Transgender Therapists in Cedar Hill, MO

Photo of Nicole Reineri, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Nicole Reineri
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Cedar Hill, MO 63016  (Online Only)
Our problems, concerns and struggles in life often cannot be reduced to a simple diagnosis. As human beings navigating a constantly evolving and sometimes difficult world, we are accumulations of our experiences, patterns, skills, and desires. We sometimes need to enhance our abilities to cope or gain insight through seeing a different perspective, but we all have the innate ability to grow and heal ourselves. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in attaining your desired outcomes and reaching a point of contentment in your life.
Our problems, concerns and struggles in life often cannot be reduced to a simple diagnosis. As human beings navigating a constantly evolving and sometimes difficult world, we are accumulations of our experiences, patterns, skills, and desires. We sometimes need to enhance our abilities to cope or gain insight through seeing a different perspective, but we all have the innate ability to grow and heal ourselves. As a therapist, my goal is to assist you in attaining your desired outcomes and reaching a point of contentment in your life.
(636) 452-2764 View (636) 452-2764

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mark Mandell, Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Mark Mandell
Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
High Ridge, MO 63049
I focus my practice on working exclusively with couples. Are you resentful, angry, bitter or confused by interactions with your significant other or do you want to learn how to better communicate and improve the quality of your relationship? If you are tired of the insecurity, fighting, carelessness or living in the "roommate zone", then I invite you to participate in my program. My positive strength based method uses a warm, safe, empowering and collaborative approach that is highly educational and nonjudgmental. Together lets break that toxic spiral of doubt, anxiety, sadness and resentment and start rebuilding something real.
I focus my practice on working exclusively with couples. Are you resentful, angry, bitter or confused by interactions with your significant other or do you want to learn how to better communicate and improve the quality of your relationship? If you are tired of the insecurity, fighting, carelessness or living in the "roommate zone", then I invite you to participate in my program. My positive strength based method uses a warm, safe, empowering and collaborative approach that is highly educational and nonjudgmental. Together lets break that toxic spiral of doubt, anxiety, sadness and resentment and start rebuilding something real.
(636) 431-5299 View (636) 431-5299
Photo of Steven Charles May, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Steven Charles May
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , MA MFT, CJP, APP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
High Ridge, MO 63049
Change does not occur by magic but through courage. You may want to change by tomorrow or you just may want to window shop what change might look like in your life. Wherever you are at in process of change I can collaborate with you on the goals that you wish to achieve. With almost 20 years of experience in psychotherapy practice as well as post-graduate certified training and supervision in a multitude of therapeutic modalities, I would be honored to serve you in the empathic, and collaborative process of change.
Change does not occur by magic but through courage. You may want to change by tomorrow or you just may want to window shop what change might look like in your life. Wherever you are at in process of change I can collaborate with you on the goals that you wish to achieve. With almost 20 years of experience in psychotherapy practice as well as post-graduate certified training and supervision in a multitude of therapeutic modalities, I would be honored to serve you in the empathic, and collaborative process of change.
(314) 347-8250 View (314) 347-8250
Photo of Hope Watkins, Pre-Licensed Professional in Cedar Hill, MO
Hope Watkins
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
Eureka, MO 63025
Are you overwhelmed with worry, sadness, or intrusive thoughts? Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you find yourself pushing away your emotions because they are uncomfortable? It can be challenging to deal with everything life throws at you. Sometimes we can carry the weight of past experiences for years, not knowing how to overcome the build-up of negative experiences and thoughts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel in control of your thoughts and emotions rather than being held at their mercy? It can be a challenging road, but it is well worth the effort.
Are you overwhelmed with worry, sadness, or intrusive thoughts? Are you feeling stuck in life? Do you find yourself pushing away your emotions because they are uncomfortable? It can be challenging to deal with everything life throws at you. Sometimes we can carry the weight of past experiences for years, not knowing how to overcome the build-up of negative experiences and thoughts. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to feel in control of your thoughts and emotions rather than being held at their mercy? It can be a challenging road, but it is well worth the effort.
