Transgender Therapists in Aptos, CA
Stephen L Braveman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, DST, CST, CST-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
For example, we have General, Transgender, Sexual Abuse Survivors Couples and Singles Sacred Sexuality/Tantra Workshops.
Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)
For example, we have General, Transgender, Sexual Abuse Survivors Couples and Singles Sacred Sexuality/Tantra Workshops.
Founder and Director of the Intimacy, Sexuality & Gender Center of California, Stephen has been providing professional top of the field Sex Therapy and Gender Identity Therapy to the Central Coast for over 32 years! ISGC, extensively serves the needs of individuals with sexual dysfunctions, those who have been sexually abused, couples struggling with sexual and intimacy issues, the Transgender/Transsexual community, the LGBT communities and the communities of all other sexual and gender minorities. Stephen also serves Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Compulsivity (Out of Control Sexual Behavior.)
Thistle Hofvendahl
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
Finding the right therapist can feel challenging, whether you’re looking for yourself, your child, or as a couple. I'm here to hold a welcoming, exploratory space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and feel more confident. I specialize in working with kids, teens, couples, and the LGBTQ+ community. I have an accepting, collaborative approach. Through out work together, my clients learn to identify and express their emotions and develop healthy coping skills. As a result, their self esteem and communication improve and they feel less overwhelmed.
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
14 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
IN-PERSON and ZOOM appts available. My style is engaged, curious, warm, direct, and my clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor. I love working with individuals struggling with conflicts in the family, work, or with friends, those wanting to gain insight into themselves, and individuals in the process of healing from trauma. I have specialized training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice shown to be effective in decreasing psychological distress caused by trauma and disturbing life experiences. I also incorporate parts work/IFS. I’m neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
IN-PERSON and ZOOM appts available. My style is engaged, curious, warm, direct, and my clients tell me they enjoy my sense of humor. I love working with individuals struggling with conflicts in the family, work, or with friends, those wanting to gain insight into themselves, and individuals in the process of healing from trauma. I have specialized training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice shown to be effective in decreasing psychological distress caused by trauma and disturbing life experiences. I also incorporate parts work/IFS. I’m neurodiversity affirming and fat positive.
Amanda L. Hamilton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
Are you ready to transform your life and your relationships? To pick up the pieces and reassemble them in a more beautiful way? To explore issues related to sexuality, partnership, and family? By reclaiming the forgotten parts of the self, we move towards wholeness. It is time to make peace with the past, learn to live in the present, and gain clarity of vision for a future worth living. By turning towards our suffering in a safe environment, we can transform our wounds into a source of beauty and strength. It is possible to live a life deeply connected to ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and the Earth.
Are you ready to transform your life and your relationships? To pick up the pieces and reassemble them in a more beautiful way? To explore issues related to sexuality, partnership, and family? By reclaiming the forgotten parts of the self, we move towards wholeness. It is time to make peace with the past, learn to live in the present, and gain clarity of vision for a future worth living. By turning towards our suffering in a safe environment, we can transform our wounds into a source of beauty and strength. It is possible to live a life deeply connected to ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and the Earth.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 20 years, offering services to a wide variety of adult clients. I offer to coach for public speaking and musical performance and consider it a joy and honor to assist others in life improvement.
I have been a practicing psychotherapist for 20 years, offering services to a wide variety of adult clients. I offer to coach for public speaking and musical performance and consider it a joy and honor to assist others in life improvement.
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
I am committed to the process of helping people discover and integrate the deeper personal truths which underlie symptoms and issues. I invite clients to be endlessly curious and to do "detective work" with me, seeking to understand the clues offered by their own psyches. I work with adults and older teens, providing individual, couples and family psychotherapy. Some of my influences are Carl Jung, Arnold Mindell, Jean Shinoda Bolen, John Enright, Richard Schwartz and John Gottman. I work with depression and other mood disorders, eating disorders, spiritual identity, addiction recovery, codependency and trauma. I offer over 30 years of private practice experience.
I support you in remembering yourself and allowing your inner healing intelligence to return you to connection with your wholeness.
I support you in remembering yourself and allowing your inner healing intelligence to return you to connection with your wholeness.
Claire Wilkinson Girczyc
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003
Do you feel stuck, unhappy, and dissatisfied? Having problems in relationships? Does each day feel like too much to handle? Take the first step toward making positive change in your life by scheduling an appointment. Working together, we can identify your goals and desires, recognize and capitalize on your strengths, find strategies to relieve your stress and anxiety, improve your mood, reinvigorate your relationships, and increase your life satisfaction. I provide caring, supportive, non-judgmental, confidential therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples online, and in my welcoming, comfortable office.
