Transgender Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
Life is difficult, and sometimes challenges can overwhelm us. In over 20 years of counseling, I have gained a wealth of experience in helping people achieve meaningful growth and a greater sense of well-being. I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality. And as someone who identifies as a transgender female, I am naturally a strong advocate and ally for all those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Life is difficult, and sometimes challenges can overwhelm us. In over 20 years of counseling, I have gained a wealth of experience in helping people achieve meaningful growth and a greater sense of well-being. I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality. And as someone who identifies as a transgender female, I am naturally a strong advocate and ally for all those within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sam Darrow
Counselor, MA, LLPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49508 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new therapy clients, current availability for clients seeking a WPATH letter of support for transgender healthcare purposes.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
Waitlist for new therapy clients, current availability for clients seeking a WPATH letter of support for transgender healthcare purposes.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
Kris Lewis-Grinwis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with LGBQ, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
I specialize in working with LGBQ, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
My name is Anangabii (uh-nung-uh-bee). I am an enrolled citizen of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and am two-spirit/trans nonbinary. I aim to help people of all ages who struggle with adjustments, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender dysphoria, racial trauma and communication.
My name is Anangabii (uh-nung-uh-bee). I am an enrolled citizen of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and am two-spirit/trans nonbinary. I aim to help people of all ages who struggle with adjustments, trauma/PTSD, depression, anxiety, sexuality, gender dysphoria, racial trauma and communication.
Dan Cooke
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC, ADS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (Online Only)
My experience over the past eighteen years as a therapist includes addressing trauma/PTSD, substance use/abuse and recovery, anxiety, depression, transgender and gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ+ issues for adolescents and adults as an ally.
Seeking a therapist can be a challenge to find the right fit, but when you find it you can work on your behaviors, explore struggles with difficult moods and emotions, and process stress in a non-judgmental environment.
My experience over the past eighteen years as a therapist includes addressing trauma/PTSD, substance use/abuse and recovery, anxiety, depression, transgender and gender dysphoria, and LGBTQ+ issues for adolescents and adults as an ally.
Seeking a therapist can be a challenge to find the right fit, but when you find it you can work on your behaviors, explore struggles with difficult moods and emotions, and process stress in a non-judgmental environment.
Amy Lynn Ver Wey
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, RPT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
She has held full membership with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health since 2017 and is a WPATH Certified Transgender Health Provider.
Amy (she/her) practices an active and interpersonal approach to therapy, incorporating mindfulness, popular culture, art, music, role playing games and technological aspects to modify her treatment on an individualized basis to best meet the needs of her clients. Amy identifies as a queer therapist and strives to create a genuinely warm and inclusive therapeutic environment based upon empathy, resiliency and a relatable atmosphere to help normalize mental health services.
Natasha Lewis-Grinwis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CST
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (Online Only)
I have been a certified sex therapist for more than 10 years. I enjoy working with individuals and people in their relationships. I employ a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and person first treatment models to help clients identify and attain their goals. I work extensively with the transgender, pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, and gay communities, as well as with members of the kink community.
I have been a certified sex therapist for more than 10 years. I enjoy working with individuals and people in their relationships. I employ a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and person first treatment models to help clients identify and attain their goals. I work extensively with the transgender, pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, and gay communities, as well as with members of the kink community.
Ann Bixler
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, ICAADC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
LGBTQ community including the use of WPATH standards and seeing transgender clients through their process of transformation.
I 've been in private practice since 1997. Throughout that time I have continued to expand on my knowledge and develop specialties in play therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, substance abuse, and trauma including PTSD. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. I see each client as unique and feel honored to join them in their journey towards health and wellness. I am affiliated with organizations that keep me abreast of evidence-based practices for the unique situations that clients bring to therapy.
LGBTQ community including the use of WPATH standards and seeing transgender clients through their process of transformation.
I 've been in private practice since 1997. Throughout that time I have continued to expand on my knowledge and develop specialties in play therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, substance abuse, and trauma including PTSD. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. I see each client as unique and feel honored to join them in their journey towards health and wellness. I am affiliated with organizations that keep me abreast of evidence-based practices for the unique situations that clients bring to therapy.
Sierra Ellison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49505 (Online Only)
I assess and write letters for transgender, non-binary, or other identifying individuals who are experiencing gender dysphoria and want to start HRT or have gender affirming surgery.
I talk about real solutions to daily problems and functioning including skills to prepare us for when things inevitably shift day to day. I support clients in identifying their goals, building upon strengths and skills they already possess, and learning skills to adapt to life's challenges. Through processing and coping we will work together to tackle your concerns (such as anxiety, depression, domestic abuse or violence, grief, self esteem, self-harming, suicidal ideation, stress, trauma, and whatever else is on your mind) and try to create long lasting positive change. I'm eager to help you achieve your personal goals!
