Photo of Samantha Greene McCumber, Counselor in Omaha, NE
Samantha Greene McCumber
Counselor, MS, LIMHP, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Omaha, NE 68144
I believe there is no problem too big to be overcome! I work with a wide variety of diagnoses and specialize in Anxiety Disorders. Other concentrations include depression, unresolved emotional issues, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, the LGBTQ population, and finding meaning/purpose in life. I use an individualized approach with each client, ensuring that each person's unique concerns, perspectives, and goals are met with warmth, respect, and acceptance.
I believe there is no problem too big to be overcome! I work with a wide variety of diagnoses and specialize in Anxiety Disorders. Other concentrations include depression, unresolved emotional issues, behavioral issues, low self-esteem, the LGBTQ population, and finding meaning/purpose in life. I use an individualized approach with each client, ensuring that each person's unique concerns, perspectives, and goals are met with warmth, respect, and acceptance.
(402) 512-4317 x107 View (402) 512-4317 x107
Photo of Lisa M Basile, Counselor in Omaha, NE
Lisa M Basile
Counselor, MA, LMHP
Verified Verified
Omaha, NE 68130
I offer a compassionate and open environment to explore and release the obstacles that cause us to limit our full potential. I believe that we experience conditions such as anxiety, depression, etc. when we are living incongruently from our true nature or essence. Often times, experiencing these strong emotional symptoms is the first sign that we are living out of balance. The longer the imbalance is present, the more susceptible our bodies become to developing disease. Working through and releasing emotional blocks is an important step towards full integration of the body, mind, and spirit.
I offer a compassionate and open environment to explore and release the obstacles that cause us to limit our full potential. I believe that we experience conditions such as anxiety, depression, etc. when we are living incongruently from our true nature or essence. Often times, experiencing these strong emotional symptoms is the first sign that we are living out of balance. The longer the imbalance is present, the more susceptible our bodies become to developing disease. Working through and releasing emotional blocks is an important step towards full integration of the body, mind, and spirit.
(402) 318-5109 View (402) 318-5109
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.