Transgender Therapists in 49087
Andrea VanLopik Dillon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (Online Only)
Teens and adults go through many changes, especially in our world today. My speciality is helping individuals adjust to life changes that lead to depression, rage, and anxiety. We can make transitions smoother and less daunting by creating new ways to adapt and strategically view the problem.
Teens and adults go through many changes, especially in our world today. My speciality is helping individuals adjust to life changes that lead to depression, rage, and anxiety. We can make transitions smoother and less daunting by creating new ways to adapt and strategically view the problem.
Julie Meredith Davis
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
As I think about how change occurs for a person, I am struck by the recognition that life is full of opportunities for change, for individual growth. Sometimes these opportunities are not clear to the person because the trauma, personal or relational difficulty, fear, depression, or anxiety being experienced can be so overwhelming that one's ability to take action is clouded. In my work, I have become very mindful of the resiliency of the human spirit. I have witnessed this resiliency in times of trauma, pain, and loss. My goal is to provide you with a safe space to address your concerns.
As I think about how change occurs for a person, I am struck by the recognition that life is full of opportunities for change, for individual growth. Sometimes these opportunities are not clear to the person because the trauma, personal or relational difficulty, fear, depression, or anxiety being experienced can be so overwhelming that one's ability to take action is clouded. In my work, I have become very mindful of the resiliency of the human spirit. I have witnessed this resiliency in times of trauma, pain, and loss. My goal is to provide you with a safe space to address your concerns.
Elaine Bussema
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Schoolcraft, MI 49087
Change can be scary, it can also be really good/exciting! I am a solution-focused therapist with a collaborative, non-judgemental, and client centered approach to treatment. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their challenges and make progress towards creating healthy and satisfying lives.
Change can be scary, it can also be really good/exciting! I am a solution-focused therapist with a collaborative, non-judgemental, and client centered approach to treatment. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their challenges and make progress towards creating healthy and satisfying lives.
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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.