Transgender Therapists in Eau Claire, WI
Coltan Schoenike
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LAMFT
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I also want to be there especially for my fellow queer and transgender people given how lonely I felt thinking that there were no therapists like me.
I trained in one of the longest-running accredited marriage and family therapy programs in the United States and furthered that education with an additional graduate certificate in Sex Therapy. I feel this training has made me more than equipped to help with relationships with ourselves and others, especially for people in the LGBTQIA+ communities.
I also want to be there especially for my fellow queer and transgender people given how lonely I felt thinking that there were no therapists like me.
I trained in one of the longest-running accredited marriage and family therapy programs in the United States and furthered that education with an additional graduate certificate in Sex Therapy. I feel this training has made me more than equipped to help with relationships with ourselves and others, especially for people in the LGBTQIA+ communities.
I enjoy working with people to create a nonjudgmental space that is tailored to their needs and goals. My view is that we are connected internally and externally in a web of different systems that impact us, and through understanding how these systems and the client are affecting one another do we get a comprehensive view of what’s going on. When appropriate and agreed upon, I will work with people in these different systems (e.g., family, loved ones, teachers, primary care providers, social workers, parole officers, etc.) to help provide continuity of care and a cohesive treatment plan.
I enjoy working with people to create a nonjudgmental space that is tailored to their needs and goals. My view is that we are connected internally and externally in a web of different systems that impact us, and through understanding how these systems and the client are affecting one another do we get a comprehensive view of what’s going on. When appropriate and agreed upon, I will work with people in these different systems (e.g., family, loved ones, teachers, primary care providers, social workers, parole officers, etc.) to help provide continuity of care and a cohesive treatment plan.
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, identity, and relationships, despite these things being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex & relationship therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures.
Here are some of the topics that often come up in sex & relationship therapy with the folks I work with:
Very few of us were given the tools and affirmation needed to navigate sex, identity, and relationships, despite these things being a fundamental part of our humanity. I am a sex & relationship therapist passionate about reducing sexual shame, fostering a lens of curiosity and self-acceptance in sexuality, building a sense of playfulness and confidence, developing a personal acumen of sexual values, and unlearning messages of sex-negative cultures.
Here are some of the topics that often come up in sex & relationship therapy with the folks I work with:
We all struggle with navigating our lives at some time or another. Whether it be with who we are, relationships in our lives, day-to-day stress, or the compounding challenges of all of the above - we need help. As a licensed psychologist and non-binary, queer, liberation-focused therapist, I am dedicated to providing a transformative therapeutic experience that centers on your journey toward self-empowerment and joy. My practice is founded on the belief that every individual deserves a space where they can explore, heal, and thrive without fear of judgment or marginalization.
We all struggle with navigating our lives at some time or another. Whether it be with who we are, relationships in our lives, day-to-day stress, or the compounding challenges of all of the above - we need help. As a licensed psychologist and non-binary, queer, liberation-focused therapist, I am dedicated to providing a transformative therapeutic experience that centers on your journey toward self-empowerment and joy. My practice is founded on the belief that every individual deserves a space where they can explore, heal, and thrive without fear of judgment or marginalization.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re constantly wondering whether you are in a safe place to be your authentic self. Perhaps you've been hurt by your parents and peers or have lost out on opportunities to date people who you were truly interested in. You don’t want to feel so anxious around others and you know that something needs to change. Whether you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, or came out a long time ago and are struggling due to unsupportive family, friends, or your own self-doubts, there IS a path forward to live freely and happily.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you’re constantly wondering whether you are in a safe place to be your authentic self. Perhaps you've been hurt by your parents and peers or have lost out on opportunities to date people who you were truly interested in. You don’t want to feel so anxious around others and you know that something needs to change. Whether you're exploring your sexuality or gender identity for the first time, or came out a long time ago and are struggling due to unsupportive family, friends, or your own self-doubts, there IS a path forward to live freely and happily.
I’m no “how do you feel about that?” therapist. You’re serious about your life, and you want real value for your time and money. I’m like a conductor and coach: your growth is my growth. I give no-nonsense feedback—no excuses, no sugarcoating (maybe a little cheeze sometimes because life is too real sometimes). I’m brown, queer, gender-affirming, sex-positive, and here to help you build deep, satisfying relationships. Connection is power and purpose. My mission is to remind people of their inherent worthiness, to invite them to practice love for themselves, others, and their communities, and to offer lessons in liberation.
I’m no “how do you feel about that?” therapist. You’re serious about your life, and you want real value for your time and money. I’m like a conductor and coach: your growth is my growth. I give no-nonsense feedback—no excuses, no sugarcoating (maybe a little cheeze sometimes because life is too real sometimes). I’m brown, queer, gender-affirming, sex-positive, and here to help you build deep, satisfying relationships. Connection is power and purpose. My mission is to remind people of their inherent worthiness, to invite them to practice love for themselves, others, and their communities, and to offer lessons in liberation.
