Photo of Steffanie R Thompson, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77515, TX
Steffanie R Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, M ED, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you.
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or any other issue, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. You might be initially hesitant to seek out help and support for personal matters, but when you do, you will feel confident that you are taking a courageous first step towards getting to a better place and being a better you.
(979) 271-5302 View (979) 271-5302
Photo of John Michael Murray, Marriage & Family Therapist in 77515, TX
John Michael Murray
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MS, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
You are one-of-a-kind. And so, beginning with our first meeting, I will be sure that I clearly understand you and your unique needs. Then, as your therapist, I will work to help you establish and achieve the goals that are immportant to you. Effective psychotherapy supports the emotional healing that leads to wellbeing. My approach includes what I call "relational reflective listening and speaking". It's a process that developes and nurtures the deep respect I have for my patients. In our conversations you and I together will discover new possibilities, new hope that heals the heart.
You are one-of-a-kind. And so, beginning with our first meeting, I will be sure that I clearly understand you and your unique needs. Then, as your therapist, I will work to help you establish and achieve the goals that are immportant to you. Effective psychotherapy supports the emotional healing that leads to wellbeing. My approach includes what I call "relational reflective listening and speaking". It's a process that developes and nurtures the deep respect I have for my patients. In our conversations you and I together will discover new possibilities, new hope that heals the heart.
(832) 463-5602 View (832) 463-5602
Photo of Ricky Ertell, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77515, TX
Ricky Ertell
Licensed Professional Counselor, Ed D, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
In person and online appointments available. Online appointments go to our website and clink on the link for your provider to access your provider at you scheduled appointment time. I care about all my patients and want to help you any way I can. I have learned a variety of modalities to better help with all issues. Give me a call. I will work to ensure you become the individual you want to become!
In person and online appointments available. Online appointments go to our website and clink on the link for your provider to access your provider at you scheduled appointment time. I care about all my patients and want to help you any way I can. I have learned a variety of modalities to better help with all issues. Give me a call. I will work to ensure you become the individual you want to become!
(832) 637-8449 View (832) 637-8449
Photo of Heather Melass, Licensed Professional Counselor in 77515, TX
Heather Melass
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Angleton, TX 77515
As someone with a Clinical Mental Health background and Family Systems Orientation, I understand that when one person in the family is struggling, it can be a struggle for everyone. I approach mental health and healing from a biological, psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual approach. Healing looks different for each person.
As someone with a Clinical Mental Health background and Family Systems Orientation, I understand that when one person in the family is struggling, it can be a struggle for everyone. I approach mental health and healing from a biological, psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual approach. Healing looks different for each person.
(979) 413-4770 View (979) 413-4770

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.