues.
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor, is pursuing licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Tennessee, and is a National Certified Counselor. She works with individuals, couples, and families pursuing growth and healing through supportive, therapeutic relationship. Kelly has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, career direction, affair recovery, spiritual direction, OCD, sexuality, and marital issues.
![Photo of Heather Wright, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8fb43d8c-9f0f-4d34-8e4f-d925fff4d11f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Wright
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Signal Mountain, TN 37377 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I’m here to support and guide you while navigating what feels overwhelming and difficult right now. I work with ages 16+ struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or coping with life transitions such as divorce or loss of a loved one. I also have 10 years experience supporting transgender folx- providing a safe, affirming space.
I’m here to support and guide you while navigating what feels overwhelming and difficult right now. I work with ages 16+ struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, or coping with life transitions such as divorce or loss of a loved one. I also have 10 years experience supporting transgender folx- providing a safe, affirming space.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Meg Miller, MEd, (Temp), Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fe6d3ebc-d7bd-42f7-947f-97463ea999e5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Meg Miller
Pre-Licensed Professional, MEd, (Temp)
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Your identity as LGBTQ+, kinky, non-monogamous, transgender, disabled, or neurodivergent will be respected and dignified here.
Whether you're looking for mental health counseling, sex therapy, or both, it would be my honor to work with you. I have experience working with a myriad of sexual difficulties as well as struggles with anxiety, depression, shame, identity, relationship issues and more. Using talk therapy, I take a unique approach to uniting many different parts of the self and helping clients create the life that they want without embarrassment or shame.
Your identity as LGBTQ+, kinky, non-monogamous, transgender, disabled, or neurodivergent will be respected and dignified here.
Whether you're looking for mental health counseling, sex therapy, or both, it would be my honor to work with you. I have experience working with a myriad of sexual difficulties as well as struggles with anxiety, depression, shame, identity, relationship issues and more. Using talk therapy, I take a unique approach to uniting many different parts of the self and helping clients create the life that they want without embarrassment or shame.
![Photo of Emily Pohorence, MEd, LPCC, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b7e2b70f-6a87-4d54-8b7f-4aecf1e69cb1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Emily Pohorence
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPCC, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients in Tennessee and Ohio! Will be credentialed with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in August 2024! I’m Emily and I work with teens and adults, navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, gender exploration, neurodivergence, relationships, self-worth, sexuality, and trauma. As a queer identifying person, I am passionate about helping individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, with specialized experience in transgender and nonbinary care. I have specific experience writing letters of support for transgender and nonbinary clients seeking Hormone Replacement Therapy and/or gender affirming surgery.
Accepting new clients in Tennessee and Ohio! Will be credentialed with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee in August 2024! I’m Emily and I work with teens and adults, navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, gender exploration, neurodivergence, relationships, self-worth, sexuality, and trauma. As a queer identifying person, I am passionate about helping individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, with specialized experience in transgender and nonbinary care. I have specific experience writing letters of support for transgender and nonbinary clients seeking Hormone Replacement Therapy and/or gender affirming surgery.
![Photo of Emu Aragon, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53cf338a-128b-4146-af97-dfb5723f9c4a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Emu Aragon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403 (Online Only)
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
This includes Persons of Color (Black, Indigenous, Latine/a/o, Asian, Middle Eastern, and multiracial individuals) as well as Queer and Transgender folx (LGBTQIA2S+).
Clients I see are typically wrestling with experiences that have impacted the way they view themselves, relationships, and the world around them. These experiences often leave us feeling wounded, unable to reconnect with ourselves or others. If this resonates with you, we might be a good fit for each other. As a wounded healer myself I seek to support you on your road to healing in a way that honors your unique set of values, beliefs, and cultural identity. I strive to take the time to get to know you, helping you to feel seen, heard, and understood. Who you want to be is possible. Your story, as it is, doesn't have to define you.
