Transgender Therapists in Seattle, WA
![Photo of Joanna Darsey-Moss, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42b4f4c0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have specialized knowledge and experience working with transgender clients, poly clients, and those who are managing chronic illness.
I offer individual, couple, and family therapy. I am a systemic therapist. I believe your community, your family of origin, and the greater world in which you live all impact your situation. My focus is on promoting your strengths to help you achieve your goals. I use a variety of therapeutic interventions, but the common thread that links them is Mindfulness. In my work with couples, I apply Gottman theories to your preferred family structure. I enjoy exploring gender identity and also enjoy working with people to strengthen their relationships with themselves and others who are important in their lives.
I have specialized knowledge and experience working with transgender clients, poly clients, and those who are managing chronic illness.
I offer individual, couple, and family therapy. I am a systemic therapist. I believe your community, your family of origin, and the greater world in which you live all impact your situation. My focus is on promoting your strengths to help you achieve your goals. I use a variety of therapeutic interventions, but the common thread that links them is Mindfulness. In my work with couples, I apply Gottman theories to your preferred family structure. I enjoy exploring gender identity and also enjoy working with people to strengthen their relationships with themselves and others who are important in their lives.
![Photo of Nica Selvaggio, LMHC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05bdcf1d-7817-4947-8e9b-8d75b9bb8980/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with eating disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, Grief/Bereavement, Adoption and/or Foster Care, Gender Dysphoria, Transgender issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and issues related to sex/sexuality.
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
I specialize in working with folks who struggle with eating disorders, PTSD, C-PTSD, Grief/Bereavement, Adoption and/or Foster Care, Gender Dysphoria, Transgender issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and issues related to sex/sexuality.
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
![Photo of Leia Cheyanne Bellinger, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f7b8b13c-ce25-43a6-b82a-6ad285812853/1/320x400.jpeg)
As an out & proud transgender woman, I have always been aware of opportunities for advocacy and the ability to celebrate gender expression in all forms.
My clients are often aware of their struggles but may not possess the right skills in combatting plaguing thoughts or self-doubt. My clients can feel extremely aware of their space and understand that healing is a process that isn't always linear. I believe that my clients are able to be honest about their expectations of counseling and opportunities for us to collaborate towards care together.
As an out & proud transgender woman, I have always been aware of opportunities for advocacy and the ability to celebrate gender expression in all forms.
My clients are often aware of their struggles but may not possess the right skills in combatting plaguing thoughts or self-doubt. My clients can feel extremely aware of their space and understand that healing is a process that isn't always linear. I believe that my clients are able to be honest about their expectations of counseling and opportunities for us to collaborate towards care together.
![Photo of Stace Nagle, MA, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8b535604-b37e-4d07-8957-c07147d836f4/4/320x400.jpeg)
Stace Nagle
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I primarily work with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and have worked with trans, nonbinary, and gender-questioning adolescents, adults, and their families for the last 10 years around gender identity exploration, gender dysphoria, medical transition, and treating trauma related to gender and sexuality. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and provided individual and group DBT treatment. I lead an LGBTQIA2S+ DBT adult group through NW DBT. I also specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and trauma. I'm trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD/anxiety and DBT Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of trauma.
I primarily work with the LGBTQIA2S+ community and have worked with trans, nonbinary, and gender-questioning adolescents, adults, and their families for the last 10 years around gender identity exploration, gender dysphoria, medical transition, and treating trauma related to gender and sexuality. I'm trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and provided individual and group DBT treatment. I lead an LGBTQIA2S+ DBT adult group through NW DBT. I also specialize in treating OCD, anxiety, and trauma. I'm trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD/anxiety and DBT Prolonged Exposure for the treatment of trauma.
![Photo of Autumn Webb, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3286c43c-7171-4e94-86ea-ceeb3267763a/3/320x400.jpeg)
The focus of my services is providing growth and discovery for those undergoing emotional, mental, and health related journeys. I strive to deliver gender affirming mental healthcare in Washington state. I specialize in helping clients who are exploring or struggling with their sexual identity, gender dysphoria, C-PTSD, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts. My goal as your clinician is to meet you where you are, and provide you with the tools you need to reach your ideal self. Reach out to me and lets have a conversation about working together. Request a free consultation on my website.
