Photo of Lauren Adsem, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Hennepin County, MN
Lauren Adsem
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, LADC, MHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bloomington, MN 55420
My clients are doers that have done all they can to try to gain control over substance overuse. Whether you are a spouse or parent that is desperate to get your loved one to stop using or you are struggling with substance overuse yourself- I am here for it all. Substance overuse effects the entire family system and it is best treated as a whole. I specialize in helping family systems heal from the impact of substance overuse and find a sense of grounding in their lives. I will provide a safe space to explore your story and we will work together to build a plan that will bring relief all around.
My clients are doers that have done all they can to try to gain control over substance overuse. Whether you are a spouse or parent that is desperate to get your loved one to stop using or you are struggling with substance overuse yourself- I am here for it all. Substance overuse effects the entire family system and it is best treated as a whole. I specialize in helping family systems heal from the impact of substance overuse and find a sense of grounding in their lives. I will provide a safe space to explore your story and we will work together to build a plan that will bring relief all around.
(952) 592-5890 View (952) 592-5890
Photo of Emma Schneider, Pre-Licensed Professional in Hennepin County, MN
Emma Schneider
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55408
My therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment, and Dialectical Behavioral therapies, somatic and mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, and trauma-focused techniques.
As a human navigating this ever-changing world, it is my belief that we each hold knowledge, power, and peace within ourselves. However, it is fair to say that we don't always feel this way. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, shame, depression, life change, and trauma. My therapeutic goal is to hold space for you, support you, and help you enrich your life. I am committed to social justice and believe that systemic dynamics influence a person's mental health. I continually strive to have a validating space for all identities, and I advocate for anti-oppression on both community and systemic platforms.
My therapeutic approach is influenced by Narrative, Acceptance and Commitment, and Dialectical Behavioral therapies, somatic and mindfulness practices, Internal Family Systems, and trauma-focused techniques.
As a human navigating this ever-changing world, it is my belief that we each hold knowledge, power, and peace within ourselves. However, it is fair to say that we don't always feel this way. I have experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, shame, depression, life change, and trauma. My therapeutic goal is to hold space for you, support you, and help you enrich your life. I am committed to social justice and believe that systemic dynamics influence a person's mental health. I continually strive to have a validating space for all identities, and I advocate for anti-oppression on both community and systemic platforms.
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Photo of Sarah Mathews MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Sarah Mathews MA, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55414
Waitlist for new clients
I often utilize Transpersonal Psychology theory, Psychosynthesis, Internal Family Systems/Systems theory, and Mindfulness in session.
Welcome! Being human is a beautiful and vulnerable experience that doesn't always have directions or clear answers. You may be here because you feel struck in patterns that are holding you back or feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed in your daily life. You may be seeking help because you feel stuck in your relationship(s) or want to feel more free in your sexuality or sexual identity and are unsure how to proceed. And if you are a highly sensitive and/or nuero-diverse person, the world can feel complicated! If you are longing to live authentically and experience meaningful relationships, you've come to the right place!
I often utilize Transpersonal Psychology theory, Psychosynthesis, Internal Family Systems/Systems theory, and Mindfulness in session.
Welcome! Being human is a beautiful and vulnerable experience that doesn't always have directions or clear answers. You may be here because you feel struck in patterns that are holding you back or feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed in your daily life. You may be seeking help because you feel stuck in your relationship(s) or want to feel more free in your sexuality or sexual identity and are unsure how to proceed. And if you are a highly sensitive and/or nuero-diverse person, the world can feel complicated! If you are longing to live authentically and experience meaningful relationships, you've come to the right place!
(651) 401-8279 View (651) 401-8279
Photo of Melissa Lenz, Pre-Licensed Professional in Hennepin County, MN
Melissa Lenz
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MHP
Verified Verified
Edina, MN 55439
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Emotion Focused and Internal Family Systems therapies.
I have a passion for working with individuals as they navigate challenges in their life, especially during periods of transition and uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, postpartum anxiety/depression, substance use, or parenting issues, we can work together to identify your core concern and develop tools that will help you move towards healing.
My theoretical orientation is grounded in Emotion Focused and Internal Family Systems therapies.