(636) 339-4955 View (636) 339-4955

Online Therapists

Photo of Tristan Connor, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cedar Hill, MO
Tristan Connor
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADC, CCM
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63116  (Online Only)
As a transgender therapist, one of my passions is working with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ population. I enjoy collaborating with individuals who are exploring their gender and/or sexual identities and hope to offer guidance and compassion as they let go of any residual societal expectations. I have undergone the entire process of hormones, top surgery, and bottom surgeries, and I am open with my clients about my experiences as we work to decrease their gender dysphoria and move toward the eventual goal of gender euphoria.
As a transgender therapist, one of my passions is working with clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ population. I enjoy collaborating with individuals who are exploring their gender and/or sexual identities and hope to offer guidance and compassion as they let go of any residual societal expectations. I have undergone the entire process of hormones, top surgery, and bottom surgeries, and I am open with my clients about my experiences as we work to decrease their gender dysphoria and move toward the eventual goal of gender euphoria.
(314) 501-6096 View (314) 501-6096
Photo of Ozzie Dinwiddie, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cedar Hill, MO
Ozzie Dinwiddie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbia, MO 65201
Trauma work is my main interest, but I also work with those with depression, anxiety, identity issues, neurodivergency, intimate partner violence, sexuality, and gender dysphoria.
My ideal clients are those who have experienced stressful, traumatic events and want to take control over their lives again. I love verbal processors, but have no issue with asking questions to facilitate productive conversations. I work best with adolescents and young adults, and want to be someone knowledgeable and professional, yet relatable and open, in order to create a comfortable environment. I love working with those in the LGBTQ+ community and using my lived experience in that identity to foster a genuine connection and make sure your voice is heard.
Trauma work is my main interest, but I also work with those with depression, anxiety, identity issues, neurodivergency, intimate partner violence, sexuality, and gender dysphoria.
My ideal clients are those who have experienced stressful, traumatic events and want to take control over their lives again. I love verbal processors, but have no issue with asking questions to facilitate productive conversations. I work best with adolescents and young adults, and want to be someone knowledgeable and professional, yet relatable and open, in order to create a comfortable environment. I love working with those in the LGBTQ+ community and using my lived experience in that identity to foster a genuine connection and make sure your voice is heard.
(573) 307-6854 View (573) 307-6854
Photo of L. Charlie Janski-Ogunfidodo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cedar Hill, MO
L. Charlie Janski-Ogunfidodo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63118  (Online Only)
During my career, I have worked with both individual and group settings, including adults with people living with HIV, veterans, incarcerated people and transgender/gender variant individuals. These populations included people with depression, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and depression. I co-facilitated a group for trans youth and co-coordinated it for 6 years. As a proud bisexual, trans man, I love to work with my LGBT communities. I celebrate kinky and poly people. I strive to be an imperfect ally to non-binary trans people and people of color. I take private pay/in person through findingnormalstl.com
During my career, I have worked with both individual and group settings, including adults with people living with HIV, veterans, incarcerated people and transgender/gender variant individuals. These populations included people with depression, bi-polar disorder, personality disorders, anxiety, PTSD and depression. I co-facilitated a group for trans youth and co-coordinated it for 6 years. As a proud bisexual, trans man, I love to work with my LGBT communities. I celebrate kinky and poly people. I strive to be an imperfect ally to non-binary trans people and people of color. I take private pay/in person through findingnormalstl.com
(314) 350-4422 View (314) 350-4422
Photo of Justin Hampton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cedar Hill, MO
Justin Hampton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Clayton, MO 63105
Need help, support, or just feeling stuck? Let's talk. Clients often report they have found me to be warm and genuine, while also being committed to offering effective, research supported treatments. While my experience has spanned across a diversity of people, various settings, and presenting issues I have a specialty and passion for working with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) population. My work and relationship with each client is unique and guided by their needs. I view therapy as a collaboration used to facilitate growth, change, and create a more fulfilling life.
Need help, support, or just feeling stuck? Let's talk. Clients often report they have found me to be warm and genuine, while also being committed to offering effective, research supported treatments. While my experience has spanned across a diversity of people, various settings, and presenting issues I have a specialty and passion for working with the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) population. My work and relationship with each client is unique and guided by their needs. I view therapy as a collaboration used to facilitate growth, change, and create a more fulfilling life.
