Gender Identity

Being trans myself has pushed me to explore and expand on my own gender identity. In addition, I've participated in a number of related trainings and co-wrote a training guide for peer led, trans inclusive, group facilitators.

As a non-binary person, it took a lot of research and trying on different gender identities and terms to come to an understanding of who I am and where I fit in the complicated and diverse gender spectrosphere. My work with folks who are exploring their own gender identities falls in providing the space for them to try on and process all the options they may want in a safe and nonjudgmental space. I also provide support letters for medical transition.

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 *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).

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.

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.

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 and get you the support you need.

Therapy provides a safe, affirming space for exploring gender identity, whether navigating transition, self-discovery, or societal challenges. Using a social justice and decolonizing therapy approach, clients receive support in processing dysphoria, building self-acceptance, and addressing systemic barriers. Sessions are tailored to individual needs, fostering resilience, empowerment, and a deeper connection to identity in an inclusive, validating environment.

“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. Let's cultivate trans joy.

As a trans clinician, we can talk about gender, and we can talk about every other thing going on in your life that may not have anything to do with gender, or maybe it has everything to do with gender. Maybe we are just searching for what gender is, or how we experience gender. We may leave with more questions about out gender than understanding of it. I am on my own gender journey, as are you, and I would love to create a space that is validating of you and your experience

At Michigan Safe Space, we strive to make quality, evidence-based, trauma-informed mental health services available to all members of our community. Supporting diversity and inclusivity are core values. As part of this mission, our therapists are committed to the principles of gay and LGBTQ affirmative therapy and we strive to empower those who are marginalized and oppressed.

As a therapist, I have supported many clients in exploring their gender identity, finding ways to affirm their unique identity and support them through medical gender affirmation if desired. I provide surgical assessments if needed/wanted, support with name changes and other aspects of affirming one's identity. I believe in an informed consent model of care and work to affirm and validate your needs. I have also trained many medical and mental health providers in gender-affirming care.

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.

Beginning to explore your gender identity can be a challenging and frightening prospect. I am passionate about working with members of the trans/non-binary community and continue my education regarding these issues through continuing education classes, reading scholarly documents, and connections with others within the community. Our work together can and will address many issues, however I will never assume that the issues that brought you to therapy are only rooted in your gender identity.

Gender affirming care is a core element of my practice. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to train and work with a large, internationally recognized transgender health clinic for 15 years. I have continued this important work in my private practice. I am a member of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health, as well as the American Psychological Association Division 44 Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and 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.

Helping 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.

“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. Let's cultivate trans joy.