I have a passion for working with individuals as they navigate challenges in their life, especially during periods of transition and uncertainty. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, postpartum anxiety/depression, substance use, or parenting issues, we can work together to identify your core concern and develop tools that will help you move towards healing.
(952) 800-9895 View (952) 800-9895
Photo of Becca Kushner, Pre-Licensed Professional in Hennepin County, MN
Becca Kushner
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Becca is an insight-oriented therapist who has a direct yet sensitive style. She strives to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship with each client and works to help facilitate healing, self-discovery, and relief for issues including past traumas, life transitions, and relational ruptures. Becca utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that weaves together Psychodynamic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and other theoretical orientations.
Becca is an insight-oriented therapist who has a direct yet sensitive style. She strives to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship with each client and works to help facilitate healing, self-discovery, and relief for issues including past traumas, life transitions, and relational ruptures. Becca utilizes a multidisciplinary approach that weaves together Psychodynamic therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and other theoretical orientations.
(763) 272-7618 View (763) 272-7618
Photo of Karen Knab, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Karen Knab
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55406  (Online Only)
I utilize family systems theory, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, a lot of internal pressure, and responsibility? Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and struggling in certain areas of your life? Do you have a hard time expressing yourself and being heard in relationships? I specialize in helping clients who are struggling with relationships of all kinds - family, workplace, romantic - and want to feel less stress and tension, and more harmony in their interpersonal relationships.
I utilize family systems theory, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care.
Do you struggle with perfectionism, a lot of internal pressure, and responsibility? Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and struggling in certain areas of your life? Do you have a hard time expressing yourself and being heard in relationships? I specialize in helping clients who are struggling with relationships of all kinds - family, workplace, romantic - and want to feel less stress and tension, and more harmony in their interpersonal relationships.
(651) 661-3471 View (651) 661-3471
Photo of Megan O'Brien, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Megan O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Waitlist for new clients
Working skillfully with families, adults, teens, and children, I meet clients individually, offer parent skills training, and parent/child therapy, and support family systems in crisis.
I partner with clients to nurture healing, growth, and resiliency. In every instance, I will take time to ascertain how to evoke my clients’ strengths, helping them effectively mobilize their own capabilities. In this way, every person I work with ends up with practiced skill sets of their own to take with them after therapy has concluded.
Working skillfully with families, adults, teens, and children, I meet clients individually, offer parent skills training, and parent/child therapy, and support family systems in crisis.
I partner with clients to nurture healing, growth, and resiliency. In every instance, I will take time to ascertain how to evoke my clients’ strengths, helping them effectively mobilize their own capabilities. In this way, every person I work with ends up with practiced skill sets of their own to take with them after therapy has concluded.
(952) 522-6042 View (952) 522-6042
Photo of Laura J. Niewald, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Laura J. Niewald
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
I work with tweens; adolescents; individuals; married, partnered, or same gender couples; families and 'dyads' in family systems.
I believe in the power of synergy! Collaborating together on your concerns, increases the potential for change. You are the expert of you and I am a facilitator of change. Together, we will work on an approach for moving through areas in your life where you feel stuck. Anxiety, depression, low self esteem or relationship challenges need a pro-active perspective. Identifying, eradicating and replacing your sources of pain with mindfulness and intentional balance will bring more joy into your life.
I work with tweens; adolescents; individuals; married, partnered, or same gender couples; families and 'dyads' in family systems.
I believe in the power of synergy! Collaborating together on your concerns, increases the potential for change. You are the expert of you and I am a facilitator of change. Together, we will work on an approach for moving through areas in your life where you feel stuck. Anxiety, depression, low self esteem or relationship challenges need a pro-active perspective. Identifying, eradicating and replacing your sources of pain with mindfulness and intentional balance will bring more joy into your life.
(612) 293-0150 View (612) 293-0150
Photo of Michelle Finley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Michelle Finley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, DMFTABD
Verified Verified
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
I utilize an Adlerian approach and integrate many therapies including: Attachment, CBT, Emotion Focused, Gestault, Gottman, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems.
Have you lost someone or something that is important to you? Is life presenting you with changes that are difficult to navigate? Are relationships hard for you? Has your past created difficulties that you just can't seem to separate from? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to raise perfect kids and meet the needs of everyone around you?  Does your family need help? Are you a helper or therapist and need your own support? I am here, to connect with you and help you feel better.