I love working with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as boundaries and boundary setting, personal power, gender identity, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship stressors, life transitions, non-monogamy, sex and sexuality, kink exploration, and anything else that affects our ability to be ourselves. I am a body-positive, queer, neurodivergent, wonderful person. My approach to this work is continuously informed by my values in anti-racism, queer and intersectional feminist theory, and body liberation.
I love working with couples, families, and individuals in areas such as boundaries and boundary setting, personal power, gender identity, anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship stressors, life transitions, non-monogamy, sex and sexuality, kink exploration, and anything else that affects our ability to be ourselves. I am a body-positive, queer, neurodivergent, wonderful person. My approach to this work is continuously informed by my values in anti-racism, queer and intersectional feminist theory, and body liberation.
Adults and young adults with ADHD often benefit from ADHD Specialized therapy with me. You can get help addressing co-occurring conditions, developing coping skills, improving self-esteem, enhancing organization and time management, and building relationships. Ultimately you can expect better academic, work, and social outcomes after diagnosis. My specialty is to play a crucial role in your ADHD diagnostic process by initiating assessments and providing collaboration with your physician. This may include discussing with you, childhood background, life circumstances, presenting symptoms, ADHD diagnostic questionnaires and scales.
Adults and young adults with ADHD often benefit from ADHD Specialized therapy with me. You can get help addressing co-occurring conditions, developing coping skills, improving self-esteem, enhancing organization and time management, and building relationships. Ultimately you can expect better academic, work, and social outcomes after diagnosis. My specialty is to play a crucial role in your ADHD diagnostic process by initiating assessments and providing collaboration with your physician. This may include discussing with you, childhood background, life circumstances, presenting symptoms, ADHD diagnostic questionnaires and scales.
Passionate about helping others, I offer a space that is safe and genuine to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and offer services to adults, couples, and adolescents. I have extensive experience and a desire to work with individuals who have experienced the impacts of trauma in their lives. Trauma looks different for everyone and working through those memories, emotions, and body sensations can be both scary and painful. Meeting you where you are at in your journey to create personalized goals with intention is my highest priority.
Passionate about helping others, I offer a space that is safe and genuine to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and offer services to adults, couples, and adolescents. I have extensive experience and a desire to work with individuals who have experienced the impacts of trauma in their lives. Trauma looks different for everyone and working through those memories, emotions, and body sensations can be both scary and painful. Meeting you where you are at in your journey to create personalized goals with intention is my highest priority.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults within the scope of individual, relational, and family therapy. I have experience working with children and adolescents dealing with mental health challenges, such as: behavioral issues, difficulty managing emotions, self-injurious behavior, post traumatic stress and low self-esteem. I also support individuals learning to manage symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and problematic life experiences.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults within the scope of individual, relational, and family therapy. I have experience working with children and adolescents dealing with mental health challenges, such as: behavioral issues, difficulty managing emotions, self-injurious behavior, post traumatic stress and low self-esteem. I also support individuals learning to manage symptoms related to anxiety, depression, trauma, and problematic life experiences.
You might be diagnosed or self-diagnosed as autistic or ADHD. Maybe you’re a neurodivergent parent trying to support your child while doing your best just to get through the day. Or maybe you’ve often felt like you experience the world more intensely than others—or like you just don’t quite fit. If you’re exhausted from masking, overwhelmed by the world, or longing for a space that finally feels safe—I want you to know: I see you. You’re not alone here. There’s room for all of you.
You might be diagnosed or self-diagnosed as autistic or ADHD. Maybe you’re a neurodivergent parent trying to support your child while doing your best just to get through the day. Or maybe you’ve often felt like you experience the world more intensely than others—or like you just don’t quite fit. If you’re exhausted from masking, overwhelmed by the world, or longing for a space that finally feels safe—I want you to know: I see you. You’re not alone here. There’s room for all of you.
Everyone deserves to reach their full potential; to thrive in life; to love and to be loved. We weren't meant to do it all on our own! It is my mission to help individuals, couples, and families on their path toward fulfilling and functional lives. Whether healing from trauma or abuse, facing adversity, dealing with transitions or loss, relationship and family challenges, personal growth, life stressors, or mental health issues, I will work alongside you to reach your goals with a dynamic, strengths-based approach.
Everyone deserves to reach their full potential; to thrive in life; to love and to be loved. We weren't meant to do it all on our own! It is my mission to help individuals, couples, and families on their path toward fulfilling and functional lives. Whether healing from trauma or abuse, facing adversity, dealing with transitions or loss, relationship and family challenges, personal growth, life stressors, or mental health issues, I will work alongside you to reach your goals with a dynamic, strengths-based approach.
Prior to becoming a therapist I was a pilot in the Army for about 8 years, and one of the big reasons I got into therapy was because of how impactful it was for me personally. My undergraduate degree was completed at the United States Military Academy: West Point in 2015, and my masters degree at UW-Stout in 2022. Since starting as a therapist, I have worked with a wide variety of concerns including trauma, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, couples counseling, and self-image.
