Photo of Carey Lawford, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Carey Lawford
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4C
I follow the World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over a decade of experience providing assessment and psychotherapeutic services. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto (MSW). In addition to my independent practice, I have a clinical role at a large mental health teaching hospital. I hold Adjunct Lecturer Status in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. My practice is an affirming space for diverse communities, including gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ) clients and allies.
I follow the World Professional Association of Transgender Health Standards of Care.
I am a Registered Social Worker (RSW) with over a decade of experience providing assessment and psychotherapeutic services. I have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto (MSW). In addition to my independent practice, I have a clinical role at a large mental health teaching hospital. I hold Adjunct Lecturer Status in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. My practice is an affirming space for diverse communities, including gender and sexually diverse (LGBTQ) clients and allies.
(647) 696-5198 View (647) 696-5198
Photo of Amy O'Leary, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Amy O'Leary
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4Y  (Online Only)
If you're concerned about finances or affording therapy, I can offer sliding scale rates for members of the transgender community.
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
If you're concerned about finances or affording therapy, I can offer sliding scale rates for members of the transgender community.
Taking new clients for evenings and weekends! As a therapist, I treat adults seeking support with their sexual orientation or gender identity, along with the challenges of coming out. I also treat symptoms such as anxiety, and depression, or are seeking assistance in family conflicts. As a member of the WPATH, I can offer letters for adults seeking gender-affirming care services that require a therapist's letter. Lastly, those who come to see me want to look deep into themselves, and set goals to parse through their internal judgments to see how our negative experiences with others and society have impacted our own self-esteem.
View
Photo of Makinz Madigan Meisel, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Makinz Madigan Meisel
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6H  (Online Only)
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I am a client-centered, trauma-informed practicing queer social worker. I specialize in clinical practice; as well as, connecting my clients to appropriate community services and supports. I am committed to serving diverse communities as a social worker and advocate. I specialize in aiding 2SLGBTQIA communities with a focus on folks who identify as transgender/non gender conforming/fluid. Moreover, I have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health, specifically mood disorders, and trauma.
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I am a client-centered, trauma-informed practicing queer social worker. I specialize in clinical practice; as well as, connecting my clients to appropriate community services and supports. I am committed to serving diverse communities as a social worker and advocate. I specialize in aiding 2SLGBTQIA communities with a focus on folks who identify as transgender/non gender conforming/fluid. Moreover, I have years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health, specifically mood disorders, and trauma.
(647) 492-5207 View (647) 492-5207
Photo of Sawyer Johnson, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Sawyer Johnson
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6J  (Online Only)
Are you looking for a therapist that understands what it means to be a part of the queer and trans community? Hi! My name is Sawyer and I use they/them pronouns. I’m a queer, transgender, non-binary registered social worker, and therapist working with Positive Space Consulting. I’m looking to connect deeply with the queer and trans community in a relational and curious way. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the Univesity of Calgary.
Are you looking for a therapist that understands what it means to be a part of the queer and trans community? Hi! My name is Sawyer and I use they/them pronouns. I’m a queer, transgender, non-binary registered social worker, and therapist working with Positive Space Consulting. I’m looking to connect deeply with the queer and trans community in a relational and curious way. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work from the Univesity of Calgary.
(437) 372-5463 View (437) 372-5463
Photo of Jake Farr, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Jake Farr
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M3C  (Online Only)
I specialize in transgender care.
My philosophy is, you are not broken, you are not something to be fixed! There is something you are wanting to change. That is the focus of what we can work on together. All individuals seeking assistance to navigate their life's journey are welcomed. I listen to what your needs are, help provide you with tools to find a path to break down barriers that are keeping you from living your best life. I believe a counsellor and a client must be able to establish a trusting relationship to make the most of the time spent together. I offer structured/non structured therapies depending on the needs of the clients.
I specialize in transgender care.
