Transgender Therapists in Georgia
August Jones
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
My experience as a social worker and as a queer transgender person has helped me grow into an intuitive understanding of our complex humanness.
I love working with folks experiencing life journeys and transitions including questioning gender and sexuality, understanding substance use struggles, healing from traumatic experiences, moving through grief (death, empty nesting, divorce) and even coping with exciting but stressful changes like starting college, moving, and career changes.
My experience as a social worker and as a queer transgender person has helped me grow into an intuitive understanding of our complex humanness.
I love working with folks experiencing life journeys and transitions including questioning gender and sexuality, understanding substance use struggles, healing from traumatic experiences, moving through grief (death, empty nesting, divorce) and even coping with exciting but stressful changes like starting college, moving, and career changes.
Mike McNulty
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076 (Online Only)
My specialties include relationships in crisis, depression, anxiety, grief counseling, major illness and caretaking, and transgender issues.
“You’re a person, not a diagnosis.” That phrase appears on my website and my business cards because it goes to the heart of my philosophy about therapy. While diagnoses may be helpful for medical treatments, you’re a person with real hopes, dreams, fears, and problems. Listening with respect is the beginning of our relationship, and I engage in “active listening” – asking questions for clarification, and making connections to a person’s past. Together, we’ll identify the issues facing you. Then, we’ll map out a plan to deal with those issues. In this way, I often serve as a life coach in addition to being a therapist.
My specialties include relationships in crisis, depression, anxiety, grief counseling, major illness and caretaking, and transgender issues.
“You’re a person, not a diagnosis.” That phrase appears on my website and my business cards because it goes to the heart of my philosophy about therapy. While diagnoses may be helpful for medical treatments, you’re a person with real hopes, dreams, fears, and problems. Listening with respect is the beginning of our relationship, and I engage in “active listening” – asking questions for clarification, and making connections to a person’s past. Together, we’ll identify the issues facing you. Then, we’ll map out a plan to deal with those issues. In this way, I often serve as a life coach in addition to being a therapist.
Love Positive Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
We are passionate about helping transgender youth (13-25) and their families who are discovering their identity and individuality.
We are passionate about providing a safe space for our clients to find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically. If you want to foster more love for yourself, boost your self-esteem, confidence, authenticity, start here. We can alleviate depression, anxiety, uncertainty; and heal your pain and trauma. We believe everyone deserves empathy and support free of judgment. We particularly love working with people in or considering non-monogamous relationships and transgender or gender non-conforming youth. Office hours include evenings and weekends.
We are passionate about helping transgender youth (13-25) and their families who are discovering their identity and individuality.
We are passionate about providing a safe space for our clients to find internal and external peace by living and loving more authentically. If you want to foster more love for yourself, boost your self-esteem, confidence, authenticity, start here. We can alleviate depression, anxiety, uncertainty; and heal your pain and trauma. We believe everyone deserves empathy and support free of judgment. We particularly love working with people in or considering non-monogamous relationships and transgender or gender non-conforming youth. Office hours include evenings and weekends.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here, taking your first step towards growth and fulfillment. I specialize in anxiety, systemic stress as a neurodivergent person, and eating disorders, particularly those affected by gender dysphoria. Drawing from both personal and professional experiences, I bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to therapeutic spaces. I firmly believe that within each of us lies the potential for a fulfilling and meaningful life, even if it's not immediately apparent. Together, we'll uncover the tools you possess and harness them to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals!
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here, taking your first step towards growth and fulfillment. I specialize in anxiety, systemic stress as a neurodivergent person, and eating disorders, particularly those affected by gender dysphoria. Drawing from both personal and professional experiences, I bring a unique level of empathy and understanding to therapeutic spaces. I firmly believe that within each of us lies the potential for a fulfilling and meaningful life, even if it's not immediately apparent. Together, we'll uncover the tools you possess and harness them to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals!
As a therapist with lived experience as a poly, kinky, transgender gay man, I specialize in serving Georgia’s gender, sexuality, and relationship structure minority communities.
“Am I transgender?” is the question you want answered. For your whole life, you’ve tried to fit into the gender assigned to you at birth, but you’re miserable. Your body feels wrong, and you don’t recognize yourself in the mirror. Between keeping up with the bills and inflation, staying informed about the latest political threats to your safety, and trying to find small moments of joy in your life, you feel overwhelmed at the thought of tackling the complexity of gender exploration. At the same time, you realize something has to change.
