Transgender Therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Life can create challenges ranging from minor to major, brief to long term and even the most resilient, sturdy individuals will benefit from an empathic and non-judgemental ear during those times. Do you feel lonely, sad, or that no one understands you? I provide clients therapy that is evidence based, and focuses on your strengths to help you get back to feeling and functioning at your best.

I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.

For the past 4 decades plus, I have specialized in LGBTQ issues. I currently focus on gender identity issues and assist my transgender clients with navigating their often challenging journeys. As an "out" cisgender lesbian practitioner, I strive to help my LGBTQ clients travel from a place of shame to pride. Much of our work centers on self- esteem and the ways in which homophobia and transphobia impact so many areas of our lives-including family, career, and our intimate relationships. I love animals and also do veterinary counseling and consulting. My style is interactive and casual. I highly value your confidentiality.

More than your Therapist -Your Biographer-- In sharing your story- you can get Perspective , Power and Peace. LGBTQ- Supportive Therapy-providing an empathetic ear and concrete solutions. Whether your struggling with Anxiety, Trauma or Relationship Issues- or not being in one -you don't have to do it alone. Have You - your kid or spouse come out as Transgender , Lesbian Bisexual or Gay or HIV+ and have questions I have helped many others like you and have trained thousands of Healthcare Providers on how to be more clinically competent and sensitive in their care. Let's do the work together!

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.

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

Are you in need of restoration, guidance, empowerment, or simply unwavering support? I can be your person! I have over 15 years worth of work delving into a counseling experience that encourages my people to rest, to be kind to self, to think beyond their current situation, to explore the unknown, to embrace what could be and to just exist. If you’re willing to do the work, I’m willing to work with you. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor at PsycYourMind Consulting, LLC. I am accepting new clients for secure Telehealth sessions via online scheduling.

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.

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.

If you are thinking about engaging in therapy, I appreciate your courage on this journey. Life can be challenging and overwhelming at times; especially now. Therapy can help us find direction, experience personal growth, and increase our tools and strategies for coping. One of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist. This relationship is founded on trust, understanding, acceptance, and authenticity. I strive to create a positive and hopeful environment that fosters your individual growth and empowerment. I use an integrative and culturally-sensitive approach.

As your counselor my goal is to serve as your guide while you navigate through life's transitions. My goal is to guide you unpack the barriers that hinder you from reaching your potential. I tailor treatment to meet your needs and will work collaboratively with you to move forward. I have experience working with clients from all backgrounds and experiences and I specialize in working with the LGB, Trans and Non binary community, racial and ethnic minority identity exploration. I have experience helping heal the trauma experienced by refugees, asylees and immigrants, and from childhood abuse.

*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.

Understanding who you are or what you are feeling is difficult when you are not even sure what words to use to describe your experience or what questions to ask yourself. Naming that is a big step. You may put on a mask to navigate the world in order to reduce the pressures you feel from society. High expectations when you were younger may make mistakes seem unacceptable. The journey to explore who you are may seem lonely. You may notice similarities in the relationships you form now with the relationship you have with your family. The early traumas in your life may be triggering you now in ways that are frustrating and upsetting.