Transgender Therapists in Fairfax Station, VA
![Photo of Lisa G Gordon, LCSW, CST, CSCT, C-PST, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8ae3f67-8425-444d-8c0b-9c0a63f70283/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa G Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CST, CSCT, C-PST
Verified Verified
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
It's not easy to reach out for help, I am impressed by your courage! I've no doubt that by now, you've already tried numerous times and ways to make the changes in your life you long for. I have over 30 years' experience helping individual adults and couples succeed in getting past their familiar "stuck points," and experience a new sense of motivation, joy, and connection. Whether you feel overwhelmed with anxiety, weighed down with sadness or grief, or have asked yourself "Is this as good as it gets?" about your relationship, marriage, or sex life, I can help bring new vision, energy, hope, and movement to your life!
It's not easy to reach out for help, I am impressed by your courage! I've no doubt that by now, you've already tried numerous times and ways to make the changes in your life you long for. I have over 30 years' experience helping individual adults and couples succeed in getting past their familiar "stuck points," and experience a new sense of motivation, joy, and connection. Whether you feel overwhelmed with anxiety, weighed down with sadness or grief, or have asked yourself "Is this as good as it gets?" about your relationship, marriage, or sex life, I can help bring new vision, energy, hope, and movement to your life!
![Photo of Patricia Pearson, LCSW, MA, RPT,S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/52d99716-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Pearson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MA, RPT,S
Verified Verified
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Initially, therapy can help us learn skills to cope with our anxious or painful feelings. It can help us manage stressful situations and feel more stable. Then therapy provides a safe place where together we can dig deeper to discover the causes of our feelings. Through the therapeutic relationship we become aware. The awareness glares so bright that change is inevitable.
Initially, therapy can help us learn skills to cope with our anxious or painful feelings. It can help us manage stressful situations and feel more stable. Then therapy provides a safe place where together we can dig deeper to discover the causes of our feelings. Through the therapeutic relationship we become aware. The awareness glares so bright that change is inevitable.
![Photo of Vanessa Cushing, LPC, NCC, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d84ece6-f05f-4c8a-a10b-c8d745cf2cf9/2/320x400.png)
Vanessa Cushing
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (Online Only)
As a counselor I compassionately support and challenge those I work with to grow, reflect, and flourish in order to meet their treatment goals. My collective aim is to help clients eliminate distress, build more adaptive coping skills, gain insight into unhealthy patterns, and most importantly facilitate growth and healing. I am committed to creating a safe and trusting environment for all clients wherein they feel seen, affirmed, respected, and free to express themselves authentically.
As a counselor I compassionately support and challenge those I work with to grow, reflect, and flourish in order to meet their treatment goals. My collective aim is to help clients eliminate distress, build more adaptive coping skills, gain insight into unhealthy patterns, and most importantly facilitate growth and healing. I am committed to creating a safe and trusting environment for all clients wherein they feel seen, affirmed, respected, and free to express themselves authentically.
![Photo of Alice McGuin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7bcfce57-5046-486c-b2c3-23775b389d94/1/320x400.jpeg)
Alice McGuin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel like you've "checked all the boxes" yet something is still missing? Are you a high achiever, doing all the right things, yet find yourself still struggling to feel fulfilled? I am a therapist who helps teens and adults struggling with understanding themselves and those with trauma histories to build self-trust to feel more peaceful and live more authentically. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and even fun environment where you can feel understood and challenged to create positive change in your life.
Do you feel like you've "checked all the boxes" yet something is still missing? Are you a high achiever, doing all the right things, yet find yourself still struggling to feel fulfilled? I am a therapist who helps teens and adults struggling with understanding themselves and those with trauma histories to build self-trust to feel more peaceful and live more authentically. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and even fun environment where you can feel understood and challenged to create positive change in your life.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Nicole Joseph, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4ad6d27-9aaf-43b3-a200-6ee230453047/1/320x400.jpeg)
With my experience, I have become a specialist in several different areas: Anxiety; Parent Guidance; Life Transitions; Difficulty with Medical Diagnoses; Gender Dysphoria/Questioning, LGBTQ, and Eating Disorders.
What do YOU need? This is the deceptively simple question which I ask my clients almost every session. What would change if you asked yourself that simple question more often? This is an example of some of the foundational work which I'll infuse into our sessions. I LOVE what I do and am so honored to be a part of your life! My goal as your therapist is to encourage, support, empower, and listen. I view therapy as a true partnership where you're not alone while you navigate the 'messy middle' of life in these uncertain times. I work solely virtually after getting positive feedback from busy clients who appreciate this convenience.
