Gender Identity

During sessions I: -Help people explore what gender means to them and how to untangle toxic gender messages around them ​-Guide people through logistical and emotional journeys of gender transition or other kinds of self-actualization ​-Take time and space to celebrate moments of gender euphoria, milestones of healing, and experiences of joy!

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

During sessions I: -Help people explore what gender means to them and how to untangle toxic gender messages around them ​-Guide people through logistical and emotional journeys of gender transition or other kinds of self-actualization ​-Take time and space to celebrate moments of gender euphoria, milestones of healing, and experiences of joy!

I welcome all gender identities and those looking to explore, accept or understand feelings related to gender identity.

In addition to lived experience, I have completed a Masters level Clinical Internship at the Gender Identity Center in 2018. Since then I have been providing gender affirming mental health care in a variety of settings such as inpatient mental health for teens and adults as well as clinics that provide play therapy to children. Additionally, I provide education for behavioral health providers to bring cultural relevance into provider practice and to create affirming and inclusive environments.

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.

Exploring the influence of the gender binary, gender roles, how various cultures view gender differently, gender markers, correct pronouns, having discussions around gender identity with loved ones, friends, or co-workers. There are a lot of issues that can come with exploring gender identity. I recognize that there are many sides to this concept and work with my clients to provide them a safe space to explore issues connected to gender, regardless of how they identify.

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.

I can help you explore your gender identity to live in your most authentic self. I will provide letters for gender affirming surgeries following an assessment and recommendation of services for you to have a successful surgery. The assessment can be anywhere from 1-3 sessions and recommendations could range from ongoing therapy to education about the types of surgeries or making sure that you have the social supports in place for recovery.

As a Gender Therapist, I have 20+ yrs of experience working with youth & adults who are questioning, identify as trans, non binary, intersex, or re-transitioning. Not everyone who sees me wants to make gender changes, some people just want to see a gender-affirming therapist about other issues. I do Evals/letters for Doctors. Partners & family also welcome. Consults for therapists in groups and individually on gender-focused clinical work. WPATH Certified Member/WPATH Mentor.

Exploring the heights and depths of what gender means to you is familiar territory. You have the map, I'll provide the compass. Let's explore! I have worked directly with Trans and Gender Non-Conforming people for years, including those who have experienced marginalization within the Trans community itself. What's more, I've found that cisgender people have also benefited from addressing gender roles, gender euphoria, and their relationships to sexism/patriarchy in working with me.

“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.

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

The process of exploring and better understanding your gender identity can be such a deeply invested experience. It is my role to support, sometimes guide, and mostly help clients work through their own understanding. I credit a supervisor during my graduate school training with holding me to a high standard when it came to working with clients who are exploring their gender identity and this continues to be an area I love working with and learning how to be a better clinician.

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.

Navigating my own gender identity I have personal experience in living in a body that doesn't always feel like me. I write gender affirming letters, help folks navigate the discussions of dysphoria, and navigating the complex emotions that go with this exploration

Starting with my internship, 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.

For over 10 years, we have worked diligently with clients exploring (and often struggling) with their gender identity. This is our primary specialty at The Mind Parlor; we strongly assert that the "T" in LGBTQ is it's own unique and individual part of the queer community. As such, we believe gender identity clients deserve dedicated specialists with experience and training specifically pertaining to these particular challenges. Well, in this area, we can confidently say "we've got you covered!"