Transgender Therapists in Charlottesville, VA

Photo of Leigh Freilich - Leigh Freilich, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leigh Freilich, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902  (Online Only)
I am a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
I am an EMDRIA-certified therapist with 15+ years of experience serving individuals and families in Virginia. I operate from a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and incorporate interventions from the following therapeutic modalities, depending on the client's goals for therapy and presenting issues: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, expressive arts therapies.
I am a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
I am an EMDRIA-certified therapist with 15+ years of experience serving individuals and families in Virginia. I operate from a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and incorporate interventions from the following therapeutic modalities, depending on the client's goals for therapy and presenting issues: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, expressive arts therapies.
(434) 215-0474 View (434) 215-0474
Photo of Dr. Anne Slonim Rafal - Anne Rafal Counseling, LLC, PhD, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Anne Rafal Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22911  (Online Only)
Together we will develop insights and skills to help you unravel feelings and thoughts about yourself and life. We start where you want to start, collaborate to enhance your abilities and promote your life goals. Anxiety and depression can improve with attention and cognitive approaches. I have experience working with the queer community including: Gay, lesbian, transgender clients, gender dysphoria and non-binary identity. All adults age 20-100 welcome.
Together we will develop insights and skills to help you unravel feelings and thoughts about yourself and life. We start where you want to start, collaborate to enhance your abilities and promote your life goals. Anxiety and depression can improve with attention and cognitive approaches. I have experience working with the queer community including: Gay, lesbian, transgender clients, gender dysphoria and non-binary identity. All adults age 20-100 welcome.
(434) 722-3330 View (434) 722-3330
Photo of Chris E Carson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Chris E Carson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychotherapist for adult individuals and couples. Do you want stronger, clearer and healthier relationships? My clients consist mainly of open minded, artistic and unconventional persons wanting more intimacy and connection or wanting to explore their innate gifts and talents. I also work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary persons. However, I love working with anyone who is seeking growth, wholeness and perspective.
I am a psychotherapist for adult individuals and couples. Do you want stronger, clearer and healthier relationships? My clients consist mainly of open minded, artistic and unconventional persons wanting more intimacy and connection or wanting to explore their innate gifts and talents. I also work with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary persons. However, I love working with anyone who is seeking growth, wholeness and perspective.
(804) 651-3941 View (804) 651-3941
Photo of Monica Lawson, PhD, Psychologist
Monica Lawson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Not accepting new clients
I have specific training and experience in supporting transgender individuals, as well as training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples.
I believe being deeply understood, in the context of a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship, is the catalyst for healing and transformation. In our work together, what often are considered symptoms are viewed as important messages about one’s lived experiences and psychological needs. We will work together to understand your distress, and the deeper meaning underlying that distress. My focus in therapy is on understanding the root cause of your suffering, and to deeply listen and understand your experiences, and how they have shaped you.
I have specific training and experience in supporting transgender individuals, as well as training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy for couples.
I believe being deeply understood, in the context of a safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship, is the catalyst for healing and transformation. In our work together, what often are considered symptoms are viewed as important messages about one’s lived experiences and psychological needs. We will work together to understand your distress, and the deeper meaning underlying that distress. My focus in therapy is on understanding the root cause of your suffering, and to deeply listen and understand your experiences, and how they have shaped you.
(540) 517-7526 View (540) 517-7526
Photo of Andrea Hawkes, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Andrea Hawkes
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Marriage and Family Therapist (Resident), Couples/Throuples/Polyamory relationship counselor. Whether it is an immediate crisis or digging deep into old issues, I am happy to be on your team. Whether you seek help with parenting your children or reparenting yourself, I am here to help you down the path toward your more satisfied and peaceful self. I have a huge passion for enhancing relationship evolution, exploring how childhood development influences adult behaviors, and finding the golden nuggets hidden in our discomfort. I also offer integrative therapy for people who use psychedelics.
Marriage and Family Therapist (Resident), Couples/Throuples/Polyamory relationship counselor. Whether it is an immediate crisis or digging deep into old issues, I am happy to be on your team. Whether you seek help with parenting your children or reparenting yourself, I am here to help you down the path toward your more satisfied and peaceful self. I have a huge passion for enhancing relationship evolution, exploring how childhood development influences adult behaviors, and finding the golden nuggets hidden in our discomfort. I also offer integrative therapy for people who use psychedelics.