My philosophy is, you are not broken, you are not something to be fixed! There is something you are wanting to change. That is the focus of what we can work on together. All individuals seeking assistance to navigate their life's journey are welcomed. I listen to what your needs are, help provide you with tools to find a path to break down barriers that are keeping you from living your best life. I believe a counsellor and a client must be able to establish a trusting relationship to make the most of the time spent together. I offer structured/non structured therapies depending on the needs of the clients.
(833) 559-7511 View (833) 559-7511
Photo of Jey Benoit, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Jey Benoit
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M3H
Practicing from an ecological stance, I recognize that individuals exist within larger systems which can significantly impact their well-being. It's important for me to understand all aspects of a client's life beyond their presenting symptoms to form a well-rounded picture of the contributing factors in their mental health experiences. I primarily work with adolescent and adult clients for individual, couple and family therapy. I am specifically interested in working with romantic relationship conflict, trauma (acute and complex), transgender health, life transition stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
Practicing from an ecological stance, I recognize that individuals exist within larger systems which can significantly impact their well-being. It's important for me to understand all aspects of a client's life beyond their presenting symptoms to form a well-rounded picture of the contributing factors in their mental health experiences. I primarily work with adolescent and adult clients for individual, couple and family therapy. I am specifically interested in working with romantic relationship conflict, trauma (acute and complex), transgender health, life transition stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances.
(902) 490-0090 View (902) 490-0090
Photo of Caroline Maykut - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health, Psychologist in Toronto, ON
Caroline Maykut - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Health
Psychologist, PhD, C PSYC
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R
I have worked in Relationship and Sex Therapy, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Transgender Health programs.
I work with a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and phase of life adjustments. I have a special interest in working with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems on issues related to sexual health and function, intimacy, compulsive/problematic sexual behavior, sexual trauma recovery, and gender identity exploration and/or gender transition support. I am affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities.
I have worked in Relationship and Sex Therapy, Compulsive Sexual Behavior, and Transgender Health programs.
I work with a wide variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and phase of life adjustments. I have a special interest in working with individuals, couples, and other relationship systems on issues related to sexual health and function, intimacy, compulsive/problematic sexual behavior, sexual trauma recovery, and gender identity exploration and/or gender transition support. I am affirming and knowledgeable of LGBTQ+, poly/ENM, and kink identities.
(289) 806-3745 View (289) 806-3745
Photo of Tynan Rhea, Sex & Relationship Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Tynan Rhea, Sex & Relationship Therapist
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4K  (Online Only)
Whether that is within queer relationships, transgender identities, sensory overwhelm during sex, or exploring their asexuality.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (008887). Explore your relationships and sexuality in a space free of judgement. I take a non-pathologizing, non-judgmental, holistic approach to sex counselling and sex therapy. I provide sex therapy and sex counselling for individuals or within relationship counselling or couples therapy that incorporates an understanding of how our sexuality is shaped by the relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and larger society. I believe there are limitless ways to live a pleasurable life when practiced in a compassionate, caring, consensual environment with or without sex.
Whether that is within queer relationships, transgender identities, sensory overwhelm during sex, or exploring their asexuality.
I am a Registered Psychotherapist with the CRPO (008887). Explore your relationships and sexuality in a space free of judgement. I take a non-pathologizing, non-judgmental, holistic approach to sex counselling and sex therapy. I provide sex therapy and sex counselling for individuals or within relationship counselling or couples therapy that incorporates an understanding of how our sexuality is shaped by the relationship between the mind, body, spirit, and larger society. I believe there are limitless ways to live a pleasurable life when practiced in a compassionate, caring, consensual environment with or without sex.
View
Photo of Lisa Shouldice Psychotherapy Clinic, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Lisa Shouldice Psychotherapy Clinic
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, CCP
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M6G
We work within the LGBTQIA2S+ community supporting gay, lesbian and transgender people.