As a therapist with lived experience as a poly, kinky, transgender gay man, I specialize in serving Georgia’s gender, sexuality, and relationship structure minority communities.
“Am I transgender?” is the question you want answered. For your whole life, you’ve tried to fit into the gender assigned to you at birth, but you’re miserable. Your body feels wrong, and you don’t recognize yourself in the mirror. Between keeping up with the bills and inflation, staying informed about the latest political threats to your safety, and trying to find small moments of joy in your life, you feel overwhelmed at the thought of tackling the complexity of gender exploration. At the same time, you realize something has to change.
Blair Hsiao-Tin Holleman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Norcross, GA 30093
Are you currently struggling with discovering who you are or what you want in life? Is finding an affirming transgender LGBTQ+ Therapist, something you've been searching for? I specialize in working with transgender adolescents and young adults who may be struggling with their identity or with navigating past traumas associated with identity discovery. You may be seeking a safe and affirming space to help process and heal past traumas, learn how to navigate distressing emotions, and start your healing journey today!
Are you currently struggling with discovering who you are or what you want in life? Is finding an affirming transgender LGBTQ+ Therapist, something you've been searching for? I specialize in working with transgender adolescents and young adults who may be struggling with their identity or with navigating past traumas associated with identity discovery. You may be seeking a safe and affirming space to help process and heal past traumas, learn how to navigate distressing emotions, and start your healing journey today!
Moe A Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30328
Waitlist for new clients
Transgender or Non-binary people: As a transgender non-binary soul, Moe Ari is highly attuned to the needs of Gender Expansive people.
If you are looking for an accountability partner in support of your relationships, then this is your sign. If you are a single person who wants support in growing your self-love and accountability, while exploring how to navigate lasting partnership, this is also your sign! Moe Ari is a highly skilled relationship expert with almost a decade of experience helping couples to revitalize their relationships. As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. Moe Ari, blends therapy with coaching to help clients create success in their relationships, minds, bodies, and spirits.
Transgender or Non-binary people: As a transgender non-binary soul, Moe Ari is highly attuned to the needs of Gender Expansive people.
If you are looking for an accountability partner in support of your relationships, then this is your sign. If you are a single person who wants support in growing your self-love and accountability, while exploring how to navigate lasting partnership, this is also your sign! Moe Ari is a highly skilled relationship expert with almost a decade of experience helping couples to revitalize their relationships. As a Black Transgender Man, he is also LGBTQIA+ celebratory, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. Moe Ari, blends therapy with coaching to help clients create success in their relationships, minds, bodies, and spirits.
Mick D Rehrig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030
I provide play therapy and family support and coaching for transgender and non-binary folks.
Welcome! I believe in therapy that affirms, empowers, and supports people to recognize patterns, navigate changes, bolster personal growth and self-worth, and figure things out.Collaboration with the folks I work with is of utmost importance to me, guided by clinical theory and evidence-based therapeutic techniques that work for you.I utilize a strengths based, anti-racist, intersectional feminist approach. I work with clients navigating healthy masculinity, internalized oppression, gender dysphoria, addiction recovery, depression, sexuality, relationship stressors & boundaries, family of origin challenges, life transitions, & more.
I provide play therapy and family support and coaching for transgender and non-binary folks.
Welcome! I believe in therapy that affirms, empowers, and supports people to recognize patterns, navigate changes, bolster personal growth and self-worth, and figure things out.Collaboration with the folks I work with is of utmost importance to me, guided by clinical theory and evidence-based therapeutic techniques that work for you.I utilize a strengths based, anti-racist, intersectional feminist approach. I work with clients navigating healthy masculinity, internalized oppression, gender dysphoria, addiction recovery, depression, sexuality, relationship stressors & boundaries, family of origin challenges, life transitions, & more.
I'm passionate about helping people seeking to explore their gender identity, and about working with those who identify as transgender / gender non-conforming.
Good Life. "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It's a direction, not a destination" (Carl Rogers). I help people make lasting changes they feel good about. I'm easy to talk to and I'll work with you flexibly, even playfully, using a mix of techniques and approaches known to be effective. I'll help you couple your insight with action so you can work out creative solutions. I'll respect your right to decide what is good for you, based on your truths. I'll help you to rewrite The Story of You.
I'm passionate about helping people seeking to explore their gender identity, and about working with those who identify as transgender / gender non-conforming.