(434) 201-7963 View (434) 201-7963
Photo of Susan Gross, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Susan Gross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
You have survived the pandemic, congratulations! But..are you thriving now? If you're here on this site, something is going on that you want to change. I am a unique therapist who is goal oriented. You can't get back what you have lost these last 2 years, but you can figure out how the rest of your life should look. That is what I offer. I will help you look at the narratives you have about yourself. Some may be helpful and some may keep you locked up, ashamed, fearful, lonely. Let's change that. You are never more than 1 thought away from a new way of life.
You have survived the pandemic, congratulations! But..are you thriving now? If you're here on this site, something is going on that you want to change. I am a unique therapist who is goal oriented. You can't get back what you have lost these last 2 years, but you can figure out how the rest of your life should look. That is what I offer. I will help you look at the narratives you have about yourself. Some may be helpful and some may keep you locked up, ashamed, fearful, lonely. Let's change that. You are never more than 1 thought away from a new way of life.
(434) 201-4302 View (434) 201-4302
Photo of Antje Hofmeister - Antje Hofmeister MFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Antje Hofmeister MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Not accepting new clients
Life is change and, mostly, you've been rolling with the punches. But complicated life transitions can leave anyone at a loss. You might feel helpless, hopeless and alone in trying to cope with relationship issues and troublesome or debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and obsessions. With nearly two decades of experience, I help adults and families like you navigate the turmoil of challenging life passages including death of a loved one, chronic or terminal illness, relationship issues, separation or divorce, or adjustments to a different job, culture, gender, or sexual orientation.
Life is change and, mostly, you've been rolling with the punches. But complicated life transitions can leave anyone at a loss. You might feel helpless, hopeless and alone in trying to cope with relationship issues and troublesome or debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and obsessions. With nearly two decades of experience, I help adults and families like you navigate the turmoil of challenging life passages including death of a loved one, chronic or terminal illness, relationship issues, separation or divorce, or adjustments to a different job, culture, gender, or sexual orientation.
(650) 918-5006 View (650) 918-5006
Photo of Christina M. Thomas, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christina M. Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Waitlist for new clients
My practice focuses on supporting people who are seeking to improve their lives through understanding identity, relationships, family of origin issues, as well as anxiety and depression.
My practice focuses on supporting people who are seeking to improve their lives through understanding identity, relationships, family of origin issues, as well as anxiety and depression.
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Photo of April Annette Cordell - Allied Transformations LLC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Allied Transformations LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22901
This is a safe, judgment free, environment. We offer counseling to those ready to take the next step in self discovery and fulfillment. We look at therapy as guidance to those that are or have struggled with life’s journey. This could be due to a difficult childhood, abuse, assault, grief, extreme disappointment, or just too many responsibilities. We are ready to meet you where you are on life’s journey, as you are. That includes in person or telehealth therapy. If you are ready to walk with us, schedule an appointment today!
This is a safe, judgment free, environment. We offer counseling to those ready to take the next step in self discovery and fulfillment. We look at therapy as guidance to those that are or have struggled with life’s journey. This could be due to a difficult childhood, abuse, assault, grief, extreme disappointment, or just too many responsibilities. We are ready to meet you where you are on life’s journey, as you are. That includes in person or telehealth therapy. If you are ready to walk with us, schedule an appointment today!
(540) 609-2570 View (540) 609-2570
Photo of Hilary Steinitz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hilary Steinitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
As a strengths-based and trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about helping clients to repair deeply held wounds, especially relational wounds, which are often at the core of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Though I work with clients to help alleviate their troubling symptoms, my work is more fully anchored in the belief that the sensitive exploration of underlying injuries enables not just symptom-reduction but transformation and growth.
As a strengths-based and trauma-informed therapist, I am passionate about helping clients to repair deeply held wounds, especially relational wounds, which are often at the core of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Though I work with clients to help alleviate their troubling symptoms, my work is more fully anchored in the belief that the sensitive exploration of underlying injuries enables not just symptom-reduction but transformation and growth.
(434) 299-0191 View (434) 299-0191
Photo of Alexandra Werntz, PhD, LCP, Psychologist
Alexandra Werntz
Psychologist, PhD, LCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Hi, I’m Alex! I specialize in working with adults and teens with anxiety and PTSD, as well as folks who struggle with big emotions. I take a cognitive-behavioral approach, meaning I work collaboratively with my clients to identify how what we’re thinking and what we’re doing affects how we feel. In a lot of ways, my job is to be my clients’ cheerleader as they accomplish their therapy goals. Therapy is hard work, and I'm here to support you as you make changes in your life.
