Transgender Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
I specialize in working with LGBQIA, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
I specialize in working with LGBQIA, Transgender, and consensually nonmonogamous clients; as well as clients in the kink/BDSM community.
Making the decision to change your life can be scary. I'm dedicated to helping others work through difficult choices and helping them move their lives in a positive direction. I want to help you discover patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back, and build skills to make your life better in the future. I use an intersectional trans-inclusive feminist lens and use an eclectic combination of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Behavioral Therapy to help solve problems. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step. I would love to help you make your life one worth living!
Hey I'm Carl (They/Them), and I specialize in providing therapy for Queer and Neurodivergent adults. I believe that therapy should be a collaboration between you and your therapist! This means that YOU get to be the expert on your own life and what works for you. From there, I will support you with my professional skills and knowledge to work with you to find the solutions best fitted for your needs. I hope that through our collaboration, you will be able to heal, grow, and uncover skills that help you to reach your goals.
Hey I'm Carl (They/Them), and I specialize in providing therapy for Queer and Neurodivergent adults. I believe that therapy should be a collaboration between you and your therapist! This means that YOU get to be the expert on your own life and what works for you. From there, I will support you with my professional skills and knowledge to work with you to find the solutions best fitted for your needs. I hope that through our collaboration, you will be able to heal, grow, and uncover skills that help you to reach your goals.
As people, we are constantly growing and evolving into new versions of ourselves. Sometimes that growth is uncomfortable and scary, especially in the chaotic times we’re living through. We were never meant to suffer alone. I view my role as forming a socially supportive environment where we can work through the challenges that come with being human together. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can process through these growing pains together and the support, knowledge, and tools that can make growth and change less scary.
As people, we are constantly growing and evolving into new versions of ourselves. Sometimes that growth is uncomfortable and scary, especially in the chaotic times we’re living through. We were never meant to suffer alone. I view my role as forming a socially supportive environment where we can work through the challenges that come with being human together. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space where we can process through these growing pains together and the support, knowledge, and tools that can make growth and change less scary.
I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality.
Strategies include mindfulness to focus on the present, gaining awareness of harmful thought patterns, examining what triggers particular behaviors and perspectives, developing new ways of experiencing the world, forming new ideas about who we can be within the world, and learning to use creativity, nature, and purposeful choices to grow one's wellbeing.
I feel called to help others through periods of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse, divorce, disability, trauma, abuse, and issues related to gender identity and sexuality.
Strategies include mindfulness to focus on the present, gaining awareness of harmful thought patterns, examining what triggers particular behaviors and perspectives, developing new ways of experiencing the world, forming new ideas about who we can be within the world, and learning to use creativity, nature, and purposeful choices to grow one's wellbeing.
I believe that beginning the search for a therapist can be an intimidating but impactful first step on your journey toward mental and emotional well-being. In this moment, you have chosen to prioritize your wellness which is a decision that may impact your life, work, and relationships for years to come. I am passionate about helping individuals throughout their healing journey. Through my training, I can support you in establishing true, authentic wellness.
I believe that beginning the search for a therapist can be an intimidating but impactful first step on your journey toward mental and emotional well-being. In this moment, you have chosen to prioritize your wellness which is a decision that may impact your life, work, and relationships for years to come. I am passionate about helping individuals throughout their healing journey. Through my training, I can support you in establishing true, authentic wellness.
I have years of training and experience employing various trauma and therapy modalities, but rely most heavily on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Expressive Arts, CCPT, Play Therapy, TraumaPlay, and Gender Affirming Therapy.
I became a therapist to empower, create safety, and hold connective and accepting space for those I walk alongside. I am deeply passionate and grateful for the opportunity to support children, teens, and young adults through a journey of connection, self-celebration, and deeply held understanding of themselves. I specialize in working with those on the beautiful LGBTQIA+ kaleidoscope as well as those who have experienced childhood trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, religious trauma, and strained familial relationships.
I have years of training and experience employing various trauma and therapy modalities, but rely most heavily on Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Expressive Arts, CCPT, Play Therapy, TraumaPlay, and Gender Affirming Therapy.
I became a therapist to empower, create safety, and hold connective and accepting space for those I walk alongside. I am deeply passionate and grateful for the opportunity to support children, teens, and young adults through a journey of connection, self-celebration, and deeply held understanding of themselves. I specialize in working with those on the beautiful LGBTQIA+ kaleidoscope as well as those who have experienced childhood trauma, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, religious trauma, and strained familial relationships.
