Gender Identity

I work with individuals of all genders as they work through all of the pieces of gender identity- including dismantling ideas or assumptions that they have been given about gender.

I have worked with clients from exploring gender identity, exploring gender expressions, and navigating the world when they don't recognize you for who you are.

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.

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.

I take an approach embracing a positive and wholehearted view of all gender and sexual identities and relationships. I treat all clients and their families with dignity, respect and the affirmation they deserve. Your sexual orientation and gender identity or expression may or may not be source of distress for you. You may find that having a qualified mental health professional who has familiarity, experience and desire to work with issues you face as a member of the LGBTQ community helpful to you achieving your desired outcomes. Having access to an unbiased and supportive resource can make a big difference on your journey to authentic living. For individuals within the LGBTQ community, I provide a safe, supportive and positive space to explore feelings and issues related to all stages and seasons of life including: Identity Development Stress Management Self–Esteem Concerns Coming Out Processes Interpersonal Relationships Coping with Perfectionism Social Concerns Gender Identity

While working with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, I specialized in supporting gender-expansive clients. I provided individual psychotherapy to clients who were exploring their gender identity & expression, & considering & often pursuing medical aspects of gender transition such as hormone therapy, hair removal & gender affirming therapies. I provided WPATH letters for surgery & often supported clients in preparing for surgery & recovery.

I help clients explore their gender and sexual identities. I work with folks who are navigating understanding themselves, expressing themselves to the outside world, coming out to others, transitioning, and de-transitioning too. I am comfortable supporting individuals who are on the spectrum of sexuality, including asexual, polyamorous, and kinky.

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.

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.

In my experience as a nonbinary and transgender therapist, I’ve learned that gender issues impact us all. Addressing these issues is a collaborative effort, not a competitive one. Whether your own process with gender centers around identity exploration, presentation and being perceived, gender roles and expectations, or support in being your authentic self – these are things we struggle with in all genders in our own ways.

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.

“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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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