Transgender Therapists in 49515
Oxendale and Associates, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ADS, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49515 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Providing a space of safety and acceptance to explore life issues, we work together to begin the process of change. Beginning with a solution-focused approach, we begin with your strengths. A key to this is learning to effectively use tools (coping skills) along with being able to see and understand situations differently. We work together to improve the health of your relationships, the most important one being with yourself, and then other relationships in your life. Problems with alcohol or other drugs can be addressed if that's something you want to work on.
Providing a space of safety and acceptance to explore life issues, we work together to begin the process of change. Beginning with a solution-focused approach, we begin with your strengths. A key to this is learning to effectively use tools (coping skills) along with being able to see and understand situations differently. We work together to improve the health of your relationships, the most important one being with yourself, and then other relationships in your life. Problems with alcohol or other drugs can be addressed if that's something you want to work on.
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.