I assess and write letters for transgender, non-binary, or other identifying individuals who are experiencing gender dysphoria and want to start HRT or have gender affirming surgery.
I talk about real solutions to daily problems and functioning including skills to prepare us for when things inevitably shift day to day. I support clients in identifying their goals, building upon strengths and skills they already possess, and learning skills to adapt to life's challenges. Through processing and coping we will work together to tackle your concerns (such as anxiety, depression, domestic abuse or violence, grief, self esteem, self-harming, suicidal ideation, stress, trauma, and whatever else is on your mind) and try to create long lasting positive change. I'm eager to help you achieve your personal goals!
In 2015, I became board certified in Clinical Psychology have spent the past few years pursuing more education and experiences in sport psychology, healthcare for transgender individuals, and menopausal transitions.
The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, and in sync with your values.
In 2015, I became board certified in Clinical Psychology have spent the past few years pursuing more education and experiences in sport psychology, healthcare for transgender individuals, and menopausal transitions.
The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, and in sync with your values.
I specialize in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, womenʼs issues, disordered eating, body image issues, gender dysphoria, stress management, and life transitions.
Open to intakes! Everyone needs someone to talk with that will accept us, without judgement. I strive to provide a warm, safe space to help individuals in personal growth and healing. Together, we will collaborate to develop helpful solutions and skills to incorporate on your journey to a more rich, fulfilling life. I am a fully licensed master's social worker with over a decade of experience working with adults in outpatient settings. I believe in Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating/Anti-Diet approaches. I am passionate about LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare.
I specialize in working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, womenʼs issues, disordered eating, body image issues, gender dysphoria, stress management, and life transitions.
Open to intakes! Everyone needs someone to talk with that will accept us, without judgement. I strive to provide a warm, safe space to help individuals in personal growth and healing. Together, we will collaborate to develop helpful solutions and skills to incorporate on your journey to a more rich, fulfilling life. I am a fully licensed master's social worker with over a decade of experience working with adults in outpatient settings. I believe in Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating/Anti-Diet approaches. I am passionate about LGBTQIA+ affirming healthcare.
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Kim Richardson
Counselor, LMSW, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
I offer teletherapy and in-office therapy to clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations racial and ethnic identities. With 25 years of clinical experience, I provide a safe and confidential space to explore what needs healing. Trained in trauma EMDR /Polyvalgal /Brainspotting and in-depth Psychodynamic therapy. I help adults and college students with stress, depression, PTSD, sexual trauma, loss, grief, anger, gender dysphoria, parenting, and young adult challenges. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, special education (ADHD, ASD), & in home-based trauma care (TF-CBT).
I offer teletherapy and in-office therapy to clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations racial and ethnic identities. With 25 years of clinical experience, I provide a safe and confidential space to explore what needs healing. Trained in trauma EMDR /Polyvalgal /Brainspotting and in-depth Psychodynamic therapy. I help adults and college students with stress, depression, PTSD, sexual trauma, loss, grief, anger, gender dysphoria, parenting, and young adult challenges. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, special education (ADHD, ASD), & in home-based trauma care (TF-CBT).
Paige Kasper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (Online Only)
Along with panic, phobias, self-esteem, sexuality, stress, trauma/PTSD, and body, family, identity, intimacy, transgender, and women issues.
Telehealth Therapist: Throughout our lifetime we encounter various transitions and challenges, I believe these experiences hold opportunities for transformation and growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that each person’s journey is unique; therefore, this is not a “one size fits all” therapeutic experience. I strive to assist people in achieving their highest potential for fulfillment and well-being. I aim to assist clients in discovering their authentic selves by providing a trusting and compassionate therapeutic environment where you feel safe engaging in problem-solving and self-discovery.
Along with panic, phobias, self-esteem, sexuality, stress, trauma/PTSD, and body, family, identity, intimacy, transgender, and women issues.
Telehealth Therapist: Throughout our lifetime we encounter various transitions and challenges, I believe these experiences hold opportunities for transformation and growth. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and that each person’s journey is unique; therefore, this is not a “one size fits all” therapeutic experience. I strive to assist people in achieving their highest potential for fulfillment and well-being. I aim to assist clients in discovering their authentic selves by providing a trusting and compassionate therapeutic environment where you feel safe engaging in problem-solving and self-discovery.
Finn Asterión (Marcks)
LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
Finn Marcks (he/they) is a queer, trans, nonbinary therapist who believes in providing a safe, affirming, healing environment for people who are hurting. Finn’s main passion is working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and making gender-affirming care more accessible. Finn believes therapy is about the relationship between therapist and client, founded on trust and connection. Finn’s therapeutic lens is shaped by both his lived experiences and his work in LGBTQIA+ education and advocacy, as well as youth residential mental health and community mental health.
