Gender identity issues, sometimes called gender dysphoria or gender conflict, occur when an individual feels an inconsistency between their physical gender and the gender they truly feel or identify with. This most commonly exhibits itself as a physical discomfort with the gender one was assigned at birth, including the feeling of being in the wrong body. Children with gender dysphoria may express disgust of their own genitals or a certainty that they will grow up to be the opposite sex. Some individuals with gender identity issues treat this feeling by physically modifying their bodies to better match their gender identity. Gender dysphoria comes with it an increased risk for depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and bullying. If you are experiencing gender identity issues, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s qualified professionals today.
I work *almost* exclusively with queer and trans folks and their families. I literally wrote the book on this (two, actually, and one of them won an award!): Queering Your Therapy Practice (2021, AASECT book of the year) and Therapeutic Conversations with Queer Youth (2013). I have over 20 years experience supporting trans and genderqueer folks and their families. This includes supporting parents of gender creative kids and writing surgery letters (SO MANY LETTERS).
— Julie Tilsen, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MNI have various gender-affirming trainings on gender identity for those who identify as gender non-conforming, non-binary, and trans-individuals. This work is incredibly important to me because those who do not identify in the binary are easily overlooked, mistreated, and not affirmed in society, as well as in some counseling spaces. It's my goal to affirm the gender of anyone on the gender spectrum, and help them become their authentic selves.
— Lena Tello, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Anacortes, WAUsing an affirming approach with an understanding of Gender Identity Development, I have worked to help people better understand their own conceptualization of gender identity. Gender often evolves throughout a lifetime, and being able to embrace that evolution without judgement is vital to feeling confident and empowered. I will always advocate for my clients to improve their access to resources and help them to connect to a community of support and acceptance.
— Stef Stone, Therapist in Chicago, ILHelping folks be who they are. Medical letter writing for gender affirming surgery, specialized couples support for couples with gender questioning, coming out, and transition events. Cisgender Spouses Group for supportive spouses of transgender partners. Couples group both beginners, and advanced ongoing drop in for Spouses Group members/partners. My family and friends are of the LGBTQ rainbow. Effective research based Gottman Method couples counseling when needed.
— Shannon Batts, Licensed Professional CounselorExploring, discovering, and expressing your unique gender is exciting, fun, and life-giving. But doing those things in a culture and a setting like ours can also be dangerous, scary, and confusing. It shouldn't be that way, but it often is. The work we do in therapy is all about enabling you to still access the joy and fun of your gender in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances, and sometimes changing those circumstances through community building, activism, and creative resistance.
— Gabriel Molinaro, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Everett, WAI am a transgender person with experience helping clients work through gender exploration in all of its splendor, beauty, and possibilities for growth. As clients learn about themselves and their relationship with the world, they find new ways to be their genuine selves.
— Evelyn DeLorenzo, Therapist in Chicago, ILAs an experienced LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I provide compassionate and affirming therapy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their family members who seek a safe, non-judgmental space to explore identity issues, process coming out experiences, and build resilience in the face of adversity.
— Linda K. Reeves, LMFT, Marriage & Family TherapistI have been in the trans community for 15 years and have learned a lot over the years. I’ve worked almost exclusively with trans clients beginning in my initial practicum in graduate school. I’m involved in the local community of gender-affirming therapists and healthcare providers. I also had the opportunity to co-author a chapter in a social work textbook!
— Jessie Read, Licensed Professional Counselor in ,My area of expertise and training is working with gender outlaws, outsiders, rebels, and pioneers. Wherever you are in our gender journey, and whatever space you take up on the gender spectrum I am here to support you. My approach is ICATH informed, I provide letters for pay-what-you-can without requiring ongoing treatment, and I also provide resources for ICATH providers as part of my complimentary 30 minute consultations.
— Kian Leggett, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Olympia, WAI help clients explore their gender and sexual identities. I work with folks who are navigating understanding themselves, expressing themselves to the outside world, coming out to others, transitioning, and de-transitioning too. I am comfortable supporting individuals who are on the spectrum of sexuality, including asexual, polyamorous, and kinky.
— Cat Salemi, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in ,I am a gender specialist. I have extensive training and experience working with folks whether exploring gender identity, planning for gender-affirming surgeries, and folks who are trans and want to work on things unrelated to their gender but want a provider who is knowledgeable about trans identities. I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University Counseling and Psychological Services in the gender and sexual identities track. I have conducted research on parental support of tra
— Sam del Castillo, Psychologist in Redwood City, CAI have several years of experience coming alongside individuals who are on their gender journey, wherever they may be at the moment. I support those who are beginning their exploration and are questioning, and I also provide an affirming space for people who feel as though their transition is no longer something they need support for. I hold space for anyone anywhere in their process of becoming their authentic self.
— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CAI work *almost* exclusively with queer and trans folks and their families. I literally wrote the book on this (two, actually, and one of them won an award!): Queering Your Therapy Practice (2021, AASECT book of the year) and Therapeutic Conversations with Queer Youth (2013). I have over 20 years experience supporting trans and genderqueer folks and their families. This includes supporting parents of gender creative kids and writing surgery letters (SO MANY LETTERS).
— Julie Tilsen, Psychologist in Minneapolis, MNIn addition to my educational knowledge, my personal experience dealing with my own gender identity is what has informed my passion and ability to help other navigate this sensitive, difficult, and deeply personal issue.
— Nathan Schuyler, Social Worker in Tinley Park, ILI bring a combination of professional and personal experience to my work with individuals exploring their Gender Identity - whether it's about coming out, transitioning, or just exploring. In addition to my work as a therapist and my personal experience, I spent several years working with Identity House - an all-volunteer LGBTQ+ peer counseling organization in NYC - facilitating Transgender and Trans/Non-Binary support groups.
— Christie Cunningham, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, NYThe gender journey can be an exciting and daunting adventure, fraught with self-doubt and stigma. Working with a therapist through that journey can ease distress and support you in reaching a state of gender euphoria.
— Liz Silverman, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Brooklyn, NY