(314) 300-7973 View (314) 300-7973
Photo of Dr. Lori Becker, Psychologist in Cedar Hill, MO
Dr. Lori Becker
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP
Verified Verified
Clayton, MO 63105
A major part of my therapy practice is dedicated to working with people who identify as transgender, gender diverse, or gender questioning.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment. I am committed to providing ethical care in a safe and trusting environment. I work with clients to help them build the skills they need to improve their lives and relationships, so they can live a rewarding life that is balanced, fulfilling, and consistent with their values. My focus in therapy is to help clients examine what may be contributing to their current distress and help them to find meaning, purpose, and growth.
A major part of my therapy practice is dedicated to working with people who identify as transgender, gender diverse, or gender questioning.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in psychotherapy and diagnostic assessment. I am committed to providing ethical care in a safe and trusting environment. I work with clients to help them build the skills they need to improve their lives and relationships, so they can live a rewarding life that is balanced, fulfilling, and consistent with their values. My focus in therapy is to help clients examine what may be contributing to their current distress and help them to find meaning, purpose, and growth.
(314) 736-3910 View (314) 736-3910
Photo of Katie L Arnold, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Katie L Arnold
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63139
I have a diverse background in the evidence-based treatment of persons with trauma, eating disorders, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ challenges and gender dysphoria. For clients with PTSD and other trauma, common goals include symptom reduction, coping, exploration and healing. With eating disorders, my practice is most appropriate for clients who have attended a higher level of care (e.g. Intensive Outpatient, Residential, PHP) and are looking to confront issues underlying the eating disorder. Clients seeking gender affirming care will find support with expression, transition, relationships and more.
I have a diverse background in the evidence-based treatment of persons with trauma, eating disorders, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, LGBTQIA+ challenges and gender dysphoria. For clients with PTSD and other trauma, common goals include symptom reduction, coping, exploration and healing. With eating disorders, my practice is most appropriate for clients who have attended a higher level of care (e.g. Intensive Outpatient, Residential, PHP) and are looking to confront issues underlying the eating disorder. Clients seeking gender affirming care will find support with expression, transition, relationships and more.
(314) 375-4887 View (314) 375-4887
Photo of Molly Hartigan, Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Molly Hartigan
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Charles, MO 63301
You might be navigating life transitions, struggling with a specific issue or seeking support in general right now. Together, we can work to achieve your goals. My approach is collaborative, LGBTQIA+ informed and affirming, client centered, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I am a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the American Association of Suicidology, and have conducted numerous trainings related to LGBTQIA+ issues and suicide prevention.
You might be navigating life transitions, struggling with a specific issue or seeking support in general right now. Together, we can work to achieve your goals. My approach is collaborative, LGBTQIA+ informed and affirming, client centered, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I am a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the American Association of Suicidology, and have conducted numerous trainings related to LGBTQIA+ issues and suicide prevention.
(314) 907-2840 View (314) 907-2840
Photo of Karen R Moist, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Karen R Moist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
University City, MO 63130
Waitlist for new clients
In my practice I work with families and children who have experienced trauma and are having attachment difficulties. Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse. Some of the children I see are experiencing traumatic stress due to gender fluidity or gender dysphoria. Because trauma is the result of feeling helpless in a situation, many of the families I see have never thought of their child's behavior as a symptom of a life trauma. This shift in perspective is often the beginning of the healing process.
In my practice I work with families and children who have experienced trauma and are having attachment difficulties. Many children I see have pre-verbal trauma from parental stress during pregnancy, adoption, neglect, or abuse. Some of the children I see are experiencing traumatic stress due to gender fluidity or gender dysphoria. Because trauma is the result of feeling helpless in a situation, many of the families I see have never thought of their child's behavior as a symptom of a life trauma. This shift in perspective is often the beginning of the healing process.