Finn Marcks (he/they) is a queer, trans, nonbinary therapist who believes in providing a safe, affirming, healing environment for people who are hurting. Finn’s main passion is working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and making gender-affirming care more accessible. Finn believes therapy is about the relationship between therapist and client, founded on trust and connection. Finn’s therapeutic lens is shaped by both his lived experiences and his work in LGBTQIA+ education and advocacy, as well as youth residential mental health and community mental health.
Axel Francisco Hettinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
Axel Hettinger (he/him) specializes in client-focused therapeutic techniques. His work incorporates the arts and any special interests clients may have. Axel is a queer therapist who strives to create a welcoming, affirming and warm environment for all clients, and specifically works with LGBTQIA+ clients seeking gender-affirming care. For several years he’s worked with adolescents as a counselor, mentor, and community organizer. Axel is a regular collaborator and facilitator with the Grand Rapids Pride Center and speaks at Universities and schools to promote cultural understanding of underserved communities.
Axel Hettinger (he/him) specializes in client-focused therapeutic techniques. His work incorporates the arts and any special interests clients may have. Axel is a queer therapist who strives to create a welcoming, affirming and warm environment for all clients, and specifically works with LGBTQIA+ clients seeking gender-affirming care. For several years he’s worked with adolescents as a counselor, mentor, and community organizer. Axel is a regular collaborator and facilitator with the Grand Rapids Pride Center and speaks at Universities and schools to promote cultural understanding of underserved communities.
April Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
People with self-critical thoughts, perfectionists, those who find it difficult to understand their own feelings, I am not here to change your thoughts, or to get rid of them; I don't believe that's possible, even if we can sometimes ignore them for a couple hours. But I do believe we can learn to respond to those thoughts differently, in ways that acknowledge and makes space for them, but doesn't leave you getting pushed around by them, doing things that don't feel like "you."
People with self-critical thoughts, perfectionists, those who find it difficult to understand their own feelings, I am not here to change your thoughts, or to get rid of them; I don't believe that's possible, even if we can sometimes ignore them for a couple hours. But I do believe we can learn to respond to those thoughts differently, in ways that acknowledge and makes space for them, but doesn't leave you getting pushed around by them, doing things that don't feel like "you."
I work to create a welcoming and collaborative environment in the therapy room. I believe that empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard help create the space necessary for clients to understand themselves and make positive change in their lives.
I work to create a welcoming and collaborative environment in the therapy room. I believe that empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard help create the space necessary for clients to understand themselves and make positive change in their lives.
Calli Lynn Johnson
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (Online Only)
I might be a good fit for you if you are 18 or older and struggling with anxiety, depression, recent or past trauma, work stress, relationships, figuring out who you are and/or what your values are in life. You might be responsive to me if you want to engage in deep conversations about a variety of things in your life that may be connected to your current distress. We will work together to help you identify what your values are, and work on bringing your thoughts and behaviors and decisions in line with your values to live a more satisfying life.
I might be a good fit for you if you are 18 or older and struggling with anxiety, depression, recent or past trauma, work stress, relationships, figuring out who you are and/or what your values are in life. You might be responsive to me if you want to engage in deep conversations about a variety of things in your life that may be connected to your current distress. We will work together to help you identify what your values are, and work on bringing your thoughts and behaviors and decisions in line with your values to live a more satisfying life.
Kayla Maroney Vander Haar
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-MI, LPCC-OH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (Online Only)
My passion is working with couples. I have diverse life experiences & trainings that allow me to support those who have felt oppressed, misunderstood, or under-represented due to their gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethical non-monogamy, kink preferences, career choices, (in)fertility, etc. Passions of mine include working with couples & also supporting folx navigating gender transition. I'm also passionate about helping people looking for support through their (in)fertility/adoption/family planning journey or premarital work.
My passion is working with couples. I have diverse life experiences & trainings that allow me to support those who have felt oppressed, misunderstood, or under-represented due to their gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethical non-monogamy, kink preferences, career choices, (in)fertility, etc. Passions of mine include working with couples & also supporting folx navigating gender transition. I'm also passionate about helping people looking for support through their (in)fertility/adoption/family planning journey or premarital work.
E.T. Townsend works to create authentic spaces, where folks can feel empowered to explore their identity in the spectrums of gender, sexuality, kink, monogamy, monogamish-ness and polyamory.
E.T. Townsend works to create authentic spaces, where folks can feel empowered to explore their identity in the spectrums of gender, sexuality, kink, monogamy, monogamish-ness and polyamory.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
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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.