Transgender Therapists in East Congress, Austin, TX
First I'd like to say that I'm glad you're here. Prioritizing yourself and your mental health is a vulnerable process. It is my intention to create a space with choice, encouragement, and warmth. The time we have together is set aside to address whatever stressors are most present in your life. I have experience supporting adults struggling with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. In addition to counseling, I have provided advocacy and trial prep to survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. I'm a staunch advocate for women's rights, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
First I'd like to say that I'm glad you're here. Prioritizing yourself and your mental health is a vulnerable process. It is my intention to create a space with choice, encouragement, and warmth. The time we have together is set aside to address whatever stressors are most present in your life. I have experience supporting adults struggling with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder. In addition to counseling, I have provided advocacy and trial prep to survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. I'm a staunch advocate for women's rights, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.
Melinda Barsales
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
East Congress, Austin, TX 78745
We exist in relationship with others, our society and culture, and as the embodied totality of our experiences. The collaborative process of re-imagining one’s life through the unique relationship with a therapist can create avenues for healing, hope, and possibility. My therapeutic approach is informed by an enthusiasm for creative expression, mindfulness practices, and conversational mutuality. I invite compassionate curiosity to shift unhelpful patterns and create new meaning in your life and relationships. I believe that you are the expert of your life and I welcome the opportunity to explore with you the process of becoming.
We exist in relationship with others, our society and culture, and as the embodied totality of our experiences. The collaborative process of re-imagining one’s life through the unique relationship with a therapist can create avenues for healing, hope, and possibility. My therapeutic approach is informed by an enthusiasm for creative expression, mindfulness practices, and conversational mutuality. I invite compassionate curiosity to shift unhelpful patterns and create new meaning in your life and relationships. I believe that you are the expert of your life and I welcome the opportunity to explore with you the process of becoming.
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for East Congress, Austin
See More Transgender TherapistsNearby Searches for East Congress, Austin
- Franklin Park
- Galindo
- McKinney
- Parker Lane
- Saint Edwards
- SoCo
- South Congress Ave
- South Manchaca
- Southeast Austin
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.