(314) 310-0413 View (314) 310-0413
Photo of Chris Scarberry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Chris Scarberry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63109
Main specialty areas: Chronic Illnesses including HIV/AIDS and cancer, Gender Dysphoria, general sexual/sexual orientation concerns, depression, grief, substance abuse, anxiety/trauma, sleep hygiene.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working both as a therapist and doing community-based crisis intervention. I enjoy helping clients to maximize their potential by focusing upon their strengths and past successes. I believe that therapy is a cooperative endeavor that should assist the client in discovering his/her/their own abilities and coping strategies. I relish the opportunity to support clients through trying situations and to help them to process grief. I speak at conferences on HIV/AIDS, work with LGBTQIA clients, and other topics. I served on the HIV service funding Planning Council.
Main specialty areas: Chronic Illnesses including HIV/AIDS and cancer, Gender Dysphoria, general sexual/sexual orientation concerns, depression, grief, substance abuse, anxiety/trauma, sleep hygiene.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working both as a therapist and doing community-based crisis intervention. I enjoy helping clients to maximize their potential by focusing upon their strengths and past successes. I believe that therapy is a cooperative endeavor that should assist the client in discovering his/her/their own abilities and coping strategies. I relish the opportunity to support clients through trying situations and to help them to process grief. I speak at conferences on HIV/AIDS, work with LGBTQIA clients, and other topics. I served on the HIV service funding Planning Council.
(314) 877-8381 View (314) 877-8381
Photo of Melissa V Taylor, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Melissa V Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63108  (Online Only)
We all need help sometimes. Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, life changes, issues around gender and/or sexual orientation, or relationships with unhealthy dynamics? I help people to work through things that may be getting in the way of what they want for their life. My hope for everyone is that they find more peace, strength, and joy in life. I specialize in working with lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender populations.
We all need help sometimes. Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, life changes, issues around gender and/or sexual orientation, or relationships with unhealthy dynamics? I help people to work through things that may be getting in the way of what they want for their life. My hope for everyone is that they find more peace, strength, and joy in life. I specialize in working with lesbian, gay, queer, and transgender populations.
(314) 485-4767 View (314) 485-4767
Diane M Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Charles, MO 63303
I specialize in adults with developmental disabilities including the autism spectrum, same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
Change is possible and hope always exists. I create a therapeutic environment of acceptance with no judgement so that change and growth can occur. My ideal client will realize that something in their life is not working and they want to figure it out and make things better. They want to experience happiness, purpose and peace in their life. Taking that first step toward counseling is challenging but benefits will include increased self-esteem, better relationships, a clearer understanding of self, increased productivity and a greater ability to deal with stress.
I specialize in adults with developmental disabilities including the autism spectrum, same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
Change is possible and hope always exists. I create a therapeutic environment of acceptance with no judgement so that change and growth can occur. My ideal client will realize that something in their life is not working and they want to figure it out and make things better. They want to experience happiness, purpose and peace in their life. Taking that first step toward counseling is challenging but benefits will include increased self-esteem, better relationships, a clearer understanding of self, increased productivity and a greater ability to deal with stress.
(636) 487-4831 View (636) 487-4831
Photo of Lindy Williams, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Lindy Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63146  (Online Only)
Some of my areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, social phobia, loneliness trauma, self-esteem, transgender, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, conflict avoidant and maladaptive perfectionism.
My goal is to help you raise your conscious awareness by living more radically open and learning to have a healthier relationship with your own thoughts. I will teach you how to be more curious about your thoughts instead of struggling against them, at the same time allowing yourself to learn something from them. I like to utilize, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Radical Openness DBT, and Cognitive Behavorial therapy. Finding your edge will be an important part of therapy.
Some of my areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, social phobia, loneliness trauma, self-esteem, transgender, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, conflict avoidant and maladaptive perfectionism.
My goal is to help you raise your conscious awareness by living more radically open and learning to have a healthier relationship with your own thoughts. I will teach you how to be more curious about your thoughts instead of struggling against them, at the same time allowing yourself to learn something from them. I like to utilize, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Radical Openness DBT, and Cognitive Behavorial therapy. Finding your edge will be an important part of therapy.