The Clinic team offers individual, couple/family counselling. I use emotion & solution-focused techniques in session. We will talk about and explore feelings, helping you completely process emotions, to better guide you in relationships and decision-making. Our team has created the capacity to also offer CBT, IFS, DBT and many other person-centred/psychodynamic approaches, even mindfulness! We will also help you learn healthy relationship skills and other issues you may be struggling with ex: boundaries, assertiveness. The clinic is trauma specialized, helping people who have experienced trauma and related symptoms.
We work within the LGBTQIA2S+ community supporting gay, lesbian and transgender people.
The Clinic team offers individual, couple/family counselling. I use emotion & solution-focused techniques in session. We will talk about and explore feelings, helping you completely process emotions, to better guide you in relationships and decision-making. Our team has created the capacity to also offer CBT, IFS, DBT and many other person-centred/psychodynamic approaches, even mindfulness! We will also help you learn healthy relationship skills and other issues you may be struggling with ex: boundaries, assertiveness. The clinic is trauma specialized, helping people who have experienced trauma and related symptoms.
(855) 997-1457 View (855) 997-1457
Photo of Lorraine M Munro (She They), Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Lorraine M Munro (She They)
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y
Specific areas of experience include healing from trauma; settlement and transition; parenting; work stressors, sex work and non-traditional work; gender, gender non-conforming, gender-queer, transgender experience; sexuality and relationships, including polyamory, monogamy, kink and working through conflict.
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
Specific areas of experience include healing from trauma; settlement and transition; parenting; work stressors, sex work and non-traditional work; gender, gender non-conforming, gender-queer, transgender experience; sexuality and relationships, including polyamory, monogamy, kink and working through conflict.
As a psychotherapist, I support you in fostering authentic relationships with yourself and your communities. I offer a space for reflection that is non-judgmental, queer positive - and has wheelchair access. I draw on a variety of approaches, with a focus on what works for you, and the different parts of you.
(855) 980-1801 View (855) 980-1801
Photo of Brad Garrison, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Brad Garrison
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5B  (Online Only)
I specialize in sex therapy, couples / marriage counselling, and work with LGBTQ+ and transgender communities and have experience offering service to diverse clients from marginalized, BIPOC, poly, and kink communities.
Sex and relationships are often at the core of our lives. The ways in which we connect with others - and with ourselves - can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Communication barriers, sexual dysfunction, disconnection, infidelity, domestic abuse, trauma, and other kinds of psychosocial concerns are common challenges that lead people to seek therapy with me. Many of my clients are wanting to calm anxiety, develop coping skills, increase sexual satisfaction, reconnect with partners, or heal from trauma and abuse.
I specialize in sex therapy, couples / marriage counselling, and work with LGBTQ+ and transgender communities and have experience offering service to diverse clients from marginalized, BIPOC, poly, and kink communities.
Sex and relationships are often at the core of our lives. The ways in which we connect with others - and with ourselves - can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Communication barriers, sexual dysfunction, disconnection, infidelity, domestic abuse, trauma, and other kinds of psychosocial concerns are common challenges that lead people to seek therapy with me. Many of my clients are wanting to calm anxiety, develop coping skills, increase sexual satisfaction, reconnect with partners, or heal from trauma and abuse.
(249) 444-4094 View (249) 444-4094
Photo of Dr. Ammaar Kidwai - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Healt, Psychologist in Toronto, ON
Dr. Ammaar Kidwai - Centre For Psychology And Emotional Healt
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M5R  (Online Only)
I specialize in assessing and treating a broad range of concerns among adults and couples. These include low mood, depression, grief, anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, health anxiety), perfectionism, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder including complex trauma (e.g., interpersonal, racial, sexual), relationship difficulties, gender and sexual identity (e.g., homophobia, transphobia), emotional regulation difficulties, suicidality, and psychosis. Moreover, I am qualified to conduct assessments for gender dysphoria and surgical readiness for transgender and other gender diverse individuals.
