As a gender specialist, I coach clients who are experiencing emotional, social, and/or psychological problems related to gender identity. Some of these issues may be related to Gender Dysphoria. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), “Gender Dysphoria involves a conflict between a person’s physical or assigned gender and the gender with which he/she/they identify. People with gender dysphoria may be very uncomfortable with the gender they were assigned, sometimes described as being uncomfortable with their body (particularly developments during puberty) or being uncomfortable with the expected roles of their assigned gender.”
Clients who identify as a member of the opposite gender that they were assigned at birth often experience issues in addition to gender dysphoria. Depression and anxiety are common co-occurring disorders with clients experiencing gender identity issues. I work with my clients on helping them to learn new coping skills, better manage their emotions and stress, and help them improve their outlook on life and their future.
In addition, I help assist those clients who seek appropriate referrals for gender-affirming treatments such as hormone therapy and gender assignment surgeries if desired. It is important to me to remain in close contact with the client from every point of the journey from our initial intake session throughout the transition process.
I am a Board Certified Transgender Care Therapist (TCT) from the International Transgender Certification Association and proud member of The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), an international association devoted to promoting the highest standard of health care for transgender persons, has an established Standard of Care that outlines the accepted clinical guidelines for the mental and physical well-being of individuals who undergo gender affirming surgery.
I have a full network of professionals (also following WPATH standards) assisting me and my clients who experience gender identity/gender dysphoria issues. In many ways, the hardest part is over by you reaching out, considering your options and recognizing a need for change. I am here to help you in any way I can on your journey. I look forward to hearing from you soon.