![Photo of Cassandra Riddle, LPC, MHSP, T, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/368fd637-63ca-4fa1-b0bf-3fd6d80eb6e7/1/320x400.jpeg)
She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and experienced in working with transgender population.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and experienced in working with transgender population.
Finding the right person to help with life’s problems can be an overwhelming task. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Cassandra creates an environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. She has decades of life experience working with adolescents and adults across multiple settings, which informs her practice. Cassandra works with clients who have experienced a life change, trauma, grief/loss and are experiencing adjustment difficulties, anxiety, and/or depression. She provides individual therapy for adolescents, adults as well as couples therapy.
![Photo of Kendal McDaniel, MA, MFTI, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9e0681e9-b860-41f3-b274-e3117d639557/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about working with our community and can personally relate to how religious, childhood, relational, and societal trauma can impact sexuality and sexual orientation. Sexuality is a unique spectrum and is a beautiful part of who we are. In therapy together, you will find an accepting and safe space to explore all questions related to sexuality, sexual orientation and gender, non-traditional relationships, and sense of self, all with compassion and care. At Affirming Therapy Services, you are free to be who you are and to continue to discover your most authentic self.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am passionate about working with our community and can personally relate to how religious, childhood, relational, and societal trauma can impact sexuality and sexual orientation. Sexuality is a unique spectrum and is a beautiful part of who we are. In therapy together, you will find an accepting and safe space to explore all questions related to sexuality, sexual orientation and gender, non-traditional relationships, and sense of self, all with compassion and care. At Affirming Therapy Services, you are free to be who you are and to continue to discover your most authentic self.
![Photo of Leah E. Newman, LPC, MHSP, MEd, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da90d287-3a95-4320-a741-8cb80eb242b1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leah E. Newman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MEd, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Online Only)
LGBTQ+. Gender. Sexuality. Alternative Spirituality. Adult ADHD Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Kink. Sex Work. Vegan. Life Coaching. Tarot. Reiki. Virtual. 420 Friendly. Anxiety. Depression. . BPD. Couples. Meditation. I specialize in gender transitions, LGBTQ+ living, alternative spiritualities, and mindfulness. Don't worry, our straight friends are always welcome too! Find out more at www.LeahNewmanCounseling.com
LGBTQ+. Gender. Sexuality. Alternative Spirituality. Adult ADHD Assessment, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Kink. Sex Work. Vegan. Life Coaching. Tarot. Reiki. Virtual. 420 Friendly. Anxiety. Depression. . BPD. Couples. Meditation. I specialize in gender transitions, LGBTQ+ living, alternative spiritualities, and mindfulness. Don't worry, our straight friends are always welcome too! Find out more at www.LeahNewmanCounseling.com
![Photo of Jan F Sherbak, PsyD, CEDS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c1f6f48-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical psychologist trained to work Adolescents and Adults who are experiencing many forms of psychological distress including depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, and divorce. I am also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist trained to work with all Eating Disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Food Addiction and Compulsive Overeating. I use an eclectic and individualized approach to treatment with a strong focus on the Internal Family Systems treatment model. This model helps to more deeply explore wounds and burdens within the individual and then work to heal those wounds in a respectful and compassionate way
I am a clinical psychologist trained to work Adolescents and Adults who are experiencing many forms of psychological distress including depression, anxiety, life transitions, loss, and divorce. I am also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist trained to work with all Eating Disorders, including Anorexia, Bulimia, Food Addiction and Compulsive Overeating. I use an eclectic and individualized approach to treatment with a strong focus on the Internal Family Systems treatment model. This model helps to more deeply explore wounds and burdens within the individual and then work to heal those wounds in a respectful and compassionate way
![Photo of Sue M. Bushrow, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce967b9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sue M. Bushrow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37402 (Online Only)
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
Is life hard and your heart hurting ? Are you struggling ? Do you need relief? Has your family suffered from trauma, loss, change, or heartache? Are you a Veteran struggling? Is your marriage hard? Is your teenager struggling? Are you in professional ministry with no safe place to express the difficulties of ministry. Do you feel depressed after a major life event? I would love to help you or your family!
