Transgender Therapists in Philadelphia, PA
Now accepting in-person and virtual clients in Pennsylvania!
Finding a therapist can be a difficult task. At the Moorestown Therapy Collective we are here to make that task a little easier. Our therapists have your success as their top priority. We offer individual, family, and relationship therapy. We work with each client individually to determine their goals and to find the approach that best suits your needs. We do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Now accepting in-person and virtual clients in Pennsylvania!
Finding a therapist can be a difficult task. At the Moorestown Therapy Collective we are here to make that task a little easier. Our therapists have your success as their top priority. We offer individual, family, and relationship therapy. We work with each client individually to determine their goals and to find the approach that best suits your needs. We do not believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Let's find a creative way forward that works for you.
I primarily work with clients who have complex trauma, are neurodivergent, and who feel alienated in a variety of ways. I believe that being seen and known in a therapeutic relationship can help ease the burdens you carry. I want to hear your stories, your interests, and your least polished feelings.
Let's find a creative way forward that works for you.
I primarily work with clients who have complex trauma, are neurodivergent, and who feel alienated in a variety of ways. I believe that being seen and known in a therapeutic relationship can help ease the burdens you carry. I want to hear your stories, your interests, and your least polished feelings.
Waitlist available for new clients (PA & NJ).
I have 8+ years of experience supporting people as they deepen their embodied understandings and connections with self/in relationships towards healing trauma and nourishing a sense of agency. I welcome anyone who may be unsure or critical of existing "health" systems. In general, therapy together will aim to disentangle inherited ideas about "correct" ways to be/heal, learn from what already works and doesn't work for you, practice self-exploration and discernment of what truly matters to you as life-long skills, and cultivate possibilities and experiences in accordance with your goals.
Waitlist available for new clients (PA & NJ).
I have 8+ years of experience supporting people as they deepen their embodied understandings and connections with self/in relationships towards healing trauma and nourishing a sense of agency. I welcome anyone who may be unsure or critical of existing "health" systems. In general, therapy together will aim to disentangle inherited ideas about "correct" ways to be/heal, learn from what already works and doesn't work for you, practice self-exploration and discernment of what truly matters to you as life-long skills, and cultivate possibilities and experiences in accordance with your goals.
I work with adult, especially LGBTQ+ adult, who are struggling with overwhelming feelings leaving them feeling out of control of their own mind and body. If you're navigating things like perfectionism, people-pleasing, a sense of “adulting wrong,” or questioning parts of yourself, I’d be like to support you. I take an approach of being curious about parts of ourselves and work to understand them with compassion rather than judgement. These thoughts and behavioral patterns that may have served an important role once might need to be adapted to who you are now. Let's be curious about them rather than hard on ourselves.
I work with adult, especially LGBTQ+ adult, who are struggling with overwhelming feelings leaving them feeling out of control of their own mind and body. If you're navigating things like perfectionism, people-pleasing, a sense of “adulting wrong,” or questioning parts of yourself, I’d be like to support you. I take an approach of being curious about parts of ourselves and work to understand them with compassion rather than judgement. These thoughts and behavioral patterns that may have served an important role once might need to be adapted to who you are now. Let's be curious about them rather than hard on ourselves.
Melissa Sziga Dessereau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, CST
2 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19103
They completed their Master of Science in Family Therapy/Sex Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, and Affirming Approaches for Transgender Communities at Widener U.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny.
They completed their Master of Science in Family Therapy/Sex Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, Master of Arts in Child Development from Tufts University, and Affirming Approaches for Transgender Communities at Widener U.
Sziga is a perceptive and nuanced therapist with a refreshingly frank style. For over 25 years, they have been working with individuals, couples, and families to foster personal growth and satisfying relationships. They have a way of making clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease — like no matter what you say they get it and don’t judge you. And they're funny.
Do you feel like you keep repeating the same ADHD mistakes, even though you "know what to do"? Do you feel embarrassed or frustrated when you measure time wrong, miss deadlines, procrastinate, or flake on commitments to friends and family? You are not alone. I know how these patterns can leave you feeling ashamed, self-critical, or hopeless. Having an ADHD brain in a capitalist society is exhausting, and you need specialized support. Through a creative combination of education, support and healing, you can learn to befriend instead of battle yourself.