(314) 866-8368 View (314) 866-8368
Photo of LGBTQ+ Counseling St. Louis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Cedar Hill, MO
LGBTQ+ Counseling St. Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63139
Transgender brothers and sisters, I'll support you in every facet of your emergence.
While I provide individual and relationship counseling for all people, my special interest is to support marginalized populations. My primary expertise is providing counseling and supportive services for the LGBTQ+ constituency. As human beings, we all struggle with feelings of not being good enough, important enough, lovable or able to love. These feelings embed themselves very early in life producing defense mechanisms, although no longer needed, continue to operate below the surface, wreaking havoc on life, relationships and success. The battle is often a daily one; sometimes minute by minute. Don't suffer alone.
Transgender brothers and sisters, I'll support you in every facet of your emergence.
While I provide individual and relationship counseling for all people, my special interest is to support marginalized populations. My primary expertise is providing counseling and supportive services for the LGBTQ+ constituency. As human beings, we all struggle with feelings of not being good enough, important enough, lovable or able to love. These feelings embed themselves very early in life producing defense mechanisms, although no longer needed, continue to operate below the surface, wreaking havoc on life, relationships and success. The battle is often a daily one; sometimes minute by minute. Don't suffer alone.
(314) 270-1852 View (314) 270-1852
Photo of Deborah Vail, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Deborah Vail
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Saint Peters, MO 63376
Waitlist for new clients
Everyday life isn’t supposed to feel quite this hard or overwhelming, right? Maybe you wish you could manage your emotions or stress better. Perhaps something awful or painful happened that has you wondering if you'll ever feel "normal" or well again. Hi, my name is Deborah and I have the honor of empowering people on their courageous journeys to find ease and joy in living again. Join me in a safe and affirming space to gain insight on the origins of your struggles and find lasting healing. I offer in-person sessions in my O'Fallon office, or online telehealth sessions.
Everyday life isn’t supposed to feel quite this hard or overwhelming, right? Maybe you wish you could manage your emotions or stress better. Perhaps something awful or painful happened that has you wondering if you'll ever feel "normal" or well again. Hi, my name is Deborah and I have the honor of empowering people on their courageous journeys to find ease and joy in living again. Join me in a safe and affirming space to gain insight on the origins of your struggles and find lasting healing. I offer in-person sessions in my O'Fallon office, or online telehealth sessions.
(636) 626-4300 View (636) 626-4300
Photo of Rynn Wyrick, Licensed Professional Counselor in Cedar Hill, MO
Rynn Wyrick
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Louis, MO 63101  (Online Only)
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
I specialize in offering trauma-informed therapy to LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent adults residing in Missouri. As a queer and trans individual myself, my focus is on co-creating a safe and affirming environment for folks to thrive. I hold space for clients to explore and process their experiences of grief, complex trauma, and challenges stemming from the impacts of living in a traumatic and oppressive society. I particularly enjoy working with queer and neurodiverse individuals who are interested in taking a more deliberate approach to their personal growth and who wish to develop a deeper connection with themselves and their bodies.
(314) 970-3579 View (314) 970-3579
Photo of Lenna Catrett, Pre-Licensed Professional in Cedar Hill, MO
Lenna Catrett
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63104
Many of us are grappling with the effects of disconnection – from our bodies, emotions, identities, relationships, communities, and the natural world. This disconnection often presents as shame, self-criticism, fear and anxiety, dissociation, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and more. Folks who are seeking to interrogate those symptoms, process traumas (both interpersonal and from larger systems of oppression), nurture self-compassion, build healthy relationships and community, explore social and cultural identities, challenge expectations of how to live a life, and recenter your autonomy: I’d love to work with you.
Many of us are grappling with the effects of disconnection – from our bodies, emotions, identities, relationships, communities, and the natural world. This disconnection often presents as shame, self-criticism, fear and anxiety, dissociation, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and more. Folks who are seeking to interrogate those symptoms, process traumas (both interpersonal and from larger systems of oppression), nurture self-compassion, build healthy relationships and community, explore social and cultural identities, challenge expectations of how to live a life, and recenter your autonomy: I’d love to work with you.
(314) 907-2474 View (314) 907-2474
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.