The focus of my services is providing growth and discovery for those undergoing emotional, mental, and health related journeys. I strive to deliver gender affirming mental healthcare in Washington state. I specialize in helping clients who are exploring or struggling with their sexual identity, gender dysphoria, C-PTSD, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts. My goal as your clinician is to meet you where you are, and provide you with the tools you need to reach your ideal self. Reach out to me and lets have a conversation about working together. Request a free consultation on my website.
![Photo of Dr. Kristy Carangi, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a260f7fb-0bda-4b3d-bc31-e36a45c1316d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I see a wide range of clients, although I specialize in childhood trauma and CPTSD, relationships, anxiety, ADHD, and LGBTQ issues. I work with adults, children, and adolescents, individually or as couples/family. Therapy focus may include relationship conflict, anxiety control, satisfaction in both your personal life and work, focus and motivation, and building a sense of "feeling whole" or "complete." I've helped countless clients move from a place of feeling stuck and dissatisfied, to one of happiness and flourishing. I also offer specialized care to transgender and questioning clients, including transition-related counseling.
I see a wide range of clients, although I specialize in childhood trauma and CPTSD, relationships, anxiety, ADHD, and LGBTQ issues. I work with adults, children, and adolescents, individually or as couples/family. Therapy focus may include relationship conflict, anxiety control, satisfaction in both your personal life and work, focus and motivation, and building a sense of "feeling whole" or "complete." I've helped countless clients move from a place of feeling stuck and dissatisfied, to one of happiness and flourishing. I also offer specialized care to transgender and questioning clients, including transition-related counseling.
![Photo of Cyn Clarfield, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cac11f4-c02b-4ac2-ac91-031f4b209603/3/320x400.jpeg)
Cyn Clarfield
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98126 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My practice specializes in gender identity development and sexual orientation. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults (as well as adults beginning to question their identity). Therapy focuses on anxiety management, gender dysphoria, coming out, improving self-esteem, connection to community, relationship skills, and the process of transitioning (if desired). Whether someone is exploring new feelings or has identified as LGBTQ+ for years, they may face internal or external challenges leading to confusion and stress. Working with an experienced therapist trained in gender and sexual minority issues can help.
My practice specializes in gender identity development and sexual orientation. I primarily work with adolescents and young adults (as well as adults beginning to question their identity). Therapy focuses on anxiety management, gender dysphoria, coming out, improving self-esteem, connection to community, relationship skills, and the process of transitioning (if desired). Whether someone is exploring new feelings or has identified as LGBTQ+ for years, they may face internal or external challenges leading to confusion and stress. Working with an experienced therapist trained in gender and sexual minority issues can help.
![Photo of Elliot Sweet, LMFT, CMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4074b440-8d40-4d9f-8f31-0459f3f763bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
For the last 9 years, I have worked with trans, nonbinary, and gender-questioning adolescents, adults, and their families. I work with folks who are seeking support around gender feelings, gender dysphoria, gender-related trauma, navigating the many aspects of social and medical transition, or are simply wanting mental health support (for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, etc.) without the added stress of explaining or educating on trans and nonbinary-ness.
For the last 9 years, I have worked with trans, nonbinary, and gender-questioning adolescents, adults, and their families. I work with folks who are seeking support around gender feelings, gender dysphoria, gender-related trauma, navigating the many aspects of social and medical transition, or are simply wanting mental health support (for anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, etc.) without the added stress of explaining or educating on trans and nonbinary-ness.
![Photo of Sara Walter Shihdanian - Prism Counseling Brainspotting Intensives Seattle , MS, LMHC, MHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59698591-8927-4ba2-ad15-6fe13d4c32ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Prism Counseling Brainspotting Intensives Seattle
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
I also have unique and extensive training in transgender care, (complex) trauma and PTSD, and the LGBTQ population.
