Transgender Therapists in Bethesda, MD

Not currently taking new individual patients. Dr. Jessica Simon is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist practicing since 2003. She received her Master's in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute, and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the George Washington University. She believes that everyone is unique and deserves an individualized treatment plan, and that psychotherapy is both an art and a science. She utilizes curiosity, self-awareness, creativity and humor to promote personal growth and healing. Respect for individual differences and all aspects of diversity is a cornerstone of her practice.

I help individual adults with a wide range of emotional problems and decisions, with a special focus on the LGBT community. My goal is to enable people to resolve their issues with lasting results and to live more satisfying, healthier lives. Over the past 28 years, people have turned to me for help with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, low self-esteem, work stress, parenting, and relationship problems. I have also worked with people experiencing trauma and substance abuse.

I have extensive experience treating our nation's uniformed service members and their loved ones, many of whom have faced circumstances like these: Combat and sexual trauma, Profound loss, geographic separation from family support, relationship distress, parenting challenges, depression and anxiety, cancer, issues with eating and body image, gender issues, and difficulty excelling professionally due to ADHD. I had specialized training in treating gender-questioning and transgender people. I have a post-doctoral master's degree in psychopharmacology, and can consult with other prescribing providers for best medication outcomes..

I specialize in working with families, couples, groups, and individuals. I treat children as young as three, have experience with school phobia, adoption, blended families, gender issues, gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals, and the challenges of elderly. I am experienced working with psychoses, severe post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, and problems of every day life. I have special expertise working with the LGBTQ+ population, with adolescents, sexual development, severe mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and physical illnesses.

Kumi Pledger, LCPC, strives to help clients sleep better, worry less and enjoy life more! She works with children, adolescents, couples, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Clients, families and adults for various issues including, relationship challenges, supporting new and expectant mothers, eating disorders, adjustment problems, trauma, grief and loss. She uses personal insight and professional experience to provide clients with a safe place to be heard, free fears, reduce anxieties, eliminate unwanted behaviors, grow, improve and conquer insomnia.

I have been working as a licensed therapist since 2016, but have been working with people for over 13 years. I have experience working with a diverse group of clients, with a wide range of treatment needs. Facing life’s difficulties can be overwhelming. I am here to provide a confidential environment where therapy is a collaborative process. It is my goal to help my clients gain the necessary tools to aid in healing and a positive mindset. It is my belief that mental health and physical health work hand-in-hand with neither one more important than the other.

Sometimes creating or maintaining a happy, satisfying life requires help. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I will listen and engage you in ways that support a life of balance, healing & growth as you move toward a better and more authentic you. Though my practice is not limited to work with the LGBTQ population, I have years of experience working with this community especially trans/gender expansive/non binary individuals. I am credentialed through the WPATH GEI certification program. More info: https://www.wpath.org/about-gei

I work with clients to create a safe and affirming relationship so that there is room for healing and growth. My work with each client is unique, however central to my work is respect for your issues, concerns, and the challenges you face in your life. I see therapy as a partnership where we work together to create the changes that you are seeking in your life. I am comforatable working with a wide variety of issues from career and work life to recovering from childhood trauma and abuse.

I am passionate about working with the LGBTQ population and with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. I consistently work with clients regarding depression, anxiety, motivation, trauma, grief, understanding their identity, familial relations, gender identity, sexual identity, sexual/relationship needs, polyamorous relationships, kink, communication in relationships, and self-integration. Extensive background in working with people of color. Assist parents/families through their child's gender transition. Experience in college counseling and high school counseling.

Are you a young adult/POC who has a history of trauma and you're ready to start your healing journey? Are you finding it hard to navigate life transitions or relationships? Are you struggling with depression? Are you having difficulty managing your anxiety? Our goal is to provide a life-changing experience that will help you cope, heal and promote individual changes which leads to growth and development. If you are ready to improve your behaviors, your relationships, heal from past trauma or reach your highest potential, we can help. If you're interested in learning more, visit our website to schedule a FREE consultation appointment

I believe balance is the key to leading a happy, successful life. The focus of my practice is helping individuals, couples, & families in overcoming life's difficulties. I believe in a proactive, collaborative approach to counseling, where you are actively engaged in making real changes in your life. We will develop develop a plan of action to turn these goals into a reality. Whether you're young or old, an individual, a couple, or a family, call me today and take the first step to living a positive, balanced life.

Are you feeling stuck and wanting to make a shift to find more happiness and contentment? Seeking help can be challenging, yet so important for healing. Sometimes life gently encourages us to step into change and other times it can be forceful in its approach. I am here to walk along side you through your journey, supporting you by highlighting your strengths and working with you to find the best path towards healing. I am a compassionate, warm, genuine, and caring professional who honors the entire spectrum of human experience. I believe in creating a non-judgmental, safe, and authentic therapeutic relationship to support healing.

My core belief in therapeutic practice is that everyone has inherent value and strength, that with the right support, can be harnessed to create positive changes and meaningful growth. Offering a safe place where self-exploration, processing, and healing can be done, I will help you to build insight, resilience through healthy coping skills, and empowerment in reaching your therapeutic goals. Whether it is improving communication, changing behaviors, healing from trauma, or having a consistent and dependable ally in your mental health, I will support you each step of the way.

*Currently accepting new clients at Darby Integrative Counseling, LLC, and we are offering in-person and/or video sessions to accommodate your needs during the COVID crisis.* We welcome you to the next courageous step on your journey walking through life's challenges. Are you struggling with fear, grief, sadness, anxiety, or stress? Have anger, shame or guilt been preventing you from the joys of life? Do your relationships at home or work feel strained? Let us awaken your best self and find solutions for the problems you face on your path to wellness.

I believe every person has the ability to grow and transform. I believe that we can best do so when accompanied compassionately along our journeys. Through increasing self-awareness, cultivating our inner and external resources, and understanding the interconnected influences of mind and body in our daily lives, we can transform through painful times and arrive into greater and deeper capacity for relationships to ourselves and with others. I specialize in working with adults through trauma healing, grief and loss (including that of beloved animals), LGBTQIA+ identities and relationships, depression/anxiety, and life transitions.