Do you feel stuck, unhappy, and dissatisfied? Having problems in relationships? Does each day feel like too much to handle? Take the first step toward making positive change in your life by scheduling an appointment. Working together, we can identify your goals and desires, recognize and capitalize on your strengths, find strategies to relieve your stress and anxiety, improve your mood, reinvigorate your relationships, and increase your life satisfaction. I provide caring, supportive, non-judgmental, confidential therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples online, and in my welcoming, comfortable office.
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
I believe healing happens with a holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. I support each person to express their authentic selves and needs, through several therapeutic modalities, including Expressive Arts, Somatic Techniques, CBT, EMDR, Parts Work, and Mindfulness. I am also trained in Brief Therapy methods for those who want support with a specific challenge or prefer therapy in small pieces at a time. My style is directive- I give feedback, ask questions to evoke clarity of where/how current maladaptive reactions/patterns came from, utilize reflective and active listening, and give weekly homework assignments.
Marlon A Guarino
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CCHT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
Are you stuck in patterns of fears, confusion, indecision, or painful relationships? This stuckness and suffering hinder you from accessing the empowered, expansive, creative, organic self within; this essential part of you wants to express the unique gift that you are, and the gifts you bring to the world. Imagine beyond your struggles or limitations to become who you are truly meant to be, being more authentic, having more fulfilling relationships and manifesting your passions. Whether you are looking for further understanding, or personal tools or deeper change, I am here to support your journey.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
As I see it, the primary role of a counselor is to serve as a mirror to help reveal what the client hasn't yet been able to see-especially those patterns of relating to self, others, and the environment that might be causing suffering. At the same time, the counselor is there to reflect, affirm, and strengthen the client's unique gifts and talents.One of the biggest impediments to healing, growth, and creativity is shame. To help clients move through this debilitating emotion, I use a combination of mindfulness, body awareness, and other healing modalities.
15 Second Videos
Thistle Hofvendahl
Ellen Garfield, LMFT. Specializing in EMDR
Amanda L. Hamilton
Bianca Filion
Are you stuck in emotional pain, numbed out, or in an unsatisfying relationship? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship conflict or distance, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. You want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater confidence and ability to ride the waves of life. Through courageous exploration, connection, healing and behavioral work, we nurture your powerful, true Self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Are you stuck in emotional pain, numbed out, or in an unsatisfying relationship? We all learn patterns of relating to ourselves, others, and the world that may no longer work. This can show up as relationship conflict or distance, depression, anxiety, grief, emptiness, confusion, or a lack of direction and meaning. You want more joy, ease and satisfying relationships, with greater confidence and ability to ride the waves of life. Through courageous exploration, connection, healing and behavioral work, we nurture your powerful, true Self from which you are able to live your best life and contribute your unique gifts.
Anthony Ross
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95001
Waitlist for new clients
As a good friend of mine often says, “it’s hard to be human.” We are given all kinds of messages that life “should” be certain ways and that we “should” be happy 100% of the time. I think this causes us much more suffering than necessary. We wouldn’t be who we are today without the challenges we have faced. How do we make the best of these challenges, grow, and move forward with more strength, resiliency, and joy? Welcome, my background began in health education and morphed into community mental health for many years, predominantly working with queer and trans youth, their families, and communities.
As a good friend of mine often says, “it’s hard to be human.” We are given all kinds of messages that life “should” be certain ways and that we “should” be happy 100% of the time. I think this causes us much more suffering than necessary. We wouldn’t be who we are today without the challenges we have faced. How do we make the best of these challenges, grow, and move forward with more strength, resiliency, and joy? Welcome, my background began in health education and morphed into community mental health for many years, predominantly working with queer and trans youth, their families, and communities.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
My work centers around helping people achieve their goals. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and I easily connect with others and believe that through relationship building you are able to facilitate positive changes in your life. My varied experience over the past twenty years as a school counselor, parent, Therapeutic Foster Parent, Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and Challenge Course Facilitator have shaped my eclectic style of working with people. Based on your specific needs and areas of desired growth, together we will tailor a plan to best meet your needs as we move forward through the therapy.