I specialize in assessing and treating a broad range of concerns among adults and couples. These include low mood, depression, grief, anxiety (e.g., social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety, health anxiety), perfectionism, OCD, post-traumatic stress disorder including complex trauma (e.g., interpersonal, racial, sexual), relationship difficulties, gender and sexual identity (e.g., homophobia, transphobia), emotional regulation difficulties, suicidality, and psychosis. Moreover, I am qualified to conduct assessments for gender dysphoria and surgical readiness for transgender and other gender diverse individuals.
(437) 500-6477 View (437) 500-6477
Photo of Brad Garrison, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Brad Garrison
Registered Psychotherapist, MEd, RP, CCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
Brad Garrison (he/him) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a professional member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto (OISE). Brad is also a graduate of the Addictions Careworker Diploma Program at the University of McMaster and has completed the University of Guelph’s Intensive Sex Therapy Training program.
Brad Garrison (he/him) is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and a professional member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology with a collaborative specialization in Sexual Diversity Studies from the University of Toronto (OISE). Brad is also a graduate of the Addictions Careworker Diploma Program at the University of McMaster and has completed the University of Guelph’s Intensive Sex Therapy Training program.
View
Photo of Steven Ross Therapy, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Steven Ross Therapy
Registered Social Worker, RSW, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Toronto, ON M4Y
I am an RSW LCSW psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto and NY serving clients via Zoom/phone in Ontario, NY, NJ. I tend to see a broad assortment of people, many who are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and difficulty coping. Some struggle with being single, others within their relationship, or with their sexual authenticity. Together through talk therapy we can find a pathway to a deeper understanding and a way to move forward with confidence and security My clients are from different worlds, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, young and old, single, married, and all those in-between.
I am an RSW LCSW psychotherapist with a private practice in Toronto and NY serving clients via Zoom/phone in Ontario, NY, NJ. I tend to see a broad assortment of people, many who are suffering from depression, anxiety, stress and difficulty coping. Some struggle with being single, others within their relationship, or with their sexual authenticity. Together through talk therapy we can find a pathway to a deeper understanding and a way to move forward with confidence and security My clients are from different worlds, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, young and old, single, married, and all those in-between.
(647) 694-7802 View (647) 694-7802
Photo of Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Sherel Griffiths Therapy & Mediation Services
Registered Psychotherapist, MSW, LCSW, CFT, AFM, MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M5T  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Through CFT training, an internship at MUSIC, and being a member of the transgender research group, I have developed a growing competency and keen interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized, immigrant clients and couples.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
Through CFT training, an internship at MUSIC, and being a member of the transgender research group, I have developed a growing competency and keen interest in working with 2SLGBTQIA+ racialized, immigrant clients and couples.
Maneuvering through the different stages of "Life Journey" can be fulfilling as well as filled with periods of high stress, and emotional imbalance. Through the guiding principles of dignity, diversity, and self-determination, individual therapy brings growth by focusing on your strengths and resilience. Couple therapy can be beneficial to couples who are looking to strengthen their emotional connection in all stages of their relationship. Through the process of couple therapy, I vow to help you understand and become unstuck from the repetitive cycle of miscommunication, stepping on each other's toes, and triggering unhealed wounds.
(438) 255-4340 View (438) 255-4340
Photo of Ezra Cake, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Ezra Cake
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA(Hon)
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6G  (Online Only)
You really can feel more comfort and joy in your own skin! You can unwind shame and anxiety around your a/sexuality and a/gender and discover them as a source of vibrancy and affirmation. Pleasure is a profound healer and you deserve more of it in your life! I’m here to help you live your most fabulous life while enjoying the process along the way. You might be thinking, is that even possible? Isn’t therapy painful? Therapy with me is a warm collaboration, with laughter, practicality, good science and more than a pinch of creativity. I show up as a real person and journey beside you towards your goals.