Good Life. "The good life is a process, not a state of being. It's a direction, not a destination" (Carl Rogers). I help people make lasting changes they feel good about. I'm easy to talk to and I'll work with you flexibly, even playfully, using a mix of techniques and approaches known to be effective. I'll help you couple your insight with action so you can work out creative solutions. I'll respect your right to decide what is good for you, based on your truths. I'll help you to rewrite The Story of You.
Erin Lightman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30317 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with non-binary, agender, and transgender individuals, though I welcome all genders.
You want to feel better. You’re ready to heal, and I want to help you on that journey. I see counseling as a collaborative partnership, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be you without fear of rejection. Using an approach to counseling that blends cognitive behavior techniques with values work and self-compassion, I help clients cultivate self-love, incorporate new coping skills, and improve their relationships. I am also an IFS-informed clinician, meaning that I work with you to improve the relationships between various parts of yourself. I work best with people who are curious and ready to grow.
I specialize in working with non-binary, agender, and transgender individuals, though I welcome all genders.
You want to feel better. You’re ready to heal, and I want to help you on that journey. I see counseling as a collaborative partnership, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be you without fear of rejection. Using an approach to counseling that blends cognitive behavior techniques with values work and self-compassion, I help clients cultivate self-love, incorporate new coping skills, and improve their relationships. I am also an IFS-informed clinician, meaning that I work with you to improve the relationships between various parts of yourself. I work best with people who are curious and ready to grow.
Trudy Post Sprunk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMFT, LPC SEP, RPTS, EMDR, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Tucker, GA 30084
During the last 45 plus years, I have provided experiential psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. I have given over 800 lectures on the subjects of divorce, parenting, transgender, family play therapy, supervision, learning disabilities, grief, ADHD, play therapy, adolescence, etc. I am a registered play therapist, certified in EMDR, and provide supervision and consultation to other psychotherapists.
During the last 45 plus years, I have provided experiential psychotherapy to children, teens, and adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. I have given over 800 lectures on the subjects of divorce, parenting, transgender, family play therapy, supervision, learning disabilities, grief, ADHD, play therapy, adolescence, etc. I am a registered play therapist, certified in EMDR, and provide supervision and consultation to other psychotherapists.
15 Second Videos
Alexander Hoffman
Moe A Brown
Mick D Rehrig
Common Ground Therapy
Safe Harbor Counseling Services
Meghan McDonald Leigh-Manuell
Jayde Mullis
Miranda Barzey
All 1 Family, Inc (LGBTQ Affirming Clinic)
Amariah Love
Tali Boots
Breeann Hamp
Powell Burke
Vanessa S Sampson-Schneider
Nyesia Knight
Ashton Marshall
Charlie Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Provider
Martin Ciocca Vasino
Wyatt Okeefe
Anthony Brown
Juanessa Booker At You Talk We Listen: The Listening Center
The Zen Den Counseling and Wellness
Sander T Jones
JBranch and Associates
Nancy V Brown
Avery Spriggs
Frederick Dare Brockington
Nickesha Douglas
Treva Sexton
Jacob Chagoya
Jenny Felder
Ann Guzman
Victoria Taylor Eades
Jalessa Townsend
Mid-Life Awareness Guide
Jessica Collins
Brandi Smallwood
Healing Heartz Therapy Soulutions
Chadvina L Skyers
Radiant Counseling, LLC
Jamie Thomas
Martin Altman
Rebecca Johnson Osei
Sunshine Child & Family Counseling
Laura Lee Dowling
Cassie Cain
Early Connections Child & Family Counseling
Seketa Bing Nelson, Inc
Ryan Austin
Alice Harvey
Kalie Jl Giovanni
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Atlanta, GA 30306 (Online Only)
We all face challenges, and at times need additional care to grow and thrive. For over 10 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and those in relationships to address conflict, improve communication, and navigate changing behaviors. I have specialty training in trauma-informed care, co-occurring diagnoses, and exploring attachment dynamics & patterns in relationships. I specialize in affirming and caring for the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender / gender expansive youth and adults, and their families. I engage from a strengths-based, feminist, anti-racist, intersectional lens, while empowering folks to make life changes.
We all face challenges, and at times need additional care to grow and thrive. For over 10 years, I have worked with individuals, families, and those in relationships to address conflict, improve communication, and navigate changing behaviors. I have specialty training in trauma-informed care, co-occurring diagnoses, and exploring attachment dynamics & patterns in relationships. I specialize in affirming and caring for the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender / gender expansive youth and adults, and their families. I engage from a strengths-based, feminist, anti-racist, intersectional lens, while empowering folks to make life changes.
