Transgender Therapists in Raleigh, NC

A combination of personal life experiences as a LGBTQ member coupled with decades of professional trainings and educational opportunities over the past 20 plus years of working in the mental health and substance abuse fields, I have developed a large and diverse toolbox of treatment strategies and interventions to support you in achieving your desired self-empowered state of being.

Things aren't going as you'd hoped or planned. You're strong, doing your best, and holding it together. But things may be falling apart. Maybe it feels like YOU are starting to fall apart at times. You feel stressed. Disconnected. Overwhelmed. Uncertain. Perhaps you're at a transition point in life and wondering how exactly you ended up here. Maybe it is due to a loss of a relationship, the loss of hope of what could or should be, or the death of a loved one. Or perhaps there isn't a clear reason.

Welcome! I'm passionate about helping women navigate the complexities of life. As a seasoned therapist specializing in women's mental health, I provide a safe and nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Whether you're facing career transitions, relationship challenges, or grappling with existential questions, I'm here to support you every step of the way. With a deep understanding of the unique struggles that women encounter during this pivotal stage of life, I offer personalized therapy tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Dr. Benton is the owner of Oak City Psychology. She is a Licensed Psychologist and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Dr. Benton also specializes in working with people who identify as LGBTQ+ and women who have lost a pregnancy. While these are her primary specialties, she enjoys working with anyone who is open to examining their own life and making changes. Dr. Benton believes that each of us possess our own wisdom. Unfortunately, there are times when we are unable to access that wisdom. That's where therapy can help.

I use a collaborative, hands on approach to help clients become more productive and content at school, work, home, and in relationships. I use my strong background in assessment to help clients to understand how their learning style (both strengths and weaknesses) impacts their ability to succeed. I also enjoy working with college students and adults, offering psychological assessments and ADD/ADHD coaching. My approach to coaching clients with ADD/ADHD is a non-judgmental, practical approach. I I help clients create natural, sustainable change that will decrease their stress (and stress of those around them).

I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+, people in non traditional relationships, families, individuals with depression, anxiety, stress management, work conflicts, life transitions, ADHD and grief/loss. I use a combination of several theoretical approaches along with humor to assist people/families with working through many of life's difficult transitions. I have a very honest and direct approach which includes at times therapeutic self-disclosure that some people find refreshing. I am here to help you on your journey to a new positive you. I would love to welcome you into a environment that helps you feel accepted and not judged.

** Currently do not have availability** The process of finding a therapist can be tough to navigate. I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation so we can have a chance to connect, ask questions and see if it seems like a good fit for you. My style is warm and authentic and focused on what goals people have for counseling. I provide a supportive space for people to explore gender identity and expression and honor what feels most authentic to them. I meet regularly with people in the LGBTQ community and work to connect people with additional supports and resources if needed.

My ideal client has a desire to commit to creating change and willing to be vulnerable throughout the therapeutic process. Clients who struggle with intimacy struggles and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and stress are both great focuses in my practice. My client's desire to be in happy and healthy relationships is what I like to foster.

Appointments Available. Are you looking for someone who understands the struggles with life in these stressful, divisive & uncertain political times & is easy to talk to? Or are along the sexual or gender continuum (LGBTQ+) & looking for someone who gets it. Or having problems in your most important relationship(s)? I want to help. For over 30 years I've been helping teens, parents, partners, families & the LGBTQ community, as an out queer person, feel heard, cared for, accepted & understood. I create an authentic, safe & affirming space to explore & grow. I look forward to being an encouraging voice to help you find your own.

Are you a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and seeking a therapist who "just gets it?" Are you tired of feeling alone, scared, or unsupported as you navigate various changes, challenges, or identities? Has pandemic stress and grief has gotten to be too much? Are you stressed or concerned with one or more relationships?Perhaps you and your partner(s) have found yourself in a difficult cycle you are struggling to break, leaving y'all feeling disconnected and unsatisfied? If you answered yes to any of these, then you've made the right choice by being here. And I know this is hard, but you're brave. Just being here shows that!

At Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, we strive to provide a supportive and safe environment where clients can resolve issues related to sex, sexuality and gender. Examples of areas we specialize in include but are not limited to sexual dysfunction, compulsive or impulsive sexual behavior (also known as "sex addiction"), couples and relationship issues surrounding sexuality, sexual identity development, gender orientation concerns, and sexual behaviors or fantasies that may be considered problematic. Although many people with sexual problems feel alone, it is important to know you are not.

Doing psychotherapy is a lot like playing jazz: The challenge for me as therapist is to stay in tune with the patient's own creative, self-healing process and to provide a safe container ("rhythm section"). The patient's life narratives are the "melodies" to be composed, developed, & improvised. My ideal patient is motivated to show up and do the work involved in creating/healing and to allow the therapeutic relationship to support the work. My private practice (The Androgyny Center) serves adult patients of all genders. I also do consultations with families and professionals regarding developmental issues re gender and sexual orientation.

I'm so glad you're here. You are so courageous to have begun this journey. You've just taken the first step to feeling better- to creating a happier, more peaceful future. I believe we are not meant to manage the struggles of life alone. Often what we need is a listening ear and an outside perspective to provide gentle feedback and guidance. That's where I come in. You will be met with empathy and kindness in a non-judgmental space. I identify as liberal and strive to provide inclusive, culturally competent care. Regardless of why you're struggling, I'd be honored to provide support. I hope to hear from you soon.

Whether this is your first or the millionth therapist you have reached out to, you are taking the time to find the best fit. Have you diagnosed yourself with autism? Or felt an autism diagnosis is the missing part of your life? Maybe you have felt “different” your whole life, or perhaps you recently started exploring the possibility of neurodivergence. You may be struggling to connect with others or simply to survive day-to-day. Perhaps you’re feeling frustrated and want the answers you have been searching for.

Imagine beginning every day feeling energized, confident and ready to take on whatever comes your way. You might feel better about your progress with life goals, be able create meaningful and close relationships, maintain healthier habits, and have a regular sense of pride and accomplishment. You know you have so much potential, but may not know exactly how to reach it. Be proud of yourself for taking this first step to creating positive changes in your life.

As a Certified Sex Therapist Supervisor and the Executive Director of the Carolina Sexual Wellness Center, I am passionate about helping my clients improve their sex lives and increase authenticity. I supervise a wonderful group of sex-positive clinicians who share my focus on issues related to sex, sexuality and gender. I love the connections I create with my clients and the bond we create as we work toward change. I know it can be difficult to take the first step, but you will not regret your decision to get help and learn the skills and strategies to overcome what has been holding you back. You can do this.

Are you really good at burying feelings, just to find them surprisingly unleashing one day and you didn’t see it coming? Find yourself experiencing anxiety, having flashbacks, and/or thinking about things over and over again? Have past relationship trauma and want a healthy relationship, but it feels really scary? Suffering from chronic illness or pain and feeling depressed/anxious, and wondering how you’re going to adapt to your new life?

Accepting New Clients - My clinical practice mainly consists of fellow queer and neurodivergent folx who struggle with complex trauma. Common concerns include self-abandonment through people pleasing, exploring gender/sexual identity, executive dysfunction, immense shame/guilt, perfectionism, identifying community supports, and processing underlying traumatic experiences. My clients often come into session looking to better understand who they are and what really works for them. Many times they feel so detached from themselves and their own bodies that it has been hard to even know what they want from life or who they are

We want to help clients from all walks of life and from all different backgrounds. We approach therapy from a holistic, integrative, and supportive framework where we meet clients where they are. We are trans/queer inclusive, culturally sensitive, and trauma informed. We work with a multitude of issues including identity concerns, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and mood dysregulation.