We all have the capacity for healing and personal empowerment but life can get in the way! You want to detach from painful past experiences, start liking yourself again, and start really living your truth. Your relationships keep feeling hallow and disconnected. Worry about rejection or safety feels normal. You're barely keeping up with things, let alone trying to add in a therapy appointment each week! But you can feel it. You just can't keep avoiding these simmering feelings anymore because they keep coming back, they just keep coming back. I'm glad you are here, you're in the right place.
I also have unique and extensive training in transgender care, (complex) trauma and PTSD, and the LGBTQ population.
We all have the capacity for healing and personal empowerment but life can get in the way! You want to detach from painful past experiences, start liking yourself again, and start really living your truth. Your relationships keep feeling hallow and disconnected. Worry about rejection or safety feels normal. You're barely keeping up with things, let alone trying to add in a therapy appointment each week! But you can feel it. You just can't keep avoiding these simmering feelings anymore because they keep coming back, they just keep coming back. I'm glad you are here, you're in the right place.
![Photo of Aaren Connors, MA, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aa861382-1ae1-49c4-8914-14bf2ea9419c/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am also trained to address a wide variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and gender dysphoria.
I enjoy helping others find meaningful, authentic ways of connecting in their relationships and communities. Those I work with tend to feel a lack of connection or authenticity in their life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process in which we get to recontextualize our experiences through truthful and empowering reframes. This includes curiosity in how your identity and lived experience has shaped your worldview. I am professionally and personally passionate about geek and gaming culture and am comfortable weaving this into therapy when appropriate. I also work with a lot of young adults in the tech industry.
I am also trained to address a wide variety of concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and gender dysphoria.
I enjoy helping others find meaningful, authentic ways of connecting in their relationships and communities. Those I work with tend to feel a lack of connection or authenticity in their life. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process in which we get to recontextualize our experiences through truthful and empowering reframes. This includes curiosity in how your identity and lived experience has shaped your worldview. I am professionally and personally passionate about geek and gaming culture and am comfortable weaving this into therapy when appropriate. I also work with a lot of young adults in the tech industry.
![Photo of Jamie Katz, MSW, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/857a739b-3add-4e8f-b55a-849138738c1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! For some, seeking help from a mental health professional can feel overwhelming, intimidating. Finding an understanding therapist who is best suited to your needs can be the first step towards a happier and more meaningful life. I work with adults and adolescents from a place of respect and compassion and believe that real transformation happens within the context of the therapeutic relationship. I value approaches that have been researched and proven to be effective, and tailor treatment to meet the needs of each individual. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, and gender dysphoria.
Welcome! For some, seeking help from a mental health professional can feel overwhelming, intimidating. Finding an understanding therapist who is best suited to your needs can be the first step towards a happier and more meaningful life. I work with adults and adolescents from a place of respect and compassion and believe that real transformation happens within the context of the therapeutic relationship. I value approaches that have been researched and proven to be effective, and tailor treatment to meet the needs of each individual. I have experience treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, sexual abuse, and gender dysphoria.
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![Photo of Ilana Skarling, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/86c261f6-f735-4ee6-aefd-2818da354b2c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ilana Skarling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98104 (Online Only)
I'm a trans woman and licensed independent clinical social worker in the states of Washington and Minnesota, with over six years of experiences spanning transgender care, sexual assault advocacy, community mental health, and behavioral health care.
You are not too much. Nor is what you have been through too much. If you struggle with gender or sexual identity, sexual or domestic violence, or other forms of lasting trauma, I can help. Just know that I believe you to be, at this moment, exactly who you need to be in order to survive. I also believe that things can get better.
I'm a trans woman and licensed independent clinical social worker in the states of Washington and Minnesota, with over six years of experiences spanning transgender care, sexual assault advocacy, community mental health, and behavioral health care.
You are not too much. Nor is what you have been through too much. If you struggle with gender or sexual identity, sexual or domestic violence, or other forms of lasting trauma, I can help. Just know that I believe you to be, at this moment, exactly who you need to be in order to survive. I also believe that things can get better.
