Transgender Therapists in 28043

Photo of Julie G McGinnis, MA, EdS, LCMHCS, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Julie G McGinnis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, EdS, LCMHCS, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest City, NC 28043
I have experience providing treatment to children, adolescents, and adults in the areas of ADHD, ODD, Adjustment Disorders, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Divorce, Physical and Sexual Abuse, Neglect, and parenting struggles. I have a background in Child Protective Services which focused on reuniting families, Intensive In-Home treatment, individual and family therapy, and community engagement. Coming Soon: Our team is currently developing a model to address contentious divorce cases to best meet the individual and family needs of all parties.
I have experience providing treatment to children, adolescents, and adults in the areas of ADHD, ODD, Adjustment Disorders, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, Divorce, Physical and Sexual Abuse, Neglect, and parenting struggles. I have a background in Child Protective Services which focused on reuniting families, Intensive In-Home treatment, individual and family therapy, and community engagement. Coming Soon: Our team is currently developing a model to address contentious divorce cases to best meet the individual and family needs of all parties.
(828) 351-3042 View (828) 351-3042
Photo of Sarah Philbeck, MA, NCC, LCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Sarah Philbeck
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LCMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Forest City, NC 28043
Waitlist for new clients
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
Many of us desire a sense of calm, connection, and well-being. Yet life circumstances and even parts of ourselves can prevent us from having these experiences in our day to day lives. Providing a safe and non-judgmental place to explore your struggles and emotional pain is essential to my practice. I feel honored to support those who desire to grow and heal.
(704) 802-9945 View (704) 802-9945

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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.