Gender Identity

You are so stressed by questions about your gender identity and gender expression. The gender dysphoria hits you at the core, often leading to depression and anxiety. You are fed up with correcting people when they mis-gender you or use your “dead name". I am a queer, trans-affirming therapist who can help you navigate this cisgender society that often excludes you. I work from a model of Informed Consent, helping you make the best decisions about your own body.

In addition to seeing hundreds of clients through gender exploration and transition of all kinds, I have the experience of my own gender exploration and social transition. I believe gender diverse people are not only as healthy and normative as our peers, but that we have special wisdom and energy to bring into the world. I am steeped in the research literature, and called on by colleagues as an expert in this area, but most of all I'm just passionate about working with gender creative folks.

A primary "specialty" area of mine is working with folks to explore their gender identity and gendered experiences. Through a trauma-informed, queer and trans affirming lens I combine my professional learning with lived experience to create a safer container in therapy to hold the complexities of our experience and deconstruct toxic societal messaging and oppression to support authentic expression and joy.

As a non-binary therapist and person, I find gender exploration exciting to work with. While it can feel confusing at times, exploring your gender identity can often lead to affirming and hopeful discoveries and changes. Throughout this process, I can act as a listener and guide to help you navigate dysphoria to get to a place of euphoria.

I have worked with and treated many transgender and non-binary clients. Everything from giving them resources so they could start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to writing letters so they could have gender affirming surgery; I've been with clients every step of the way on their journey to becoming their authentic selves.

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.

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.

In addition to my educational knowledge, my personal experience dealing with my own gender identity is what has informed both my passion and my ability to help others navigate this sensitive, difficult, and deeply personal issue.

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.

During graduate school I interned at TransActive Gender Center, providing mental health services for transgender/gender non-binary youth, adolescents, and their families. I continue to provide affirmative care for the community and their families.

I possess a combination of lived and professional experience with gender identity / diversity. I am able to provide gender letters to established clients.

I have been in the trans community for 15 years and have learned a lot over the years. I’ve worked almost exclusively with trans clients beginning in my initial practicum in graduate school. I’m involved in the local community of gender-affirming therapists and healthcare providers. I also had the opportunity to co-author a chapter in a social work textbook!

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 work with many trans, genderqueer and non-binary individuals, and am trans myself.

I have over 12 years of experience working with Trans & Gender Non Conforming (TGNC) folx offering psychotherapy as well as letter writing and supportive management for clients who are interested in affirming treatments and surgeries. I provide support and a place for clients to explore their needs in ways that align with their values.

I am genderqueer and have worked with many stripes of gender-expansive identities, both in private practice as well as with the community organization Queer Asterisk.

I specialize in supporting clients in their process of exploring their gender identity and experience. In this process, I also support clients in connecting with and expressing themselves in more authentic and freeing ways. I write Letters of Support for gender-affirming medical care. If you are only seeking a letter of care and not ongoing therapy, this usually requires 1 to 2 sessions. And there is no added fee for the letter.

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.

Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary. Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both. Every member of our team at TheraPride is an LGBTQ ally and affirming. We work at the cutting edge of new research in how we can best serve our LGBTQ+ community.