My work is grounded in a person-centered approach, meaning sessions move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. When anxiety feels constant, depression makes everything heavier, or anger starts showing up in ways you do not like, it can be hard to know where to begin. Therapy can be a place to slow down and talk through what is really going on without feeling judged or rushed. I offer secure online therapy across Michigan, making it easier to meet from home, during a break in your day, or wherever you feel most comfortable and private.
My work is grounded in a person-centered approach, meaning sessions move at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. When anxiety feels constant, depression makes everything heavier, or anger starts showing up in ways you do not like, it can be hard to know where to begin. Therapy can be a place to slow down and talk through what is really going on without feeling judged or rushed. I offer secure online therapy across Michigan, making it easier to meet from home, during a break in your day, or wherever you feel most comfortable and private.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.
I’m Whitney, they/them, I'm trans, and I’m a therapist :)
I show up to therapy as a fellow human to get to know you and be part of your growth. My practice as a therapist has grown through the lens of Infant Mental Health which emphasizes the role of relationships and play in healing. Within a caring relationship we can find the strength to tell our story, feel our feelings, and connect to the parts of ourselves we’re afraid of. I particularly like working with queer people of all ages to help them love and care for the babies inside them.
I’m Whitney, they/them, I'm trans, and I’m a therapist :)
I show up to therapy as a fellow human to get to know you and be part of your growth. My practice as a therapist has grown through the lens of Infant Mental Health which emphasizes the role of relationships and play in healing. Within a caring relationship we can find the strength to tell our story, feel our feelings, and connect to the parts of ourselves we’re afraid of. I particularly like working with queer people of all ages to help them love and care for the babies inside them.
Hello, I am a bilingual and bicultural, Mexican-American therapist who works with Latino and other BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent adults and youth — including high-achievers and those navigating life’s challenges — to address ADHD, anxiety, and identity-related stress within the context of cultural and personal expectations. I understand how challenging it can feel to manage expectations, juggle multiple responsibilities, and navigate cultural, and other intersectional spaces and identity pressures while staying true to yourself.
Hello, I am a bilingual and bicultural, Mexican-American therapist who works with Latino and other BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent adults and youth — including high-achievers and those navigating life’s challenges — to address ADHD, anxiety, and identity-related stress within the context of cultural and personal expectations. I understand how challenging it can feel to manage expectations, juggle multiple responsibilities, and navigate cultural, and other intersectional spaces and identity pressures while staying true to yourself.
My name is Luca June, LMSW and I’m a Nonbinary Trans individual (they/them) offering queer and gender affirming psychotherapy to clients across the state of Michigan.
I utilize a holistic and active interpersonal approach to therapy. I am a trauma-informed clinician and enjoy engaging in cognitive-behavioral questioning and thinking and focus on your personhood. I'm also experienced in letter writing for gender affirming care.
My name is Luca June, LMSW and I’m a Nonbinary Trans individual (they/them) offering queer and gender affirming psychotherapy to clients across the state of Michigan.
I utilize a holistic and active interpersonal approach to therapy. I am a trauma-informed clinician and enjoy engaging in cognitive-behavioral questioning and thinking and focus on your personhood. I'm also experienced in letter writing for gender affirming care.
Finn’s main passion is working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and making gender-affirming care more accessible.
As an eclectic therapist, Finn utilizes tools and techniques from many therapeutic approaches, tailoring them to suit an individual client's needs. He has found these methods most effective when working with clients through traumatic experiences and PTSD, along with issues around sexuality and gender identity.
Finn’s main passion is working with LGBTQIA+ clients, and making gender-affirming care more accessible.
As an eclectic therapist, Finn utilizes tools and techniques from many therapeutic approaches, tailoring them to suit an individual client's needs. He has found these methods most effective when working with clients through traumatic experiences and PTSD, along with issues around sexuality and gender identity.
Sam is passionate about their work with clients under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including those who are experiencing gender dysphoria.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
Sam is passionate about their work with clients under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella, including those who are experiencing gender dysphoria.
Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a nationally certified Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 16 and older, couples, and families.
My pronouns are they/them and I love helping queer people explore Gender Identity & Sexuality, process Religious & Complex Trauma, and assess for Neurodivergent traits.
Clients continue to confirm that having a therapist who understands their perspective as a queer person has made a huge difference in their therapy experience. I have experience assessing and providing support for Anxiety, Depression, C-PTSD, OCD, Autism, and ADHD. My modalities include IFS, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and Somatic therapy.
My pronouns are they/them and I love helping queer people explore Gender Identity & Sexuality, process Religious & Complex Trauma, and assess for Neurodivergent traits.
