Transgender Therapists in 85005
For over 25 years as a clinician I remain passionate in helping children, adolescents and families who are struggling with emotional issues and challenges. I provide services for a variety of issues for children and teens ages 3-18. My patient and compassionate approach promotes healing and positive changes. I utilize a strength based treatment to empower children and teens to be successful and emotionally stable. I establish positive relationships with my clients, even those who are initially resistant to therapy. I follow their lead, knowing that establishing trust is the first step in the therapeutic process.
For over 25 years as a clinician I remain passionate in helping children, adolescents and families who are struggling with emotional issues and challenges. I provide services for a variety of issues for children and teens ages 3-18. My patient and compassionate approach promotes healing and positive changes. I utilize a strength based treatment to empower children and teens to be successful and emotionally stable. I establish positive relationships with my clients, even those who are initially resistant to therapy. I follow their lead, knowing that establishing trust is the first step in the therapeutic process.
Enhancement of emotional wellness and fitness is the focus of my practice. I get motivated developing strategies to improve emotion/mood regulation, improved performance, life management, and positive adjustments to transitions in life. Good thought management and effective emotion regulation leads to better decision making and that leads to a confident, self assured outlook on life. I am licensed as a professional counselor in both Missouri and Kansas.
Enhancement of emotional wellness and fitness is the focus of my practice. I get motivated developing strategies to improve emotion/mood regulation, improved performance, life management, and positive adjustments to transitions in life. Good thought management and effective emotion regulation leads to better decision making and that leads to a confident, self assured outlook on life. I am licensed as a professional counselor in both Missouri and Kansas.
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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.