![Photo of Kalaway Voss, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1d086f2a-d8fe-40e4-aa84-becaeea5da58/5/320x400.png)
You are a multifaceted, rare, precious gem of a human, and I want to support you in shedding the conditioning that prevents you from sharing your magic with the world. The cards we are dealt are often unfair/unequal. We did not choose the bodies we were born into, the parents or caretakers we were given, the environments we grew up in, our pain or trauma, or the injustices woven into the systems we inherited. We are not responsible for what is inflicted upon us, but we are responsible for our healing. And like the water carves through rock, you too can start upon the path and life you desire.
You are a multifaceted, rare, precious gem of a human, and I want to support you in shedding the conditioning that prevents you from sharing your magic with the world. The cards we are dealt are often unfair/unequal. We did not choose the bodies we were born into, the parents or caretakers we were given, the environments we grew up in, our pain or trauma, or the injustices woven into the systems we inherited. We are not responsible for what is inflicted upon us, but we are responsible for our healing. And like the water carves through rock, you too can start upon the path and life you desire.
![Photo of Brandi Pursley, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1161c530-a413-4e40-9657-9696a0c3c7c3/3/320x400.jpeg)
Brandi Pursley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37419
Waitlist for new clients
I work primarily with adults who are navigating grief and loss, trauma, relational issues, and other life transitions. I am open to working with people of all identities, but particularly enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ population. I identify as queer and consider it an honor to hold space for my community here in Chattanooga. I believe therapy can only be effective when the client feels safe and comfortable, so I am committed to providing accessibility in my office for all body types and abilities.
I work primarily with adults who are navigating grief and loss, trauma, relational issues, and other life transitions. I am open to working with people of all identities, but particularly enjoy working with the LGBTQ+ population. I identify as queer and consider it an honor to hold space for my community here in Chattanooga. I believe therapy can only be effective when the client feels safe and comfortable, so I am committed to providing accessibility in my office for all body types and abilities.
![Photo of Dr. Corinne Webster, PhD, LPC-S, MHSP, CSC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/153c3375-010b-4817-af70-7c0d29220ec9/5/320x400.png)
Dr. Corinne Webster
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, MHSP, CSC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403 (Online Only)
I view counseling as a journey of awareness, growth, and self-compassion. As your travel companion, I aim to provide insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to help you reach your destination. I work with individuals, groups, and families of all ages and backgrounds and have specialized experience helping clients with issues of anxiety, grief, trauma, spirituality, self-harm, and gender identity. When appropriate, I offer dreamwork, sandtray therapy, and psychotherapeutic Reiki interventions. My approach is collaborative and respectful, primarily drawing from an integration of humanistic, cognitive, and narrative frameworks.
I view counseling as a journey of awareness, growth, and self-compassion. As your travel companion, I aim to provide insight, encouragement, and a gentle nudge to help you reach your destination. I work with individuals, groups, and families of all ages and backgrounds and have specialized experience helping clients with issues of anxiety, grief, trauma, spirituality, self-harm, and gender identity. When appropriate, I offer dreamwork, sandtray therapy, and psychotherapeutic Reiki interventions. My approach is collaborative and respectful, primarily drawing from an integration of humanistic, cognitive, and narrative frameworks.
![Photo of Hanna Marino, MS, LMFT, AAMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/642014b2-6d63-4f13-a9eb-3f584df7e1a1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hanna Marino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, AAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Hello! I am so glad you're here! I work with LGBTQ+, Couples, Individuals & Families through a variety of life hardships. If you’re dealing with Trauma/PTSD, religious trauma, spirituality issues, communication, life transitions, conflict, sexual concerns, sexuality, anxiety, anger, teenage struggles, self-esteem/identity, or any other issues, you deserve a safe space to process through them. When you come to my office you will not simply get a trained professional, but a human who feels deeply with other humans. "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be another human soul". - Carl Jung.