You really can feel more comfort and joy in your own skin! You can unwind shame and anxiety around your a/sexuality and a/gender and discover them as a source of vibrancy and affirmation. Pleasure is a profound healer and you deserve more of it in your life! I’m here to help you live your most fabulous life while enjoying the process along the way. You might be thinking, is that even possible? Isn’t therapy painful? Therapy with me is a warm collaboration, with laughter, practicality, good science and more than a pinch of creativity. I show up as a real person and journey beside you towards your goals.
View
Photo of Kai Grant in Toronto, ON
Kai Grant
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6N  (Online Only)
It is seeming all too normal these days to experience feelings of disconnection. A separation from ourselves, our passions, our bodies, our communities, etc. We spend so much time in our heads trying to figure out how to survive when we so desperately want to be thriving. Where has our aliveness gone? How do we get our bodies and our senses back online and truly show up for our unique experience?
It is seeming all too normal these days to experience feelings of disconnection. A separation from ourselves, our passions, our bodies, our communities, etc. We spend so much time in our heads trying to figure out how to survive when we so desperately want to be thriving. Where has our aliveness gone? How do we get our bodies and our senses back online and truly show up for our unique experience?
(647) 492-6054 View (647) 492-6054
Photo of Monica Goulet, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Monica Goulet
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M6P  (Online Only)
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, trauma, or marginalization, you may find hope and empowerment through therapy. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I focus on social justice and how oppression can both impact you and be resisted on a personal level. I will support you to work with overwhelming emotions so that they don’t control you or damage your relationships, and instead guide you towards a more fulfilling life. Through a supportive and collaborative relationship, we can deeply understand your experiences, help you heal from their impacts, and work towards your hopes for your life.
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, trauma, or marginalization, you may find hope and empowerment through therapy. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I focus on social justice and how oppression can both impact you and be resisted on a personal level. I will support you to work with overwhelming emotions so that they don’t control you or damage your relationships, and instead guide you towards a more fulfilling life. Through a supportive and collaborative relationship, we can deeply understand your experiences, help you heal from their impacts, and work towards your hopes for your life.
(437) 747-5210 View (437) 747-5210
Photo of Tate Sameshima, Registered Psychotherapist in Toronto, ON
Tate Sameshima
Registered Psychotherapist, dipTIRP, BFA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M9A
Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world and all its grieving parts or you’ve been meaning to start this journey for a while now. Maybe you've noticed a repeating of patterns in relationship, causing you upset and overwhelm. No matter what you bring with you, we can move through it all and make sense of it, together, at a pace that feels right for you. And when you feel ready, we will face the difficult pieces of your story, together.
Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world and all its grieving parts or you’ve been meaning to start this journey for a while now. Maybe you've noticed a repeating of patterns in relationship, causing you upset and overwhelm. No matter what you bring with you, we can move through it all and make sense of it, together, at a pace that feels right for you. And when you feel ready, we will face the difficult pieces of your story, together.
(289) 276-7528 View (289) 276-7528
Photo of Nolan Blodgett, Registered Social Worker in Toronto, ON
Nolan Blodgett
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Toronto, ON M4X
I have experience working with youth and adults with an emphasis on and gender diverse folks and the LGBTQ2S community. I have supported clients with a range of presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, body image, eating disorders, gender/sexuality-related issues, personality disorders, intergenerational trauma, complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance use. My approach is grounded in a trauma-informed, intersectional anti-oppressive framework and I aim to foster resilience and empowerment using a warm, collaborative approach to support folks in meeting their goals.
I have experience working with youth and adults with an emphasis on and gender diverse folks and the LGBTQ2S community. I have supported clients with a range of presenting issues, including anxiety and depression, body image, eating disorders, gender/sexuality-related issues, personality disorders, intergenerational trauma, complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance use. My approach is grounded in a trauma-informed, intersectional anti-oppressive framework and I aim to foster resilience and empowerment using a warm, collaborative approach to support folks in meeting their goals.
(647) 691-0620 View (647) 691-0620

See more therapy options for Toronto

Transgender Counsellors

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 recognise 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 recognise 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.