![Photo of Dani Patrick, LMHCA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0aa1618-8e14-40c0-8feb-54f32f4b4ead/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dani Patrick
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98107 (Online Only)
Accepting new clients as of 8/26/24. Whether you’re transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, kinky or non-monogamous, you deserve a therapist who gets you. Maybe stress or trauma has impacted how you show up to relationships. Maybe creativity plays a big role in your life but you've been feeling disconnected to your creative practice. Maybe despite external success, you struggle to feel good about yourself. As a therapist, I work to support you in bringing curiosity and compassion towards yourself. Together we can unpack your experience, develop deeper self-understanding, and shift patterns that no longer work for you.
Accepting new clients as of 8/26/24. Whether you’re transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, kinky or non-monogamous, you deserve a therapist who gets you. Maybe stress or trauma has impacted how you show up to relationships. Maybe creativity plays a big role in your life but you've been feeling disconnected to your creative practice. Maybe despite external success, you struggle to feel good about yourself. As a therapist, I work to support you in bringing curiosity and compassion towards yourself. Together we can unpack your experience, develop deeper self-understanding, and shift patterns that no longer work for you.
![Photo of Sheila Addison, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/405a050d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sheila Addison
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98116 (Online Only)
Building relationships to last a lifetime! I work with * Individuals from all walks of life * Couples of all kinds - married, co-habitating, dating, divorced * Families of all sorts * Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their partners and families * People who are part of the kink community, or who participate in BDSM in their personal lives * People in open, non-monogamous, polyamorous, or other non-traditional relationships * Cross-cultural couples and families * Genderqueer folks * Current or former workers in the sex industry * People with body image and self-acceptance issues * People with all kinds of mental and physical health problems
Building relationships to last a lifetime! I work with * Individuals from all walks of life * Couples of all kinds - married, co-habitating, dating, divorced * Families of all sorts * Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their partners and families * People who are part of the kink community, or who participate in BDSM in their personal lives * People in open, non-monogamous, polyamorous, or other non-traditional relationships * Cross-cultural couples and families * Genderqueer folks * Current or former workers in the sex industry * People with body image and self-acceptance issues * People with all kinds of mental and physical health problems
![Photo of Dr. Maria Yearout, PsyD, LMHCA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b34cc16f-b7df-4ef9-96b1-0547adc1dcba/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Maria Yearout
Counselor, PsyD, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98103 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I work with individuals, couples, and families living with Gender Dysphoria, Anxiety, Depression, Young Adult and Adult ADD/ADHD, ASD, and PTSD.
I am passionate about offering specialized services to individuals couples, and families in gender transition, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ2S+ community, including letter writing in support of gender affirming medical and surgical care. I use culturally competent, research-based modalities to help you shape the change and growth you want to see, and I honor your pace as we approach and engage with the work. Family and Couples Therapy private pay only.
I work with individuals, couples, and families living with Gender Dysphoria, Anxiety, Depression, Young Adult and Adult ADD/ADHD, ASD, and PTSD.
I am passionate about offering specialized services to individuals couples, and families in gender transition, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ2S+ community, including letter writing in support of gender affirming medical and surgical care. I use culturally competent, research-based modalities to help you shape the change and growth you want to see, and I honor your pace as we approach and engage with the work. Family and Couples Therapy private pay only.
![Photo of Heather Elise Murphy, PhD, NCSP, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f6adef28-b49d-4f80-8a4a-6656c72b5bf2/1/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Elise Murphy
Psychologist, PhD, NCSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98125 (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist who works with adolescents, young adults, and families. I help those struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and interpersonal difficulties. I particularly focus on working with individuals struggling with self-harming and suicidal behaviors. I also provide supportive and affirmative therapy to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and am a co-author on a best-selling book, DBT Skills in Schools, that incorporates DBT skills into classroom curriculum. I have a background as a school psychologist and work with students regarding behavioral difficulties, academic underachievement, and much more.