I utilize an Adlerian approach and integrate many therapies including: Attachment, CBT, Emotion Focused, Gestault, Gottman, Psychodynamic, and Family Systems.
Have you lost someone or something that is important to you? Is life presenting you with changes that are difficult to navigate? Are relationships hard for you? Has your past created difficulties that you just can't seem to separate from? Do you feel overwhelmed by the pressure to raise perfect kids and meet the needs of everyone around you?  Does your family need help? Are you a helper or therapist and need your own support? I am here, to connect with you and help you feel better.
(763) 600-1315 View (763) 600-1315
Photo of Jill Salo, Licensed Professional Counselor in Hennepin County, MN
Jill Salo
Licensed Professional Counselor, LADC, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Motivated by a desire to contribute to community wellness through prevention, therapeutic intervention for change, and care, I pursued graduate school once again to obtain licenses as an LPCC and LADC, with specialties in complex family systems, freedom from abuse and trauma.
Jill is a compassionate therapist who believes that we are all searching for meaning in our lives. She approaches her work with clients by encouraging them to trust their intuition, explore different ways of finding understanding, and nurture helpful relationships in their lives. She also brings in her calm, laid back personality to help her build authentic connections with her clients. Jill tailors her treatment methods to the unique needs of his clients, always keeping them at the center of the therapeutic work. While Jill is well-versed in a variety of treatment modalities, specializing in complex families, EMDR and AIR Network.
Motivated by a desire to contribute to community wellness through prevention, therapeutic intervention for change, and care, I pursued graduate school once again to obtain licenses as an LPCC and LADC, with specialties in complex family systems, freedom from abuse and trauma.
Jill is a compassionate therapist who believes that we are all searching for meaning in our lives. She approaches her work with clients by encouraging them to trust their intuition, explore different ways of finding understanding, and nurture helpful relationships in their lives. She also brings in her calm, laid back personality to help her build authentic connections with her clients. Jill tailors her treatment methods to the unique needs of his clients, always keeping them at the center of the therapeutic work. While Jill is well-versed in a variety of treatment modalities, specializing in complex families, EMDR and AIR Network.
(952) 243-5376 View (952) 243-5376
Photo of Twin Cities Therapy and Counseling Associates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Twin Cities Therapy and Counseling Associates
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
TCTCA provides services for individuals, couples, children and teens using EMDR, CBT, ACT, the 12steps, Family Systems and Adlerian Therapy.
We have Immediate Openings! We are a therapist owned practice of dedicated providers that are focused on providing excellent patient care. We are a multidisciplinary, culturally diverse team of counselors, psychologists, registered dieticians, and marriage and family therapists who have varied expertise in the assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and addictive behaviors, as well as family and couples work. Our staff is skilled in working with anyone of diverse sexual orientation/gender identities as well as cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
TCTCA provides services for individuals, couples, children and teens using EMDR, CBT, ACT, the 12steps, Family Systems and Adlerian Therapy.
We have Immediate Openings! We are a therapist owned practice of dedicated providers that are focused on providing excellent patient care. We are a multidisciplinary, culturally diverse team of counselors, psychologists, registered dieticians, and marriage and family therapists who have varied expertise in the assessment and treatment of behavioral health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and addictive behaviors, as well as family and couples work. Our staff is skilled in working with anyone of diverse sexual orientation/gender identities as well as cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds.
(952) 522-1751 View (952) 522-1751
Photo of Cynthia J Haakana, Psychologist in Hennepin County, MN
Cynthia J Haakana
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
Wayzata, MN 55391  (Online Only)
The therapy process is personal in nature, therefore, I believe that it is very important for anyone who is seeking therapy find the right therapist for them. In my practice I rely on several theoretical approaches such as: interpersonal psychology, psychodynamics, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems. My eclectic approach develops a comprehensive and personal approach built on my premise: how we feel, think, and act is because of genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.
The therapy process is personal in nature, therefore, I believe that it is very important for anyone who is seeking therapy find the right therapist for them. In my practice I rely on several theoretical approaches such as: interpersonal psychology, psychodynamics, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems. My eclectic approach develops a comprehensive and personal approach built on my premise: how we feel, think, and act is because of genetics, upbringing, and life experiences.
(952) 260-6118 View (952) 260-6118
Photo of Shatera Thorson, Pre-Licensed Professional in Hennepin County, MN
Shatera Thorson
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plymouth, MN 55447
