Photo of Onome Edokun, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 97205, OR
Onome Edokun
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, ACNP, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97205  (Online Only)
At Lights Health, we specialized in Adolescent and Adult mental health. We provide Safe Compassionate care using Evidence Based practice to enhance the well-being of individuals struggling with mental health challenges such as ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, Pregnancy a postpartum, eating disorder. We are dedicated to creating a therapeutic alliance with our patients built on trust, empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where individuals can express themselves without judgment. We will work with you to individualize the treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
At Lights Health, we specialized in Adolescent and Adult mental health. We provide Safe Compassionate care using Evidence Based practice to enhance the well-being of individuals struggling with mental health challenges such as ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, Pregnancy a postpartum, eating disorder. We are dedicated to creating a therapeutic alliance with our patients built on trust, empathy and understanding, creating a safe space where individuals can express themselves without judgment. We will work with you to individualize the treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
(832) 346-7662 View (832) 346-7662
Transgender Psychiatrists

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.