Gender Identity

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.

I don't assume that my lived experience makes me an expert on trans and gender issues. That's why I have pursued ongoing supervision and consultation from other respected trans-identified therapists, and attended gender wellness conferences and other trainings since before I began to work with gender diverse clients. Whether you (or your child) are starting to question your identity, need surgery letters, or are somewhere in between, I'm here to support you at the pace that feels right to you.

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.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who is also transgender, I bring a unique perspective and firsthand understanding of the experiences, challenges, and nuances of being transgender. My personal experience with gender identity and the journey I have gone through can provide a deep level of empathy, connection, and understanding with my transgender clients. I can offer a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space for individuals who are questioning their gender identities.

Exploring your gender identity and expression can be a complex process. Forming excellent supportive relationships with family, friends, and partners is essential. I specialize in helping you have those hard conversations to better those relationships to get the support you need.

Since 2004 I've been doing psychotherapy with transgender or questioning folks, a non-binary as an emerging issue in the past decade or more. Have resources and experience. I consider myself non-binary.

“Being trans means I made myself and the world didn’t make me. I defy some of the most powerful cultural institutions in the world.” https://glaad.org/ilovebeingtransbc/ I partner with folks in understanding, accepting, expressing, and asserting their gender. I see gender as an infinite spectrum, and gender alignment/transition as a nonlinear process unique to each person.

Providing support to adults at any point along the gender journey.

More than ever, our culture finds itself confronted with the simple fact that many people’s lived experience, relationships, and sense of self do not match the restrictive gender and sexuality boxes we have required people to live in. Gender non-conforming people are refusing to accept these restrictions any longer. And yet, we have so much farther to go. Discrimination, inequality, microaggressions, and hate crimes still impact so many lives. The threats of violence faced by transgender women of color in particular are staggering and unacceptable. You need a therapist who is not only open and affirming, but well informed. I offer both individual and couples therapy for adults and can provide referrals for gender non-conforming clients needing medical services or changes to documentation. I'm also experienced helping partnered people who are coming out or transitioning work through the process in relationship therapy with partners.

Navigating the complexities of gender identity and sexual orientation can be a profound journey. I provide a safe, affirming space where you can explore your authentic self. I follow World Professional Association for Transgender Health 8 standards of care and can provide gender affirming letters for HRT, surgery, etc. I am passionate about trans rights and have many people in my life who are trans. You are safe with me.

I take an approach embracing a positive and wholehearted view of all gender and sexual identities and relationships. I treat all clients and their families with dignity, respect and the affirmation they deserve. Your sexual orientation and gender identity or expression may or may not be source of distress for you. You may find that having a qualified mental health professional who has familiarity, experience and desire to work with issues you face as a member of the LGBTQ community helpful to you achieving your desired outcomes. Having access to an unbiased and supportive resource can make a big difference on your journey to authentic living. For individuals within the LGBTQ community, I provide a safe, supportive and positive space to explore feelings and issues related to all stages and seasons of life including: Identity Development Stress Management Self–Esteem Concerns Coming Out Processes Interpersonal Relationships Coping with Perfectionism Social Concerns Gender Identity

I use my lived and clinical experience to support others in their gender exploration and journey. If you or someone you know has been questioning gender, transitioning, coming out or facing heteronormativity, I am here to help. I began my clinical training at the former Gender Identity Center and have continued to learn and support others through my career. Wherever you are at on your gender journey to authenticity and beyond, I would be honored to support you or help you support another.

I can provide letters in support of gender affirming care and generally have a queer and transgender affirming practice.

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.

I appreciate collaborating with MDs providing HRT and gender-affirming surgeries to best support my individual therapy clients. Additionally, my experience in working with the non-binary and gender expansive community includes delivering related trainings to a university as well as organizations in the DFW area, participating as a therapist on a Queers and Allies consultation and outreach team, and collaborating with a university LGBT Resource Center to develop outreach programs.

My practice centers transgender experiences. I make every effort to honor your identities, genders and experiences, and to stay with you and responsive to you if and when things evolve or change.

as a they/them myself, i find so much joy in serving queer and trans community and sharing lived experience. my entire training took place within a nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to queer and trans folx, and i've continued enjoying to work with my QTs (read like "cuties") since moving into private practice. i love celebrating the resilient wisdom of gender expansiveness and gender nonconformity. my nonbinary-ness is not merely a label—it's a whole worldview and way of being.

I have extensive experience working with people of all ages on gender identity related issues. At a previous job this was a particular focus in working with transgender people - mostly young people - regarding identity and the possibility of transition. This is also something I have personal experience with navigating in my own life. I know that identity is complex, layered, and always changing. This is why I hope to provide a supportive space for you in which you can navigate this your way.

The gender binary excludes so many of us and can leave us feeling confused, alone, and like we're not enough. We'll explore your gender journey together in an accepting and nonjudgmental space, and honor and celebrate your most authentic expression of yourself.