Shatera specializes in a family systems approach to therapy because it is often our closest relationships that bring about the most pain, suffering, and trauma in our lives. She provides a safe place to have authentic, transparent, conversations where you can show up however you need to. Shatera appreciates working with clients who are willing to dig deep and who really desire to heal and grow.
Shatera specializes in a family systems approach to therapy because it is often our closest relationships that bring about the most pain, suffering, and trauma in our lives. She provides a safe place to have authentic, transparent, conversations where you can show up however you need to. Shatera appreciates working with clients who are willing to dig deep and who really desire to heal and grow.
(763) 878-7469 View (763) 878-7469
Photo of Dina Reminick, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Hennepin County, MN
Dina Reminick
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Waitlist for new clients
Other evidence-based approaches of interest include ERP (exposure and response prevention), IFS (Internal family systems), and ART (accelerated resolution therapy).
I believe in the importance of sharing knowledge about the mind-body relationship of trauma, panic, anxiety, and depression, to help my clients understand what they have been experiencing and why, and how to move forward. My specialties are school-aged children and adolescents and their families, and young adults, but I do trauma-focused therapy with all ages. My clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, and transitional stress, whether that be exploring or revealing sexuality and/or gender identity, developmental transitions, managing increasing expectations of early adulthood, or navigating life changes.
Other evidence-based approaches of interest include ERP (exposure and response prevention), IFS (Internal family systems), and ART (accelerated resolution therapy).
I believe in the importance of sharing knowledge about the mind-body relationship of trauma, panic, anxiety, and depression, to help my clients understand what they have been experiencing and why, and how to move forward. My specialties are school-aged children and adolescents and their families, and young adults, but I do trauma-focused therapy with all ages. My clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, and transitional stress, whether that be exploring or revealing sexuality and/or gender identity, developmental transitions, managing increasing expectations of early adulthood, or navigating life changes.
(763) 307-6787 View (763) 307-6787
Photo of Rj Cullen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Rj Cullen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55409
I’m certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
If you (or people you love), are facing the same issue(s) in your life that you have been trying to change for years, or if something you’ve previously managed well is now becoming unmanageable, or if you’ve been “blind-sided” by a serious issue you could never have predicted, therapy can serve as a powerful ally or “touchstone” through it all. Wherever you are right now, therapy needs to “meet you there.” The most important aspect of working together, is that everything flows from your uniqueness as an individual. I believe the therapeutic process works best as a collaboration between client and therapist.
I’m certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).
If you (or people you love), are facing the same issue(s) in your life that you have been trying to change for years, or if something you’ve previously managed well is now becoming unmanageable, or if you’ve been “blind-sided” by a serious issue you could never have predicted, therapy can serve as a powerful ally or “touchstone” through it all. Wherever you are right now, therapy needs to “meet you there.” The most important aspect of working together, is that everything flows from your uniqueness as an individual. I believe the therapeutic process works best as a collaboration between client and therapist.
(952) 592-7654 View (952) 592-7654
Photo of Sara Anne Hawkins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Sara Anne Hawkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55419
My training and mode of therapy integrates Adlerian Psychology and Family Systems.
You're not crazy! Relationships are hard and they require hard work. They can also be extremely rewarding and worth all the work. Therapy is quite similar. Do you need help to bring the spark back into your marriage? Heal your relationship after an affair? Work through painful or traumatic memories? Help coping with life cycle transitions? Develop better communication? As your therapist I will support you in achieving these goals by encouraging and respectfully challenging you in order to create the change you are seeking through therapy.
My training and mode of therapy integrates Adlerian Psychology and Family Systems.
You're not crazy! Relationships are hard and they require hard work. They can also be extremely rewarding and worth all the work. Therapy is quite similar. Do you need help to bring the spark back into your marriage? Heal your relationship after an affair? Work through painful or traumatic memories? Help coping with life cycle transitions? Develop better communication? As your therapist I will support you in achieving these goals by encouraging and respectfully challenging you in order to create the change you are seeking through therapy.
(952) 314-5473 View (952) 314-5473
Photo of Alessandra Gaglio, Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Hennepin County, MN
Alessandra Gaglio
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Waitlist for new clients
I incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy into my approach.
In therapy I value equity, collaboration, humor, and patience. I believe in a holistic approach where we consider the individual not as a set of symptoms, but as a whole, complex, capable human being. You are the expert in your own life– in our work I will strive to provide support, reflection, and camaraderie as you seek out a life that fulfills you.
I incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy into my approach.
In therapy I value equity, collaboration, humor, and patience. I believe in a holistic approach where we consider the individual not as a set of symptoms, but as a whole, complex, capable human being. You are the expert in your own life– in our work I will strive to provide support, reflection, and camaraderie as you seek out a life that fulfills you.
(612) 482-4503 View (612) 482-4503
Photo of Erin Guyette, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Erin Guyette
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Maple Grove, MN 55369
As a licensed associate marriage and family therapist, I use a family systems approach to address the needs of my client(s) and their significant relationships as a whole.
Sometimes we need additional help to get through challenges or significant life events. Therapy is important to help you and your family heal and grow from things that impact the entire family. I, Erin Guyette, provide therapy services for individuals of all ages and families who are experiencing significant distress and focus on healthy daily living and personal well-being. Let's work together to address your personal or your family's mental health needs and create achievable goals. I am providing in-person and telehealth services at this time.
As a licensed associate marriage and family therapist, I use a family systems approach to address the needs of my client(s) and their significant relationships as a whole.
Sometimes we need additional help to get through challenges or significant life events. Therapy is important to help you and your family heal and grow from things that impact the entire family. I, Erin Guyette, provide therapy services for individuals of all ages and families who are experiencing significant distress and focus on healthy daily living and personal well-being. Let's work together to address your personal or your family's mental health needs and create achievable goals. I am providing in-person and telehealth services at this time.
(763) 307-6941 View (763) 307-6941
Photo of Mischel Walgren, Psychologist in Hennepin County, MN
Mischel Walgren
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
I use an integration of theories and approaches to best match your needs, including attachment, family systems and psychodynamic theories as well as mind/body and mindfulness approaches.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues? Do you notice that past experiences seem to impact your life now in ways that create blocks or difficulty? Have you experienced recent loss or a stressful life change? Psychotherapy is a powerful resource to help restore direction and balance as well as facilitating self-understanding and emotional healing. Exploring and understanding who you are and how you became who you are is part of achieving desired change and growth. I bring 30+ years of experience, training, compassion and commitment to this collaborative and relational process.
I use an integration of theories and approaches to best match your needs, including attachment, family systems and psychodynamic theories as well as mind/body and mindfulness approaches.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues? Do you notice that past experiences seem to impact your life now in ways that create blocks or difficulty? Have you experienced recent loss or a stressful life change? Psychotherapy is a powerful resource to help restore direction and balance as well as facilitating self-understanding and emotional healing. Exploring and understanding who you are and how you became who you are is part of achieving desired change and growth. I bring 30+ years of experience, training, compassion and commitment to this collaborative and relational process.
(612) 568-7909 View (612) 568-7909
Photo of Tiffany M Leuthold, Marriage & Family Therapist in Hennepin County, MN
Tiffany M Leuthold
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plymouth, MN 55441  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I offer brainspotting, traditional talk therapy, Imago relationship therapyand parts work (Internal Family Systems).
I work with adults and couples. I enjoy consulting with people regarding a variety of problems such as trauma, anxiety, depression, struggles in relationships, divorce adjustment and life transitions. I can support you to get out of the crisis or chaos you are experiencing. I can also support deep healing from childhood wounds, trauma or distressing experiences. I have a passion for working with couples; helping them regain what has been lost and find what is possible. I also help clients understand factors that have supported the patterns they are stuck in.
I offer brainspotting, traditional talk therapy, Imago relationship therapyand parts work (Internal Family Systems).
I work with adults and couples. I enjoy consulting with people regarding a variety of problems such as trauma, anxiety, depression, struggles in relationships, divorce adjustment and life transitions. I can support you to get out of the crisis or chaos you are experiencing. I can also support deep healing from childhood wounds, trauma or distressing experiences. I have a passion for working with couples; helping them regain what has been lost and find what is possible. I also help clients understand factors that have supported the patterns they are stuck in.
(763) 309-8678 View (763) 309-8678

See more therapy options for Hennepin County

Female Therapists

Does it matter what gender my therapist is?

In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.

Should I see a female therapist?

Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.

Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?

Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?

It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.