Do you feel like you keep repeating the same ADHD mistakes, even though you "know what to do"? Do you feel embarrassed or frustrated when you measure time wrong, miss deadlines, procrastinate, or flake on commitments to friends and family? You are not alone. I know how these patterns can leave you feeling ashamed, self-critical, or hopeless. Having an ADHD brain in a capitalist society is exhausting, and you need specialized support. Through a creative combination of education, support and healing, you can learn to befriend instead of battle yourself.
I believe we show up best when we have strong, empowered relationships with ourselves and with others. I lean towards a casual, relational and assertive style. I will challenge you while holding a warm and encouraging space for you to explore and process. I truly enjoy working with folks from all walks of life, but especially with couples, groups, and families who may be seen as "non traditional.” I work with folks grappling with newfound ADHD or Autism, those processing family of origin, roommates who want to work through conflict better, trans folks navigating complex family dynamics, and so much more!
I believe we show up best when we have strong, empowered relationships with ourselves and with others. I lean towards a casual, relational and assertive style. I will challenge you while holding a warm and encouraging space for you to explore and process. I truly enjoy working with folks from all walks of life, but especially with couples, groups, and families who may be seen as "non traditional.” I work with folks grappling with newfound ADHD or Autism, those processing family of origin, roommates who want to work through conflict better, trans folks navigating complex family dynamics, and so much more!
I believe therapy can be a shelter in an increasingly turbulent world. A place to slow down, catch your breath, and explore the experiences that shape you. Our work together is collaborative and insight-oriented, helping you understand who you are and how you got here, reflect on what is working in your life and what you want to change. My style is warm, attuned, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where we can explore difficult or tender experiences with gentleness and care. Together we will uncover areas for healing, examine survival strategies that no longer serve you, and develop more authentic and sustainable ways of being.
I believe therapy can be a shelter in an increasingly turbulent world. A place to slow down, catch your breath, and explore the experiences that shape you. Our work together is collaborative and insight-oriented, helping you understand who you are and how you got here, reflect on what is working in your life and what you want to change. My style is warm, attuned, and nonjudgmental, creating a space where we can explore difficult or tender experiences with gentleness and care. Together we will uncover areas for healing, examine survival strategies that no longer serve you, and develop more authentic and sustainable ways of being.
Therapy and personal change of any form occurs best through relationships based on trust and a common purpose. Relationships where you are encouraged to say what’s on your mind, be challenged, take risks, and gain new insights. As a therapist, I focus intently on honoring your autonomy as we collaborate to work towards your goals for therapy. My intention is not to teach you a “correct way to live” but instead to learn about you in all your complexities as you navigate this chaotic world. I see my job as helping to create a space for you to explore yourself further, leading to new possibilities for your life.
Therapy and personal change of any form occurs best through relationships based on trust and a common purpose. Relationships where you are encouraged to say what’s on your mind, be challenged, take risks, and gain new insights. As a therapist, I focus intently on honoring your autonomy as we collaborate to work towards your goals for therapy. My intention is not to teach you a “correct way to live” but instead to learn about you in all your complexities as you navigate this chaotic world. I see my job as helping to create a space for you to explore yourself further, leading to new possibilities for your life.
I think that sometimes finding a therapist and going on a healing journey feels a bit like going on a scavenger hunt without the clues. You have a vague sense of what you need and maybe strong feelings about what’s not going well, but what comes next isn’t marked on the map. Hi, I’m Kal. I love maps, I’m a storyteller at heart, an artist, and a therapist. I believe stories in all forms hold the power to transform us. As a trans and queer person who came out later in life, I know firsthand that life doesn’t always go as planned. Paths fork, storms come out of nowhere. Wherever you are in your story and quest, you’re welcome here.
I think that sometimes finding a therapist and going on a healing journey feels a bit like going on a scavenger hunt without the clues. You have a vague sense of what you need and maybe strong feelings about what’s not going well, but what comes next isn’t marked on the map. Hi, I’m Kal. I love maps, I’m a storyteller at heart, an artist, and a therapist. I believe stories in all forms hold the power to transform us. As a trans and queer person who came out later in life, I know firsthand that life doesn’t always go as planned. Paths fork, storms come out of nowhere. Wherever you are in your story and quest, you’re welcome here.