Bianca Filion
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, BC-DMT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003
Hello! I’m so glad you found me. Do you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your mental health, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been in therapy before and want to continue your healing journey? I work holistically, utilizing the knowledge I gain regarding your life history and social atmosphere to guide you in therapy. I will work collaboratively with you to make meaningful change, respecting your individuality and autonomy. My strengths are in helping you organize your life to support your goals, untangle any knots from trauma, relationships, or emotional experiences, and grow your authentic self.
Hello! I’m so glad you found me. Do you find yourself experiencing difficulties with your mental health, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been in therapy before and want to continue your healing journey? I work holistically, utilizing the knowledge I gain regarding your life history and social atmosphere to guide you in therapy. I will work collaboratively with you to make meaningful change, respecting your individuality and autonomy. My strengths are in helping you organize your life to support your goals, untangle any knots from trauma, relationships, or emotional experiences, and grow your authentic self.
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
Welcome! I work with youth and adults using a strength-based, humanistic approach to treatment. It is my belief that YOU are the expert and that it is my job to help you develop your inner strength and knowledge in order to feel better and live a more fulfilling life. My approach involves integrating mind, body and spirit in order for you to take the insight that you receive in therapy and put it into direct action in your life. It would be my pleasure to work with you. I also offer tele-health sessions and movement workshops. Please message me or check out my website to find out more. www.centerforembodimentmedicine.com
Erin Bucci
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003
Not accepting new clients
Sometimes we need extra help when facing particularly painful, overwhelming, or puzzling situations. By setting aside a dedicated time and place in which to bring your full attention (and mine) to the task of sorting out what pains or blocks you, you give yourself the best opportunity to craft the life you wish to live. In the company of a skilled practitioner, the process of therapy can help you work through old patterns and address the challenges at hand. You can experience a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and peace in your life and in your relationships.
Sometimes we need extra help when facing particularly painful, overwhelming, or puzzling situations. By setting aside a dedicated time and place in which to bring your full attention (and mine) to the task of sorting out what pains or blocks you, you give yourself the best opportunity to craft the life you wish to live. In the company of a skilled practitioner, the process of therapy can help you work through old patterns and address the challenges at hand. You can experience a greater sense of meaning, purpose, and peace in your life and in your relationships.
Marsea Marcus-Rotman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Aptos, CA 95003 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I have co-written 3 books, two on recovery from eating disorders (The Don't Diet, Live-It Workbook and Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Breaking the "I Feel Fat" Spell) and the other on understanding Transgendered people (Tranny Tales).
Hello. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and to this day I absolutely love meeting people, hearing their stories and helping them make peace with their past. I work to help people increase their emotional health and become more effective in their current lives. I specialize in helping people with depression and anxiety. I work primarily with adults.
I have co-written 3 books, two on recovery from eating disorders (The Don't Diet, Live-It Workbook and Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Breaking the "I Feel Fat" Spell) and the other on understanding Transgendered people (Tranny Tales).
Hello. I have been a therapist for over 30 years and to this day I absolutely love meeting people, hearing their stories and helping them make peace with their past. I work to help people increase their emotional health and become more effective in their current lives. I specialize in helping people with depression and anxiety. I work primarily with adults.
Lauren Labinger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MACP, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aptos, CA 95001
Not accepting new clients
Welcome - I'm so glad you’re here! Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming. Sometimes frustrating. A little scary. But you’re here because you’re ready…or you think you might be ready, and you need some support to take the next step. Whether you know that you'd like to find an attachment-based therapist, or you aren't sure exactly what you're looking for, it's ok. I'm here to help.
Welcome - I'm so glad you’re here! Looking for a therapist can be overwhelming. Sometimes frustrating. A little scary. But you’re here because you’re ready…or you think you might be ready, and you need some support to take the next step. Whether you know that you'd like to find an attachment-based therapist, or you aren't sure exactly what you're looking for, it's ok. I'm here to help.
More Therapists Nearby
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
Therapy is an amazing placebo. You do not NEED a therapist to learn, transform, and grow your awareness of yourself. I firmly believe whatever it is you are seeking to learn, change, or make peace with, you can do it. The benefit of working with a trained therapist who sees you, gives your sense of agency and innate wisdom the respect it deserves, and offers an outside perspective on your experience informed by evidenced-based theory and practice, is that the pace of growth is greatly accelerated.
See more therapy options for Aptos
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Aptos
- Campbell
- Capitola
- Felton
- Gilroy
- Los Gatos
- Morgan Hill
- San Jose
- Santa Cruz
- Saratoga
- Scotts Valley
- Soquel
- Watsonville
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.