With my experience, I have become a specialist in several different areas: Anxiety; Parent Guidance; Life Transitions; Difficulty with Medical Diagnoses; Gender Dysphoria/Questioning, LGBTQ, and Eating Disorders.
What do YOU need? This is the deceptively simple question which I ask my clients almost every session. What would change if you asked yourself that simple question more often? This is an example of some of the foundational work which I'll infuse into our sessions. I LOVE what I do and am so honored to be a part of your life! My goal as your therapist is to encourage, support, empower, and listen. I view therapy as a true partnership where you're not alone while you navigate the 'messy middle' of life in these uncertain times. I work solely virtually after getting positive feedback from busy clients who appreciate this convenience.
![Photo of Alison C Smith, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf47f46-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose services include psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation. I work to help clients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationship problems, and coping with trauma, as well as with transgender and/or sexual orientation issues. I particularly specialize in helping gay and lesbian individuals coping with childhood sexual abuse.
I do individual therapy, providing practical ways to approach life's most difficult challenges. I work with clients in a collaborative relationship, with both of us working together to help you understand yourself and your problems more clearly.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist whose services include psychotherapy, psychological assessment, and consultation. I work to help clients with a wide range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, bereavement, relationship problems, and coping with trauma, as well as with transgender and/or sexual orientation issues. I particularly specialize in helping gay and lesbian individuals coping with childhood sexual abuse.
I do individual therapy, providing practical ways to approach life's most difficult challenges. I work with clients in a collaborative relationship, with both of us working together to help you understand yourself and your problems more clearly.
![Photo of Tara L Reynolds, PsyD, TCT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dc98c55-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am also certified as a Transgender Care Therapist (TCT) through the International Transgender Certification Association, providing therapy, assessment, and letters of readiness for gender confirmation surgery.
Do you find yourself feeling sad or anxious for no particular reason? Do you sometimes wish you had help managing life and all of its challenges? I can help you by providing a compassionate, safe, and non-judgemental place to express your deepest thoughts and feelings and explore options to resolve the problems you are facing.
I am also certified as a Transgender Care Therapist (TCT) through the International Transgender Certification Association, providing therapy, assessment, and letters of readiness for gender confirmation surgery.
Do you find yourself feeling sad or anxious for no particular reason? Do you sometimes wish you had help managing life and all of its challenges? I can help you by providing a compassionate, safe, and non-judgemental place to express your deepest thoughts and feelings and explore options to resolve the problems you are facing.
![Photo of Laila Cooper, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/baa7f4b7-f6b3-4315-9d9a-cb94e3e5741b/3/320x400.jpeg)
My work is focused on sex and gender issues (including transgender issues), sexual orientation, kink/BDSM, and interpersonal relationships (including couples, polyamory, family dyads).
Congratulations on making it this far; searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming process! Many individuals struggle with depression, anxiety, struggles with sex and relationships, or simply the desire to understand themselves more thoroughly. Whether to improve mood and functioning, improve relationships, or work on issues with sex/sexuality, therapy can be reparative, strengthening, and play a role in maximizing enjoyment of life! I work from an affirming and social justice approach with the LGBTQIA community and people of color, and I am kink- and non-monogamy informed and affirming.
My work is focused on sex and gender issues (including transgender issues), sexual orientation, kink/BDSM, and interpersonal relationships (including couples, polyamory, family dyads).
Congratulations on making it this far; searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming process! Many individuals struggle with depression, anxiety, struggles with sex and relationships, or simply the desire to understand themselves more thoroughly. Whether to improve mood and functioning, improve relationships, or work on issues with sex/sexuality, therapy can be reparative, strengthening, and play a role in maximizing enjoyment of life! I work from an affirming and social justice approach with the LGBTQIA community and people of color, and I am kink- and non-monogamy informed and affirming.
![Photo of Anne C Ross - Across Counseling: Psychotherapy Center, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3eb69135-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Across Counseling: Psychotherapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Diane Bowers, adults,English/Spanish, substance use & recovery, domestic violence survivors, anger management, LGBTQ, transgender womens group Nellis Crigler, adults - English/Spanish, grief, trauma, cancer & chronic illness, aging & caregiving.
Do you feel anxious, stressed, confused, sad, worried or irritable, or just are not feeling your best. Are you having problems in a relationship or with parenting? We help people find solutions to troubling problems. Give me a call and we can talk about how we might help you to feel good and enjoy life again and answer your questions. Our therapists offer many different specialties and we tailor our approach to each client's individual needs. I am Anne Ross, clinical director and I will help find the best fit for you . I can be reached at Director@AcrossCounseling.com or 703-389-1913
Diane Bowers, adults,English/Spanish, substance use & recovery, domestic violence survivors, anger management, LGBTQ, transgender womens group Nellis Crigler, adults - English/Spanish, grief, trauma, cancer & chronic illness, aging & caregiving.
