Gender Identity

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.

Need help finding the right therapist?
Find Your Match

Meet the specialists

 

Gender is a complex, powerful, and deeply personal yet often public axis of identity. I am here to help you sort through your relationship to /gender/, whatever that may mean for you. In addition to the opportunity to explore all things gender, I provide assessment and preparatory counseling for those seeking gender-affirming medical care.

— Brooke Ferragamo, Clinical Psychologist in San Francisco, CA

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.

— Amy Emery, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boston, MA
 

I have professional training and life experience around navigating gender identity; I have worked in a clinical capacity with trans and nonbinary people since 2019 in various settings, collaborating with them on issues such as self-understanding, fostering queer and trans joy, building community, accessing gender-affirming care, self-advocacy in systems that are often discriminatory and oppressive, and reacting to anti-trans violence.

— Lia Ryan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, CO

I have been providing Gender Affirming Care for 10 years now. I work with both adolescents and adults in exploring gender identity and support through both medical and social transitioning.

— Becky McGinnis, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

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.

— Abbie Aldridge, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Largo, FL

A large proportion of my clients identify as trans, non-binary, or somewhere else on the gender spectrum (other than cisgender). I have done professional training and have published writing about providing supportive and gender-affirming mental health services, and I am committed to continuing my own education and development in this area. I identify as a cisgender ally, and I feel strongly that I can and should provide a strong voice as an advocate in the field and in my community.

— Lauren Grousd, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Portland, ME
 

I am dedicated to creating a safe space for my clients to explore gender identity, including the intersecting identities that influence gender. I come to therapy with an open mind and a space in which you can express your ideas without being afraid of judgement.

— Osvaldo Alcaraz, Mental Health Counselor in Northbrook, IL

I can provide WPATH letters which are letters of readiness for gender affirmation surgery. With specialized training and experience in gender diversity, I can help individuals work through their gender dysphoria and transition.

— Lindsay Laufer, LCSW, CCTP, Therapist in Charlotte, NC
 

I am married to a post-transition trans man whom I regularly accompany to to trans conferences, meetings, and events. I also have professional experience providing individual, couple, family, and group services to trans individuals and their families, both binary and non-binary. I have experience writing letters for gender affirming hormone therapy and surgery.

— Margaret Keig, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Maitland, FL

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.

— Mary B. Mattis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Austin, TX
 

My office is an affirming place for all gender identities. Whether you are just beginning to explore your gender or are solid in your identity, I am ready and able to walk alongside you in that journey.

— Erica Christmas, Licensed Professional Counselor in Gilbert, AZ

Our clinicians honor and want to support you in all parts of your gender journey. Whether you are at the beginning of your gender exploration, or wanting support through gender affirming surgical procedures.

— TheraBee LLC, Psychologist in Ann Arbor, MI
 

At Syracuse University, I was on a special team of therapists and professors that provided therapy to transgender clients and their families--helping them explore their gender identity, transition, obtain hormone replacement therapy, name and gender changes, etc., as well as being a consistent source of support during what many describe as an isolating and challenging experience

— Sayuri (Julie) Heinl, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Arlington, VA

I currently spend part of my time working in a multidisciplinary Gender Health program where individuals can seek medical transition as well as have mental health therapy.

— Leslie Weaver, Clinical Social Worker in Indianapolis, IN
 

There is no formula for figuring out your gender, and I have no agenda to try and fit you into one box or another. Gender-affirming therapy means that we will come to a place of comfort about your gender together.

— Kaitlyn Farrell, Licensed Professional Counselor in Allentown, PA

The 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
 

I am a trans-identified therapist who has extensive experience with trans-affirming practices and enjoys supporting people through exploration of their identity and living into gender euphoria, whatever that means for you.

— Luke Hirst, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Durham, NC

I work at a practice that focuses on gender-affirming care. I work with clients 13+ navigating gender identity & needing affirming care in an otherwise disconfirming society.

— Amber Robinson, Therapist in Decatur, GA
 

Whether you are cis, trans or still exploring—gender, and our feelings about it, can be tricky! There are so many cultural, familial, and personal histories to unpack that can impact how we feel about our identity. I provide a curious, creative and non-judgmental space for you to think expansively about gender and try on different identities as you embark on self exploration. My goal is to help you better tune in to your intuition and boundaries and live a more authentic, fulfilling life.

— Kayla Freeman, Social Worker in Austin, TX