Photo of Christina Fals, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20057, DC
Christina Fals
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20057  (Online Only)
I am a bilingual Hispanic American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offering virtual counseling services in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Puerto Rico. With a holistic approach to mental health, I provide personalized treatment for a diverse range of challenges. My focus is on offering compassionate support to individuals navigating life's obstacles. I specialize in helping clients with disruptive behaviors, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, gender identity exploration, and provide affirming care for LGBTQ individuals.
I am a bilingual Hispanic American Licensed Clinical Social Worker, offering virtual counseling services in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Puerto Rico. With a holistic approach to mental health, I provide personalized treatment for a diverse range of challenges. My focus is on offering compassionate support to individuals navigating life's obstacles. I specialize in helping clients with disruptive behaviors, adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, ADHD, gender identity exploration, and provide affirming care for LGBTQ individuals.
(202) 915-1422 View (202) 915-1422
Photo of Georgina S Arhin, Counselor in 20057, DC
Georgina S Arhin
Counselor, LCPC, LPC, ACS, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20057  (Online Only)
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest, unconditional positive regard, congruence, empathy and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns, maladaptive behaviors and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning.
There is nothing like being listened to and understood on a deep level, with genuine interest, unconditional positive regard, congruence, empathy and acceptance. This is what I strive to offer in therapy, as we explore together your hopes and dreams, your losses and regrets, your longings and fears. Many people come to therapy to free themselves from self-defeating patterns, maladaptive behaviors and the legacy of past traumas, so they can be more truly themselves in relation to others and live with greater satisfaction and meaning.
(240) 713-5995 View (240) 713-5995

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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.