Do you feel anxious, stressed, confused, sad, worried or irritable, or just are not feeling your best. Are you having problems in a relationship or with parenting? We help people find solutions to troubling problems. Give me a call and we can talk about how we might help you to feel good and enjoy life again and answer your questions. Our therapists offer many different specialties and we tailor our approach to each client's individual needs. I am Anne Ross, clinical director and I will help find the best fit for you . I can be reached at Director@AcrossCounseling.com or 703-389-1913
![Photo of Sally Harney, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e84e0654-53f7-411a-9db8-8ff2d365330b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sally Harney
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
I am a certified World Professional Association of Transgender Health-SOC8 member utilizing evidence & science-based guidelines to support gender exploration and transition.
Are you a teen (12+) or an adult struggling with the following: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, understanding social cues, self-esteem, self-assertiveness, trauma, transgender transition, gender questioning/dysphoria and/or general life stressors and transitions? These are the issues that I work on the most with my clients. Everyone has a different mix of issues or person struggles. I tailor your psychotherapy sessions to support your needs. Together, we can work through the "muck," identify unhealthy coping strategies, and get you on the road to mental wellness.
I am a certified World Professional Association of Transgender Health-SOC8 member utilizing evidence & science-based guidelines to support gender exploration and transition.
Are you a teen (12+) or an adult struggling with the following: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, understanding social cues, self-esteem, self-assertiveness, trauma, transgender transition, gender questioning/dysphoria and/or general life stressors and transitions? These are the issues that I work on the most with my clients. Everyone has a different mix of issues or person struggles. I tailor your psychotherapy sessions to support your needs. Together, we can work through the "muck," identify unhealthy coping strategies, and get you on the road to mental wellness.
![Photo of Tanya K Hull, LPC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d37b75d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have the most experience working with teens regarding anxiety, depression, ADHD, sexuality, relationships, family conflict, and recently supporting transgender issues.
I am a clinical supervisor for LPC residents, and supervisor for play therapy certification to become an RPT. A strong focus in family systems and internal family systems. I actively include parents and families in the treatment process. Also, a specialty with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma. I pull from treatment protocols that include CBT, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR. I have a background in substance abuse counseling and value meeting a client where they are in strengths and struggles. I value a safe therapeutic environment and strong therapeutic relationship for success in therapy.
I have the most experience working with teens regarding anxiety, depression, ADHD, sexuality, relationships, family conflict, and recently supporting transgender issues.
I am a clinical supervisor for LPC residents, and supervisor for play therapy certification to become an RPT. A strong focus in family systems and internal family systems. I actively include parents and families in the treatment process. Also, a specialty with adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and trauma. I pull from treatment protocols that include CBT, Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR. I have a background in substance abuse counseling and value meeting a client where they are in strengths and struggles. I value a safe therapeutic environment and strong therapeutic relationship for success in therapy.
![Photo of Waseem Amin, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8682a4df-473e-4de5-8a5e-647485886fbb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Waseem Amin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22315 (Online Only)
Managing life challenges can be difficult and exhausting, especially during such strange times as the ones we are living through. In addition to helping you navigate this collective trauma, my goal is to help you unearth your path to authenticity and life satisfaction while working through the obstacles that come up, however they might present themselves.
Managing life challenges can be difficult and exhausting, especially during such strange times as the ones we are living through. In addition to helping you navigate this collective trauma, my goal is to help you unearth your path to authenticity and life satisfaction while working through the obstacles that come up, however they might present themselves.
Gidget Fields, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22315 (Online Only)
As humans, we all belong to larger systems, whether it be school, friends, family, etc, and those all affect how we function in the world. As we work together, we will explore both your personal functioning and coping, as well as ensuring you have the skills you need to navigate the larger world around you.
As humans, we all belong to larger systems, whether it be school, friends, family, etc, and those all affect how we function in the world. As we work together, we will explore both your personal functioning and coping, as well as ensuring you have the skills you need to navigate the larger world around you.
![Photo of Anne Edwards, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54c2e278-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I realize that sharing the most intimate details of your life with a stranger can feel really vulnerable. I work to create a space in which you feel safe, accepted, connected, and supported in sharing your struggles. Having such an environment can help you gain insight about yourself, patterns of interacting with others, and how to bring about change. I am approved to practice virtually, throughout most of the US. This option makes it easy for you to get help almost anywhere and allows for continuity in your care if you move, travel for work, or are on an extended trip.