Hi, I’m Alex! I specialize in working with adults and teens with anxiety and PTSD, as well as folks who struggle with big emotions. I take a cognitive-behavioral approach, meaning I work collaboratively with my clients to identify how what we’re thinking and what we’re doing affects how we feel. In a lot of ways, my job is to be my clients’ cheerleader as they accomplish their therapy goals. Therapy is hard work, and I'm here to support you as you make changes in your life.
(434) 448-8795 View (434) 448-8795
Photo of Ursula Goadhouse, MSW, CH
Ursula Goadhouse
MSW, CH
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Healing is sacred work. I honor your whole being, mind, body, and spirit. You can feel more at ease, peaceful, happy, and empowered. You can feel relief from depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. My areas of healing work include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, building self-confidence, and psychedelic integration. We develop your resilience with therapeutic techniques, including Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy, transpersonal, somatic, CBT, Mindfulness, EFT, NLP, and self-awareness tools. We will update, redefine, and shift you forward with compassion and skill.
Healing is sacred work. I honor your whole being, mind, body, and spirit. You can feel more at ease, peaceful, happy, and empowered. You can feel relief from depression, anxiety, grief, and stress. My areas of healing work include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, building self-confidence, and psychedelic integration. We develop your resilience with therapeutic techniques, including Trauma-Informed Hypnotherapy, transpersonal, somatic, CBT, Mindfulness, EFT, NLP, and self-awareness tools. We will update, redefine, and shift you forward with compassion and skill.
(434) 838-3809 View (434) 838-3809
Photo of Eliza Segell, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Eliza Segell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Your problems may be specific - a challenging relationship, sexual concerns, upsetting memories, or problem behaviors. Or your struggles may be less tangible - feeling lost, detached, or stuck. In my practice, I offer adult and couples therapy for a range of concerns. I specialize in treating sexual dysfunctions, trauma-related issues, relationship concerns, and problem behaviors. I also provide gender & sexual identity affirming care. I deeply enjoy helping individuals feel a greater sense of self-efficacy, confidence, and clarity in their lives.
Your problems may be specific - a challenging relationship, sexual concerns, upsetting memories, or problem behaviors. Or your struggles may be less tangible - feeling lost, detached, or stuck. In my practice, I offer adult and couples therapy for a range of concerns. I specialize in treating sexual dysfunctions, trauma-related issues, relationship concerns, and problem behaviors. I also provide gender & sexual identity affirming care. I deeply enjoy helping individuals feel a greater sense of self-efficacy, confidence, and clarity in their lives.
(434) 201-4934 View (434) 201-4934
Photo of Valerie Sue Stolicker, LPC , Licensed Professional Counselor
Valerie Sue Stolicker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22911
Everyone can improve and succeed regardless of any struggles or trauma a person may encounter. I aim to help clients heal past traumas, strengthen relationships with themselves and others, work through difficult emotions, and find their inner strength. I believe inherently in the resiliency of the human spirit. We have the power to recover, to heal, to grow, and to learn. My goal is to help you understand the problems that you are facing and allow you the space to solve them so that you may transform into the best version of yourself.
Everyone can improve and succeed regardless of any struggles or trauma a person may encounter. I aim to help clients heal past traumas, strengthen relationships with themselves and others, work through difficult emotions, and find their inner strength. I believe inherently in the resiliency of the human spirit. We have the power to recover, to heal, to grow, and to learn. My goal is to help you understand the problems that you are facing and allow you the space to solve them so that you may transform into the best version of yourself.
(434) 285-9419 View (434) 285-9419
Photo of Shannon McNett Williams, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Shannon McNett Williams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
We all experience times of feeling disconnected from family, friends, or coworkers. When this human experience is prolonged or frequent it may lead to unskillfull coping and greater suffering. I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF CONNECTION WITH OTHERS AND I KNOW THIS PROCESS MUST START WITH CONNECTING TO OURSELVES. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health and wellness, I have supported countless people on their journey to a more full and authentic life. My clients range from teenagers to older adults who seek support with relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
We all experience times of feeling disconnected from family, friends, or coworkers. When this human experience is prolonged or frequent it may lead to unskillfull coping and greater suffering. I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF CONNECTION WITH OTHERS AND I KNOW THIS PROCESS MUST START WITH CONNECTING TO OURSELVES. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health and wellness, I have supported countless people on their journey to a more full and authentic life. My clients range from teenagers to older adults who seek support with relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
(434) 201-7314 View (434) 201-7314
Photo of Jessica Lincoln, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jessica Lincoln
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902  (Online Only)
Immediate Availability For New Telehealth Clients! My name is Jess, and I offer affirming and supportive therapeutic services and mind-body practices to Virginia Residents. Past or ongoing trauma, divorce or separation, pressure from school or peers, and many other challenges in your life can create anxiety and depression that leave you feeling stuck. You may not even know the reason you feeling down, but together we can choose a path that aligns with your values and beliefs to guide you to a better life and help you achieve your goals.