Clients continue to confirm that having a therapist who understands their perspective as a queer person has made a huge difference in their therapy experience. I have experience assessing and providing support for Anxiety, Depression, C-PTSD, OCD, Autism, and ADHD. My modalities include IFS, DBT, ACT, TF-CBT, and Somatic therapy.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services. We have autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent therapists who offer authenticity and a space where you will be seen, heard, and respected as the authority and expert in your life. We are the alternative to the world that tells you that you need to be neurotypical or normal to fit in and be accepted. We offer therapy to help you understand and embrace your true identity, find compassion for yourself, and develop coping strategies for living in a stressful world.
Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services. We have autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent therapists who offer authenticity and a space where you will be seen, heard, and respected as the authority and expert in your life. We are the alternative to the world that tells you that you need to be neurotypical or normal to fit in and be accepted. We offer therapy to help you understand and embrace your true identity, find compassion for yourself, and develop coping strategies for living in a stressful world.
As much as I would like to offer this, I am not here to change/stop/delete your thoughts and feelings. I don't believe that's possible, even if we can sometimes ignore them for a couple hours. More often than not, the time, attention, and energy we pour into trying to get control of these moves us farther away from our values and goals than closer to them anyways. I view my role as a therapist as someone here to help change your relationship to those thoughts and feelings instead, so that we don’t have to wait for them to disappear before living a richer, fuller life.
As much as I would like to offer this, I am not here to change/stop/delete your thoughts and feelings. I don't believe that's possible, even if we can sometimes ignore them for a couple hours. More often than not, the time, attention, and energy we pour into trying to get control of these moves us farther away from our values and goals than closer to them anyways. I view my role as a therapist as someone here to help change your relationship to those thoughts and feelings instead, so that we don’t have to wait for them to disappear before living a richer, fuller life.
Axel Francisco Hettinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
Axel is a queer therapist who strives to create a welcoming, affirming and warm environment for all clients, and specifically works with LGBTQIA+ clients seeking gender-affirming care.
Axel enjoys working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and gender identity exploration. He specifically enjoys working with young adult and adolescent populations, journeying with them through major life transitions using trauma-informed care where needed.
Axel is a queer therapist who strives to create a welcoming, affirming and warm environment for all clients, and specifically works with LGBTQIA+ clients seeking gender-affirming care.
Axel enjoys working with those who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and gender identity exploration. He specifically enjoys working with young adult and adolescent populations, journeying with them through major life transitions using trauma-informed care where needed.
Life is hard! If you are feeling lost, confused, sad, worried, stuck, or dissatisfied with certain parts of your life, I may be able to help you. As a therapist, my role is to guide you in finding the tools you need to improve your personal life and relationships. I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where we can explore hardships, joys, tools, and skills together.
Life is hard! If you are feeling lost, confused, sad, worried, stuck, or dissatisfied with certain parts of your life, I may be able to help you. As a therapist, my role is to guide you in finding the tools you need to improve your personal life and relationships. I offer a calm, non-judgmental space where we can explore hardships, joys, tools, and skills together.
Is life feeling a little too overhwelming lately?! Are you navigating relationship troubles, ADHD, anxiety, neurodivergence, or stress? My clients often know there's something not quite right but aren't sure where to start. I especially enjoy working with people who are trying to balance work and managing chronic illnesses, fellow healthcare workers, and teachers. LGBTQ+ clients are enthusiastically welcomed. I really like working with people who are exploring IFS. If you're looking for help, you're welcome here!
Is life feeling a little too overhwelming lately?! Are you navigating relationship troubles, ADHD, anxiety, neurodivergence, or stress? My clients often know there's something not quite right but aren't sure where to start. I especially enjoy working with people who are trying to balance work and managing chronic illnesses, fellow healthcare workers, and teachers. LGBTQ+ clients are enthusiastically welcomed. I really like working with people who are exploring IFS. If you're looking for help, you're welcome here!
My practice is sex positive (including asexual, aromatic, poly and non monogamous.) I also write letters for gender affirming care.
My office is a supportive and calm space where you can show up exactly as you are. I believe everyone is capable of healing and finding joy and satisfaction in their life. At the center of my work is the relationship we cultivate in therapy—one built on trust, acceptance, and curiosity. You hold the wisdom about what path is right for you, and I look forward to supporting you as you move forward.
My practice is sex positive (including asexual, aromatic, poly and non monogamous.) I also write letters for gender affirming care.
My office is a supportive and calm space where you can show up exactly as you are. I believe everyone is capable of healing and finding joy and satisfaction in their life. At the center of my work is the relationship we cultivate in therapy—one built on trust, acceptance, and curiosity. You hold the wisdom about what path is right for you, and I look forward to supporting you as you move forward.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Grand Rapids
- Ada
- Belmont
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cascade
- East Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Rockford
- Wyoming
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.