Hello! I am so glad you're here! I work with LGBTQ+, Couples, Individuals & Families through a variety of life hardships. If you’re dealing with Trauma/PTSD, religious trauma, spirituality issues, communication, life transitions, conflict, sexual concerns, sexuality, anxiety, anger, teenage struggles, self-esteem/identity, or any other issues, you deserve a safe space to process through them. When you come to my office you will not simply get a trained professional, but a human who feels deeply with other humans. "Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be another human soul". - Carl Jung.
![Photo of Peter Wadkin Coleman, MS, LMFT, CP-ATP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46397061-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peter Wadkin Coleman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, CP-ATP
Verified Verified
Chattanooga, TN 37405
"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are." -Anais Nin per Talmudic origin. We must create things twice; once in our minds, and once articulated. When we think our thoughts, it lights up one part of the brain, and when we speak our thoughts, it lights up a different part of the brain. There is often something very different when we articulate our thoughts, and they change in some way. Talking out these experiences in a narrative way assists us in making sense of how we feel about those experiences.
"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are." -Anais Nin per Talmudic origin. We must create things twice; once in our minds, and once articulated. When we think our thoughts, it lights up one part of the brain, and when we speak our thoughts, it lights up a different part of the brain. There is often something very different when we articulate our thoughts, and they change in some way. Talking out these experiences in a narrative way assists us in making sense of how we feel about those experiences.
![Photo of Robert (Bob) E Swope, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59cc2650-f632-452d-8725-00b1df784956/2/320x400.jpeg)
Robert (Bob) E Swope
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, MHSP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hixson, TN 37343
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty 28 years of experience working with adults, children and families. I am a graduate of U T Chattanooga with a BS in Psychology and a MEd. in Community Counseling I also did some graduate work at Florida State and University of Houston.. I have both personal and professional experience with parenting, stepfamilies, divorce issues, adoption and reunification, and the adjustment issues which challenge families today.I am an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I am passionate about educating ,coaching and empowering my clients to make the best choices for their unique selves.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor with over twenty 28 years of experience working with adults, children and families. I am a graduate of U T Chattanooga with a BS in Psychology and a MEd. in Community Counseling I also did some graduate work at Florida State and University of Houston.. I have both personal and professional experience with parenting, stepfamilies, divorce issues, adoption and reunification, and the adjustment issues which challenge families today.I am an advocate for the LGBTQ community. I am passionate about educating ,coaching and empowering my clients to make the best choices for their unique selves.
![Photo of Katie Woodruff, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6efdb08-77d6-421b-9a68-fda68bc95c13/3/320x400.jpeg)
I see individual clients aged 18 and up, most commonly struggling with feelings of isolation, difficulty in relationships, depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, negative view of self, difficulty with fluctuating emotions and issues related to trauma (which includes a range of experiences such as early emotional neglect, childhood or adult emotional/physical/sexual abuse, exposure to violence in the community, exposure to systemic racism or sexism, among many others.)
I see individual clients aged 18 and up, most commonly struggling with feelings of isolation, difficulty in relationships, depression, anxiety, guilt/shame, negative view of self, difficulty with fluctuating emotions and issues related to trauma (which includes a range of experiences such as early emotional neglect, childhood or adult emotional/physical/sexual abuse, exposure to violence in the community, exposure to systemic racism or sexism, among many others.)
See more therapy options for Signal Mountain
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Signal Mountain
See More Transgender TherapistsNearby Searches for Signal Mountain
- Chattanooga
- Cleveland
- Collegedale
- Dayton
- East Ridge
- Hixson
- Lookout Mountain
- Ooltewah
- Red Bank
- Sewanee
- Soddy Daisy
- Winchester
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.