Gender Identity

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.

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.

My desire to work with gender identity was a critical component to my inspiration in becoming a sex therapist. I am passionate about delivering gender affirming care at all stages of exploration and/or transition.

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.

Every person's gender identity and journey is uniquely complex and personal. I have spent over a decade studying gender theories and practices and helping people of all walks of life explore what gender means to them. I am a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and follow their best practices.

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 am a WPATH certified gender therapist. I have been practicing in Transgender Health since 2017.

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.

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.

“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.

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

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.

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.

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.

I have specialized training and have worked with children, adolescents, and adults as they explore their gender, and as they go through social and physical transition. Additionally, I have worked as family therapist with families that are having conflict or concerns around a family member's gender identity. I believe in an affirmative-care only approach to exploration of gender and identity.

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.

Using 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.