I realize that sharing the most intimate details of your life with a stranger can feel really vulnerable. I work to create a space in which you feel safe, accepted, connected, and supported in sharing your struggles. Having such an environment can help you gain insight about yourself, patterns of interacting with others, and how to bring about change. I am approved to practice virtually, throughout most of the US. This option makes it easy for you to get help almost anywhere and allows for continuity in your care if you move, travel for work, or are on an extended trip.
![Photo of Jessica Wilson, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/142abbf7-1b29-4a1f-9edf-8578e4e0edcb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22193 (Online Only)
My clients understand that that change takes work and commitment to personal growth. Together, we create a personalized roadmap to achieve goals, so that clients can move forward feeling empowered by the positive changes in their lives. Sometimes that means examining what has happened in the past that led to current events, and using a strengths-based approach to navigating a path forward. My approach is trauma-informed and inclusive of all genders, sexualities, ages, spiritualities, and ethnicities. I consider myself as a guide on your personal journey and will strive to meet you where you are on your path to whole wellness.
My clients understand that that change takes work and commitment to personal growth. Together, we create a personalized roadmap to achieve goals, so that clients can move forward feeling empowered by the positive changes in their lives. Sometimes that means examining what has happened in the past that led to current events, and using a strengths-based approach to navigating a path forward. My approach is trauma-informed and inclusive of all genders, sexualities, ages, spiritualities, and ethnicities. I consider myself as a guide on your personal journey and will strive to meet you where you are on your path to whole wellness.
![Photo of Shawn Rubin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b4d34972-0b5c-42a8-a4ef-fbb56713a9db/1/320x400.jpeg)
For over twenty-five years I have been privileged to work alongside parents, children, adolescents and adults of all ages to understand the deeper meanings of troubling thoughts, feelings and behaviors and other symptoms of distress. My collaborative approach is grounded in enhancing personal growth and the innate human capacities for loving, giving, healing painful traumas, and increasing enjoyment of one's life. My therapeutic relationships are respectful, caring, and support the freedom to fully express one's experience, uniqueness, vitality, and engagement of the depth and breadth of human existence.
For over twenty-five years I have been privileged to work alongside parents, children, adolescents and adults of all ages to understand the deeper meanings of troubling thoughts, feelings and behaviors and other symptoms of distress. My collaborative approach is grounded in enhancing personal growth and the innate human capacities for loving, giving, healing painful traumas, and increasing enjoyment of one's life. My therapeutic relationships are respectful, caring, and support the freedom to fully express one's experience, uniqueness, vitality, and engagement of the depth and breadth of human existence.
![Photo of Jennifer Rulli, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/25e5c2e2-dcfe-4b14-9bab-dc233166b39e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
![Photo of Jennifer Rulli, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/273ebd5f-e0fd-4410-a74e-fdbcfdd5e909/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Rulli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbridge, VA 22192
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
![Photo of Dr. Cassie DeSena-Jacobs, DSW, LCSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aeb58cad-602a-40a2-89ec-da7a681316f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Cassie DeSena-Jacobs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
Woodbridge, VA 22193 (Online Only)
My goal as a psychotherapist over the last 18 years has been to be nonjudgmental and highlight a person's strengths as a way to process trauma and life events. I incorporate various techniques to empower clients, promote and identify resiliency, and identify/rebuild strengths.
My goal as a psychotherapist over the last 18 years has been to be nonjudgmental and highlight a person's strengths as a way to process trauma and life events. I incorporate various techniques to empower clients, promote and identify resiliency, and identify/rebuild strengths.
![Photo of Joy Onukogu - Ngozi Wellness, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/89a0580f-09ed-4a0d-82b4-9a5b18041f34/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ngozi Wellness
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Manassas, VA 20111 (Online Only)
Accepting New Clients. Joy Onukogu is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose clinical counseling experience is with mental health disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Joy’s primary focus is providing therapy to children, pregnant women, moms, and couples. Joy completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and her master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at Webster Univeristy. Joy provides an environment that fosters healing with a person centered approach, openness and creates a safe space.
Accepting New Clients. Joy Onukogu is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose clinical counseling experience is with mental health disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, trauma, and grief. Joy’s primary focus is providing therapy to children, pregnant women, moms, and couples. Joy completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work from Southeast Missouri State University and her master’s degree in marriage and family counseling at Webster Univeristy. Joy provides an environment that fosters healing with a person centered approach, openness and creates a safe space.
See more therapy options for Fairfax Station
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Fairfax Station
- Annandale
- Burke
- Centreville
- Chantilly
- Fairfax
- Lorton
- Manassas
- Oakton
- Prince William
- Springfield
- Vienna
- Woodbridge
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.