Prior to becoming a therapist I was a pilot in the Army for about 8 years, and one of the big reasons I got into therapy was because of how impactful it was for me personally. My undergraduate degree was completed at the United States Military Academy: West Point in 2015, and my masters degree at UW-Stout in 2022. Since starting as a therapist, I have worked with a wide variety of concerns including trauma, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, couples counseling, and self-image.
An ideal client is one who is being just who they are in spite of all the challenges or concerns they may be dealing with. I also have weekend and some evening hours.
An ideal client is one who is being just who they are in spite of all the challenges or concerns they may be dealing with. I also have weekend and some evening hours.
My trauma informed approach is relational and person-centered in nature. I honor the importance of meaning making in therapy and see the task of therapy as facilitating fuller movement into connection and relationship with self and others.
My trauma informed approach is relational and person-centered in nature. I honor the importance of meaning making in therapy and see the task of therapy as facilitating fuller movement into connection and relationship with self and others.
Are you struggling with stress in your daily life that keeps you awake at night or ongoing depression that prevents you from feeling motivated? Maybe you've experienced a significant loss or trauma that causes debilitating intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. Additionally, if you are struggling with the stress of university life, setting healthy boundaries, or communication with a partner or family member, we are here to help you explore what is keeping you stuck and find new ways of coping.
Are you struggling with stress in your daily life that keeps you awake at night or ongoing depression that prevents you from feeling motivated? Maybe you've experienced a significant loss or trauma that causes debilitating intrusive thoughts or flashbacks. Additionally, if you are struggling with the stress of university life, setting healthy boundaries, or communication with a partner or family member, we are here to help you explore what is keeping you stuck and find new ways of coping.
Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions or physical symptoms, such as hopelessness, pain, or panic? Does the thought of being present with your body feel uncomfortable or even scary? In my work, I help folks of all backgrounds find a sense of safety in their body after experiences of trauma, chronic pain, and body-based oppression (transphobia, anti-fat bias, ableism, racism, etc.). We’ll work together to understand and befriend your nervous system and build upon experiences of safety and connection to promote healing and emotional well-being.
Do you feel overwhelmed by emotions or physical symptoms, such as hopelessness, pain, or panic? Does the thought of being present with your body feel uncomfortable or even scary? In my work, I help folks of all backgrounds find a sense of safety in their body after experiences of trauma, chronic pain, and body-based oppression (transphobia, anti-fat bias, ableism, racism, etc.). We’ll work together to understand and befriend your nervous system and build upon experiences of safety and connection to promote healing and emotional well-being.
Taking the first step toward personal growth through therapy is a profound act of courage. With the right support, I believe everyone has the capability to heal, grow, and thrive in ways that align with their unique needs. My goal is to provide a safe, authentic, and empowering space where clients feel heard and understood, helping them to process past or present challenges and build confidence for the future.
I have experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including but not limited to: anxiety, trauma, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship challenges, mood disorders, work/school/life stress, and self-esteem.
Taking the first step toward personal growth through therapy is a profound act of courage. With the right support, I believe everyone has the capability to heal, grow, and thrive in ways that align with their unique needs. My goal is to provide a safe, authentic, and empowering space where clients feel heard and understood, helping them to process past or present challenges and build confidence for the future.
I have experience working with a wide range of presenting concerns, including but not limited to: anxiety, trauma, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ issues, relationship challenges, mood disorders, work/school/life stress, and self-esteem.
Are you feeling like it’s hard to authentically be yourself or connect with others? As a relational therapist, I recognize that our connections are the basis of both the greatest struggles and the greatest rewards we can know as humans. I specialize in work with couples, families, and individuals who have "non-traditional" relationships and sexualities. My work with clients is open and collaborative, often using narrative therapy, EFT/attachment theory, and systems theory to help people flesh out their sense of identity and strengths. You can expect transparency, a culturally-attuned lens, and a little humor in therapy with me!
Are you feeling like it’s hard to authentically be yourself or connect with others? As a relational therapist, I recognize that our connections are the basis of both the greatest struggles and the greatest rewards we can know as humans. I specialize in work with couples, families, and individuals who have "non-traditional" relationships and sexualities. My work with clients is open and collaborative, often using narrative therapy, EFT/attachment theory, and systems theory to help people flesh out their sense of identity and strengths. You can expect transparency, a culturally-attuned lens, and a little humor in therapy with me!
Trauma and chronic stress can leave us disconnected from our sense of self and inner wisdom. This can make life difficult, as your guidance system is not easily accessible and external factors end up steering your life. You may also feel a general lack of safety in your body and this world. Healing past trauma, improving relational patterns and building self-trust, can support you in living a more aligned life. I know how hard this work is, including owning what you Actually want and holding yourself with compassion for what has already occurred.
Trauma and chronic stress can leave us disconnected from our sense of self and inner wisdom. This can make life difficult, as your guidance system is not easily accessible and external factors end up steering your life. You may also feel a general lack of safety in your body and this world. Healing past trauma, improving relational patterns and building self-trust, can support you in living a more aligned life. I know how hard this work is, including owning what you Actually want and holding yourself with compassion for what has already occurred.
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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.