Our symptoms—whether anxiety, depression, fear, or unresolved pain—are more than just obstacles; they are messengers. They point to unmet longings and hidden parts of ourselves waiting to be explored. I believe even our most difficult patterns hold a kind of inner intelligence and that through careful exploration we can find greater meaning in our lives. Together our work will support you in deepening your self-knowledge so that you can uncover new ways to cope with life’s challenges. By weaving your history, feelings, thoughts, and desires into new insight, we'll create a space for clarity and possibility to emerge.
Our symptoms—whether anxiety, depression, fear, or unresolved pain—are more than just obstacles; they are messengers. They point to unmet longings and hidden parts of ourselves waiting to be explored. I believe even our most difficult patterns hold a kind of inner intelligence and that through careful exploration we can find greater meaning in our lives. Together our work will support you in deepening your self-knowledge so that you can uncover new ways to cope with life’s challenges. By weaving your history, feelings, thoughts, and desires into new insight, we'll create a space for clarity and possibility to emerge.
Deeply passionate about social justice and facilitating and guiding positive change and development in the lives of others, I am thrilled to connect with you as you begin your journey inward. Healing is truly the risk of showing up for yourself and your resistance to temptation to go back to unsilenced needs, numbing out, disconnection, and erasure. As a black, gender non-binary Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have a personal stake and insight into the work I do. My clinical practice aims to empower and heal individuals, families & communities through therapy, consulting, supervision, and training.
Deeply passionate about social justice and facilitating and guiding positive change and development in the lives of others, I am thrilled to connect with you as you begin your journey inward. Healing is truly the risk of showing up for yourself and your resistance to temptation to go back to unsilenced needs, numbing out, disconnection, and erasure. As a black, gender non-binary Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have a personal stake and insight into the work I do. My clinical practice aims to empower and heal individuals, families & communities through therapy, consulting, supervision, and training.
Stress and difficulties can occur throughout the lifespan. I provide neuro-affirming and client-centered therapy to support wellness in older children and teens, families, and adults, both individually and as couples. Therapy can be a space to develop your strengths and resilience. Together, we can address issues that are getting in the way of feeling satisfied or fulfilled in your life. My areas of clinical interest include anxiety, identity, relationships, neurodivergence, financial trauma, emerging adulthood, and issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Stress and difficulties can occur throughout the lifespan. I provide neuro-affirming and client-centered therapy to support wellness in older children and teens, families, and adults, both individually and as couples. Therapy can be a space to develop your strengths and resilience. Together, we can address issues that are getting in the way of feeling satisfied or fulfilled in your life. My areas of clinical interest include anxiety, identity, relationships, neurodivergence, financial trauma, emerging adulthood, and issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Currently Accepting Virtual Clients in PA, DE and NJ.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning who you are and where you belong. You might be navigating gender, sexuality, identity, relationships, or substance use in a world that hasn’t always felt safe or affirming. Perhaps you’re queer and/or BIPOC, exploring recovery, healing from trauma, or trying to build healthier relationships. You want tools to cope, clarity around patterns, and support that honors your lived experience while helping you move toward a more authentic, empowered life.
Currently Accepting Virtual Clients in PA, DE and NJ.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or questioning who you are and where you belong. You might be navigating gender, sexuality, identity, relationships, or substance use in a world that hasn’t always felt safe or affirming. Perhaps you’re queer and/or BIPOC, exploring recovery, healing from trauma, or trying to build healthier relationships. You want tools to cope, clarity around patterns, and support that honors your lived experience while helping you move toward a more authentic, empowered life.
I ask questions, I take notes. I create a plan to help clients learn how to take effective notes in life and journal during sessions with intention. I like to focus on understanding patterns. The ones that get us closest to our best life. Patterns guide us to modalities, or more specifically, patterns help us develop plans and modules for achieving therapy success, at your pace.
I ask questions, I take notes. I create a plan to help clients learn how to take effective notes in life and journal during sessions with intention. I like to focus on understanding patterns. The ones that get us closest to our best life. Patterns guide us to modalities, or more specifically, patterns help us develop plans and modules for achieving therapy success, at your pace.