Immediate Availability For New Telehealth Clients! My name is Jess, and I offer affirming and supportive therapeutic services and mind-body practices to Virginia Residents. Past or ongoing trauma, divorce or separation, pressure from school or peers, and many other challenges in your life can create anxiety and depression that leave you feeling stuck. You may not even know the reason you feeling down, but together we can choose a path that aligns with your values and beliefs to guide you to a better life and help you achieve your goals.
(434) 577-8479 View (434) 577-8479
Photo of Onnie Baldwin, LCSW, EMDR, EFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Onnie Baldwin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, EFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
It's hard for anyone to talk about personal issues. Anyone brave enough to do this launches themselves into a life giving process that increases the possibilities of their lives forever. It brings about unbelievable changes opening possibilities never thought of. It's hard work. It's scary. But it teaches one to live effectively with what life has brought and create changes that enhance the life that is. It's a journey into the good and the bad that takes a person to new heights. It's an exploration that creates love and light in a life.
It's hard for anyone to talk about personal issues. Anyone brave enough to do this launches themselves into a life giving process that increases the possibilities of their lives forever. It brings about unbelievable changes opening possibilities never thought of. It's hard work. It's scary. But it teaches one to live effectively with what life has brought and create changes that enhance the life that is. It's a journey into the good and the bad that takes a person to new heights. It's an exploration that creates love and light in a life.
(434) 280-3513 View (434) 280-3513
Photo of Janine I Russell, PNP, MSN, RN
Janine I Russell
PNP, MSN, RN
Verified Verified
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Welcome! We have all experienced challenges in our lives like no other time. Sometimes we come to a place along our path where we realize what we’ve been doing is no longer serving its purpose and we are ready to manifest a change for ourselves. This often takes courage to make this decision as well as seeking help for direction. I am happy to help you navigate through life challenges. Some of my specialty areas include: addiction and recovery, trauma (physical/emotional/mental/sexual), stress management, nutrition, adjusting to life issues, family (current and family of origin)
Welcome! We have all experienced challenges in our lives like no other time. Sometimes we come to a place along our path where we realize what we’ve been doing is no longer serving its purpose and we are ready to manifest a change for ourselves. This often takes courage to make this decision as well as seeking help for direction. I am happy to help you navigate through life challenges. Some of my specialty areas include: addiction and recovery, trauma (physical/emotional/mental/sexual), stress management, nutrition, adjusting to life issues, family (current and family of origin)
(434) 299-0872 View (434) 299-0872
Photo of Caroline Megargel, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Caroline Megargel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22903
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with a range of issues--from managing the stress of everyday life to more serious difficulties, such as mood disorders, trauma, and anger management. I believe that developing a collaborative, yet change-oriented, relationship with my clients is key to promoting growth. As such, I am solution-focused and strive to help my clients learn new methods of solving their problems and managing emotions. I believe in practicing therapy that is translatable to the real world, as small changes can greatly improve a young person's experience and trajectory of life.
I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and young adults struggling with a range of issues--from managing the stress of everyday life to more serious difficulties, such as mood disorders, trauma, and anger management. I believe that developing a collaborative, yet change-oriented, relationship with my clients is key to promoting growth. As such, I am solution-focused and strive to help my clients learn new methods of solving their problems and managing emotions. I believe in practicing therapy that is translatable to the real world, as small changes can greatly improve a young person's experience and trajectory of life.
(434) 248-3557 View (434) 248-3557
Photo of Shelley Faulkner, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Shelley Faulkner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlottesville, VA 22902
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
I highly value trust and connection in order for humans to heal. I bring my authentic self and transparency into session in order to give clients the ability to be fully themselves. My goal is to help ease psychological suffering brought on by trauma and other negative life circumstances and then make sense of the overwhelming emotions/responses. It is through compassion and connection that corrective emotional experiences can occur. I believe that our ability to both experience and understand our Self and others is a key component in building secure (emotionally safe) relationships.
(434) 505-8653 View (434) 505-8653

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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.