Photo of DeeDee Bassil, Licensed Professional Counselor in 80216, CO
DeeDee Bassil
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216  (Online Only)
Hi! I am a bilingual therapist with over 20 years of experience. In 2000, I finished my Counseling education at Arizona State University. For the first few years, I worked in an in-patient mental health facility. Over time, I was more drawn to outpatient work and began starting my own Private Practice in 2006 called Life Transitions Counseling. Recently, I have spent time traveling the world working as a Military Family Life Counselor, aiding in the mental health care of our service members and their family members.
Hi! I am a bilingual therapist with over 20 years of experience. In 2000, I finished my Counseling education at Arizona State University. For the first few years, I worked in an in-patient mental health facility. Over time, I was more drawn to outpatient work and began starting my own Private Practice in 2006 called Life Transitions Counseling. Recently, I have spent time traveling the world working as a Military Family Life Counselor, aiding in the mental health care of our service members and their family members.
(720) 734-6311 View (720) 734-6311
Photo of Zoe Hays, Registered Psychotherapist in 80216, CO
Zoe Hays
Registered Psychotherapist, MS, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Denver, CO 80216
I enjoy working with neurospicy/neurosparkly people, queer people, chronically ill people, and people who simply are ready to dive into what it means to be a human in this world. I believe in the interconnectedness of the body, the mind, and the spirit and will bring it all into our sessions if that is what calls to you. I don't believe in pushing people to disclose if they don't want to. I work within a framework of consent and open-heartedness at all times. I want you to feel safe when you are with me and to learn how to hold that space for yourself as well. Please check out my website at mountainmeadowllc.me for more about me.
I enjoy working with neurospicy/neurosparkly people, queer people, chronically ill people, and people who simply are ready to dive into what it means to be a human in this world. I believe in the interconnectedness of the body, the mind, and the spirit and will bring it all into our sessions if that is what calls to you. I don't believe in pushing people to disclose if they don't want to. I work within a framework of consent and open-heartedness at all times. I want you to feel safe when you are with me and to learn how to hold that space for yourself as well. Please check out my website at mountainmeadowllc.me for more about me.
(720) 664-8121 View (720) 664-8121
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.