Therapy is for everyone, not just folks experiencing crisis or those experiencing life’s more difficult struggles. Everyone deserves an affirming therapist and a therapeutic space where they can discuss any and all challenges or concerns. I facilitate this by being a cheerful, warm, and active participant during sessions. I find that my clients appreciate and benefit from my engaging demeanor and the colorful metaphors I use to convey concepts.
Therapy is for everyone, not just folks experiencing crisis or those experiencing life’s more difficult struggles. Everyone deserves an affirming therapist and a therapeutic space where they can discuss any and all challenges or concerns. I facilitate this by being a cheerful, warm, and active participant during sessions. I find that my clients appreciate and benefit from my engaging demeanor and the colorful metaphors I use to convey concepts.
Some of us hold onto "the hurt" for years and years until it becomes so faint, so normalized— we lose the ability to fully remember what life unburdened by "the hurt" can feel like. As a trauma therapist, my goal is to help you regain autonomy, awareness, and understanding over your life, your relationships, and your path forward. Each and every part of you has played a role in helping you survive "the world as it is." My goal is to help you discover the slice of "the world as it should be," mobilizing you towards finding healing community, chosen family, or space where you can flourish— where hypervigilance and fear melt away.
Some of us hold onto "the hurt" for years and years until it becomes so faint, so normalized— we lose the ability to fully remember what life unburdened by "the hurt" can feel like. As a trauma therapist, my goal is to help you regain autonomy, awareness, and understanding over your life, your relationships, and your path forward. Each and every part of you has played a role in helping you survive "the world as it is." My goal is to help you discover the slice of "the world as it should be," mobilizing you towards finding healing community, chosen family, or space where you can flourish— where hypervigilance and fear melt away.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I specialize in transgender-affirming therapy, navigating LGBTQ+ relationships, coming out to family and friends, self-actualization, self-love, found family and community, and navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape.
You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I offer therapy for individuals (14 and older) and couples seeking help with challenging relationships, improving self-esteem, living as your authentic self, learning to set boundaries, anxiety and depression, and learning to embrace change.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I specialize in transgender-affirming therapy, navigating LGBTQ+ relationships, coming out to family and friends, self-actualization, self-love, found family and community, and navigating today’s sociopolitical landscape.
You do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I offer therapy for individuals (14 and older) and couples seeking help with challenging relationships, improving self-esteem, living as your authentic self, learning to set boundaries, anxiety and depression, and learning to embrace change.
I’m clear about the limits of therapy, how a lot of our pain comes from living in a pretty brutal society. But within that truth there is always room to explore: what -can- we change? What patterns are we stuck in that feel inevitable, but don’t have to be? I’ll create space, ask questions, and share reflections that help you experience yourself in ways that are hard to do alone. Over time, your relationship with yourself might get more curious, compassionate, honest, and aware - & that’s where things start to shift.
I’m clear about the limits of therapy, how a lot of our pain comes from living in a pretty brutal society. But within that truth there is always room to explore: what -can- we change? What patterns are we stuck in that feel inevitable, but don’t have to be? I’ll create space, ask questions, and share reflections that help you experience yourself in ways that are hard to do alone. Over time, your relationship with yourself might get more curious, compassionate, honest, and aware - & that’s where things start to shift.
Therapy is like any other relationship - it's important to find someone whose values and approach resonate with you. In my practice, therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I see my role as that of a supportive companion, someone who holds space and reflects you back to you. I am here to bear witness to your journey without judgment. My hope is to support you in exploring how the stories we are told, and tell ourselves, inform our worldview - our sense of self, relationships, and even our mood.
Therapy is like any other relationship - it's important to find someone whose values and approach resonate with you. In my practice, therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. I see my role as that of a supportive companion, someone who holds space and reflects you back to you. I am here to bear witness to your journey without judgment. My hope is to support you in exploring how the stories we are told, and tell ourselves, inform our worldview - our sense of self, relationships, and even our mood.
See more therapy options for Philadelphia
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Philadelphia
- Ardmore
- Bala Cynwyd
- Cheltenham
- Drexel Hill
- Elkins Park
- Lansdowne
- Manayunk
- Merion Station
- Narberth
- Upper Darby
- Wyncote
- Wynnewood
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.