I am a licensed psychologist who works with adolescents, young adults, and families. I help those struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and interpersonal difficulties. I particularly focus on working with individuals struggling with self-harming and suicidal behaviors. I also provide supportive and affirmative therapy to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender clients. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and am a co-author on a best-selling book, DBT Skills in Schools, that incorporates DBT skills into classroom curriculum. I have a background as a school psychologist and work with students regarding behavioral difficulties, academic underachievement, and much more.
![Photo of Geri D Weitzman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aece421e-5446-4539-9656-d14d7c8b3e0f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with clients around themes of depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship/couples therapy, LGBT concerns, polyamory, kink/bdsm concerns, transgender and non-binary concerns, substance abuse, and codependency. I am licensed in California, New York and Washington States, as well as having the Florida Telehealth registration. I am passionate about social justice causes in both my professional and volunteer pursuits.
I enjoy working with clients around themes of depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship/couples therapy, LGBT concerns, polyamory, kink/bdsm concerns, transgender and non-binary concerns, substance abuse, and codependency. I am licensed in California, New York and Washington States, as well as having the Florida Telehealth registration. I am passionate about social justice causes in both my professional and volunteer pursuits.
![Photo of Molz Wirtz-Wold, MS, LMHC, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/353c9080-5fa5-497a-ad46-cfacd3cbee3d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in supporting transgender people explore gender and to start medical and/or social transitioning.
Accepting clients as of 8/20/24. A therapist for 19 years, I am a good fit for people looking for a non-judgmental, open, directive and creative clinician. I support individual adults and couples/relationships from an attachment and relational approach. I am very experienced in supporting transgender, queer, polyamorous and/or sex positive clients. People looking for a safe space to be their authentic selves are welcomed. I am queer, transgender, autistic and have lived experience as a fat bodied person.
I specialize in supporting transgender people explore gender and to start medical and/or social transitioning.
Accepting clients as of 8/20/24. A therapist for 19 years, I am a good fit for people looking for a non-judgmental, open, directive and creative clinician. I support individual adults and couples/relationships from an attachment and relational approach. I am very experienced in supporting transgender, queer, polyamorous and/or sex positive clients. People looking for a safe space to be their authentic selves are welcomed. I am queer, transgender, autistic and have lived experience as a fat bodied person.
![Photo of Coral L Blankinship, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/207bc609-d81d-4733-817c-cbcf4227f438/1/320x400.jpeg)
Coral L Blankinship
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98177
Are you feeling not right in your body or as if you don’t belong to the gender you were assigned at birth? Are you afraid to come out to someone you love? Did your partner or spouse tell you he/she/they are transgender and you are left with confusion and fear? Are you a parent of a child who came out to you and identifies as LBGTQIA and you don’t know how to process your feelings or take a deeper look within? Do you use substances and feel stigmatized by being called an “addict” with no hope for support? Do you use substances and are not ready to stop, but want someone to talk to that will accept you where you are at?
Are you feeling not right in your body or as if you don’t belong to the gender you were assigned at birth? Are you afraid to come out to someone you love? Did your partner or spouse tell you he/she/they are transgender and you are left with confusion and fear? Are you a parent of a child who came out to you and identifies as LBGTQIA and you don’t know how to process your feelings or take a deeper look within? Do you use substances and feel stigmatized by being called an “addict” with no hope for support? Do you use substances and are not ready to stop, but want someone to talk to that will accept you where you are at?
![Photo of Jude Farrell Patton, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/606b14db-453a-4660-909f-30c7e1946d4d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jude Farrell Patton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Seattle, WA 98101 (Online Only)
My specialty is working with transgender and gender non-conforming clients.
Ideally, I would like to use my extensive training and 40+ years of counseling experience to support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum, while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey in their true identity. Naturally, I do NOT exclude others from becoming clients, since I also have a wealth of experience serving clients from the vast straight and cisgender community.
My specialty is working with transgender and gender non-conforming clients.
Ideally, I would like to use my extensive training and 40+ years of counseling experience to support, assist and advocate for clients whose personal identity lies on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum, while they explore, investigate, or plan the rest of their life journey in their true identity. Naturally, I do NOT exclude others from becoming clients, since I also have a wealth of experience serving clients from the vast straight and cisgender community.
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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.