Gender Identity

I have had significant training and experience working with adolescents and adults regarding their gender identity. I have assisted individuals and families in understanding gender as separate from sexuality, and have written support letters for both social and medical aspects of transition. Additionally, I have co-created and co-presented multiple trainings for other mental health professionals on providing fully inclusive and affirmative care.

I possess a combination of lived and professional experience with gender identity / diversity. I am able to provide gender letters to established clients.

I work to help you create a positive gender identity, whether you are questioning this identity, or gaining self-esteem and community, I have been working with and supporting positive gender identity throughout my time as a marriage and family therapist. I have attended many continued education courses in this field and this was also my focus of study throughout my schooling. I will continue to work to learn more in order to best serve you in your gender identity journey.

Forming understanding of gender, social transition, assessment and letter writing for transgender confirmation medical procedures, gender dysphoria.

I work with members of the trans and non-binary community and help with gender questioning, gender dysphoria, transition decisions, family issues, relationship issues, and discrimination. I leverage my medical background to help people navigate medical and surgical transition.

I have ten years of experience working with gender-diverse folx. I've received hundreds of hours of training on the unique needs of the queer community. I've also designed and implemented trainings for working with and raising gender diverse children.

Shannon supports clients exploring their gender identity, offering a safe space for self-discovery and self-acceptance. She helps individuals navigate gender dysphoria, societal expectations, and the emotional challenges that come with transitioning. Through compassionate guidance, Shannon empowers clients to embrace their authentic selves and build confidence in expressing their gender identity.

I am genderqueer and have worked with many stripes of gender-expansive identities, both in private practice as well as with the community organization Queer Asterisk.

In addition receiving training through the Transgender Training Institute, I hold a certificate in Sex Therapy & Sexuality Education from the UM Sexual Health Certificate Program (SHCP). I am also a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT).

Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary. Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both. Every member of our team at TheraPride is an LGBTQ ally and affirming.

I am a WPATH member and I have been working with transgender, gender diverse, and gender non-conforming individuals, along with family members and significant others since 2014. I offer support for individuals as they examine their personal identity, and I assist them in moving forward in life, however they determine that to be. I actively attend conferences and trainings to continue on-going education and expand my knowledge base.

If you feel you don't fit into society's cisgender model I offer individual and group therapy to help you process your gender identity. You can meet with me individually or explore and fully express your gender identity and connect with others in a safe and supportive environment in group. The group is tailored to the needs of its members with a strong relational-cultural focus. Small 6-8 client group. Call or text 407-676-4150 for more information and to schedule a brief screening call.

I have attended hundreds of hours of training relating to gender identity and transgender experience. I am a member of TPATH, WPATH, and USPATH, as well as an active supporter of the informed consent model of care. I am part of a monthly consultation group for gender specialists. I have spoken at both the local and national levels about gender identity.

When you were born, your caregivers probably assumed that you would follow a binary, cisgender, heteronormative path. For you to recognize that your path is different takes introspection, self-reflection, courage, and social support. Transitioning into your most authentic self an be a lifelong process. I can provide support, encouragement, and expertise as you navigate changes in your relationship to yourself and others.

Exploring the influence of the gender binary, gender roles, how various cultures view gender differently, gender markers, correct pronouns, having discussions around gender identity with loved ones, friends, or co-workers. There are a lot of issues that can come with exploring gender identity. I recognize that there are many sides to this concept and work with my clients to provide them a safe space to explore issues connected to gender, regardless of how they identify.

While working at the San Diego LGBT Center, exploring gender identity was a primary focus of therapy for many or, at least, something that came up regularly in sessions. I have worked with people in transition, people who were certain of their gender identity, and people who were trying to "figure it out." I am comfortable with - and welcome - curiosity, questioning, and ambiguity. My academic studies have also focused heavily on gender and it's relation to other factors.

More than half of my clients identify as *trans. I have been a member of WPATH off and on for over a decade. I was in on the ground floor training of their Global Education Initiative. Identity is a right, not a privilege. You should get to be supported for who you are.

I love working with folx who are exploring gender identity and journeying with them as they claim the identity/identities that are their most authentic expression. I am happy to provide supportive documentation needed for social or medical transition, and strive to minimize challenges related to navigating insurance and medical systems. If you are needing documentation from a therapist and concerned about cost, please reach out to me so we can figure out how to best support you!

I have extensive research and training in understanding the unique needs of trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming, and genderqueer populations, as well as the LGBTQQIA community. I also enjoy helping cigender individuals explore and challenge rigid cultural expectations about gender roles. I welcome parents and family members who want to learn more and be more supportive of their queer and trans loved ones.