Caroline Henderson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atlanta, GA 30306 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Atlanta, GA who works with adult individuals. I enjoy working with people of many different life experiences and am particularly passionate about supporting those who have been impacted by criminal legal systems. I frequently see clients for the following concerns: anxiety, depression & mood concerns, relationship & communication challenges, processing & coping with major transitions, support for those in helping professions, grief & loss, self-esteem & body image concerns, addiction recovery & support, gender dysphoria & gender transition support, and trauma.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Atlanta, GA who works with adult individuals. I enjoy working with people of many different life experiences and am particularly passionate about supporting those who have been impacted by criminal legal systems. I frequently see clients for the following concerns: anxiety, depression & mood concerns, relationship & communication challenges, processing & coping with major transitions, support for those in helping professions, grief & loss, self-esteem & body image concerns, addiction recovery & support, gender dysphoria & gender transition support, and trauma.
Anna Lisa Derenthal
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Roswell, GA 30076
Are you haunted by the past, consumed by fear, pain, guilt or sadness? I have helped many others like you end suffering and overcome fears, finally putting their pasts behind them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are specialized therapies for healing Trauma and PTSD more quickly and completely. I am also experienced with grief/loss, panic and anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, low self esteem, and other issues.
In addition, I work with LGBTQI, Gender Identity, transgender people and transitioning. I am open-minded and accepting and I welcome folks from all spiritual belief systems, sexual orientations, gender expressions, colors, shapes and sizes.
Are you haunted by the past, consumed by fear, pain, guilt or sadness? I have helped many others like you end suffering and overcome fears, finally putting their pasts behind them. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brainspotting are specialized therapies for healing Trauma and PTSD more quickly and completely. I am also experienced with grief/loss, panic and anxiety disorders, phobias, depression, low self esteem, and other issues.
In addition, I work with LGBTQI, Gender Identity, transgender people and transitioning. I am open-minded and accepting and I welcome folks from all spiritual belief systems, sexual orientations, gender expressions, colors, shapes and sizes.
I provide clients with a non-judgmental and compassionate space to work through life’s challenges. I work with adolescents, adults, as well as couples, and those in nontraditional relationships. I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, and Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional. I frequently work with LGTBQ+ youth/adults. I follow WPATH's Standard of Care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming people and I write gender affirming letters. I am also trained in trauma care, such as the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment model.
I provide clients with a non-judgmental and compassionate space to work through life’s challenges. I work with adolescents, adults, as well as couples, and those in nontraditional relationships. I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, and Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional. I frequently work with LGTBQ+ youth/adults. I follow WPATH's Standard of Care for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming people and I write gender affirming letters. I am also trained in trauma care, such as the Trauma Recovery and Empowerment model.
Elizabeth Snelgrove Arauz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Marietta, GA 30064
Individuals whom identify within the LGBTQI+ community, particularly those whom identify as transgender/nonbinary, face a myriad of challenges such as, social stigma, family discord, abandonment, depression (with and without suicidal ideation), anxiety, etc.
I work with children to adults struggling with a range of mental health diagnoses, including, depression (with or without suicidal ideation), anxiety, ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, neurological disorders, gender dysphoria, etc. Together, with your commitment to treatment and a solid therapeutic relationship, we can identify your goals and utilize your personal strengths to build a realistic treatment plan to reach your goals and be your best self.
Individuals whom identify within the LGBTQI+ community, particularly those whom identify as transgender/nonbinary, face a myriad of challenges such as, social stigma, family discord, abandonment, depression (with and without suicidal ideation), anxiety, etc.
I work with children to adults struggling with a range of mental health diagnoses, including, depression (with or without suicidal ideation), anxiety, ADHD, Bi-Polar Disorder, neurological disorders, gender dysphoria, etc. Together, with your commitment to treatment and a solid therapeutic relationship, we can identify your goals and utilize your personal strengths to build a realistic treatment plan to reach your goals and be your best self.
In my practice, I offer consultation, assessment and documentation for nonbinary/ transgender individuals who are seeking medical transition.
I work with individuals, couples and families of all ages. I specialize in PTSD, Complex/Developmental Trauma, depression/anxiety, marital issues, family generational patterns, LGBTQ, and substance abuse. I am a registered mental health provider for WPATH (World Professional Organization for Transgender Health. I provide telehealth across the Georgia, with my physical home base in Savannah. I have been voted 2018 Savannah's Best of the Best Therapist/Psychiatrist by Savannah Morning News. I am so grateful for my amazing clients.
In my practice, I offer consultation, assessment and documentation for nonbinary/ transgender individuals who are seeking medical transition.
I work with individuals, couples and families of all ages. I specialize in PTSD, Complex/Developmental Trauma, depression/anxiety, marital issues, family generational patterns, LGBTQ, and substance abuse. I am a registered mental health provider for WPATH (World Professional Organization for Transgender Health. I provide telehealth across the Georgia, with my physical home base in Savannah. I have been voted 2018 Savannah's Best of the Best Therapist/Psychiatrist by Savannah Morning News. I am so grateful for my amazing clients.
Katie Leikam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LISW-CP, MBA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Decatur, GA 30030 (Online Only)
I work with the transgender and gender expansive community and members of the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with coming out, exploring your gender identity, religious trauma, are autistic, have ADHD or are just looking for someone that "gets" you. Really "gets" you or your child. LGBTQ, Transgender and gender expansive clients are my specialty and I have been working with this community for over a decade. As a queer person myself, I understand the struggle of coming out or finding your own place in the world. I enjoy working with people from 6th graders to adults who want to have the courage to be who they are. It is okay to need help and I know you are the authority on your own gender identity.
I work with the transgender and gender expansive community and members of the LGBTQ community.
Are you struggling with coming out, exploring your gender identity, religious trauma, are autistic, have ADHD or are just looking for someone that "gets" you. Really "gets" you or your child. LGBTQ, Transgender and gender expansive clients are my specialty and I have been working with this community for over a decade. As a queer person myself, I understand the struggle of coming out or finding your own place in the world. I enjoy working with people from 6th graders to adults who want to have the courage to be who they are. It is okay to need help and I know you are the authority on your own gender identity.
Jennifer Almand Butzen - Attento Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alpharetta, GA 30005
I work with LGBTQIA clients, and have worked with transgender clients (teens and adults) during various stages of their transitions.
Life brings challenges that can be helped through obtaining caring and confidential support. As a compassionate and open-minded therapist, I strive to create a trusting and collaborative environment where clients can express themselves honestly without fear of judgment or rejection. My approach is to empower clients to have the confidence to make better life decisions for themselves and their families. I support clients as they process trauma, and help guide them towards recognizing and adjusting destructive life patterns that are interfering with their overall well-being. I am a member of the World Transgender Health Organization.
I work with LGBTQIA clients, and have worked with transgender clients (teens and adults) during various stages of their transitions.
Life brings challenges that can be helped through obtaining caring and confidential support. As a compassionate and open-minded therapist, I strive to create a trusting and collaborative environment where clients can express themselves honestly without fear of judgment or rejection. My approach is to empower clients to have the confidence to make better life decisions for themselves and their families. I support clients as they process trauma, and help guide them towards recognizing and adjusting destructive life patterns that are interfering with their overall well-being. I am a member of the World Transgender Health Organization.
Common Ground Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Decatur, GA 30032 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with BIPOC people who are on the queer or transgender spectrum, providing culturally conscious therapy for people from marginalized communities.
Are you feeling stuck, unworthy, unmotivated or hopeless? You have goals and you try to move forward, because you know you have a lot to offer, but something always seems to get in the way of your career and your relationships. You feel like you are never enough, like you don’t belong. You wonder how things would be different if you were white, straight, able-bodied or cis-gendered. Every piece of self-help advice you read must be filtered through the lens of being marginalized and having less privilege. You wish someone could understand you. You try to cope, but you find that you just can’t change by willpower alone.
I specialize in working with BIPOC people who are on the queer or transgender spectrum, providing culturally conscious therapy for people from marginalized communities.
Are you feeling stuck, unworthy, unmotivated or hopeless? You have goals and you try to move forward, because you know you have a lot to offer, but something always seems to get in the way of your career and your relationships. You feel like you are never enough, like you don’t belong. You wonder how things would be different if you were white, straight, able-bodied or cis-gendered. Every piece of self-help advice you read must be filtered through the lens of being marginalized and having less privilege. You wish someone could understand you. You try to cope, but you find that you just can’t change by willpower alone.
See more therapy options for Georgia
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.