Working with a therapist can be helpful for anyone. But it can be especially helpful when experiencing increased stress. Or navigating big changes or identity exploration. For transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients specifically, it is important to be able to find a therapist with solid clinical skills. As well as knowledge, training, and competence in supporting transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx.
What Makes A Therapist Transgender-Affirming and Knowledgeable?
Many mental health professionals have not received training on offering competent care for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx. They may not understand the challenges and concerns that this community faces. This lack of understanding can lead to misdiagnosis. Or inappropriate treatment, and feelings of invalidation. All of which can further exacerbate existing mental health issues.
There are many benefits that make a therapist right for someone. And, there are many other things that can make a therapist great for someone. An affirming and knowledgeable therapist for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx should:
- Have attended training and continued education led by providers of lived experience. (i.e., led by transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse professionals).
- Understand the research relating to transgender mental health and medical care. Offer research-informed treatments.
- Training and consultation should be regular and ongoing.
- Have knowledge, training, and experience in discussing and authoring letters for surgical readiness. In the event that is needed for any of their transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients.
- Have knowledge, training, and experience supporting clients who experience gender dysphoria. As well as be able and ready to explore and celebrate gender euphoria.
- Have engaged in the exploration of their own gender. As well as values, beliefs, and biases relating to gender.
- Be able to use pronouns correctly.
- Have a unique understanding of the needs of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx. Separate and apart from being affirming of those with diverse sexual and romantic orientations. The LGBTQIA+ community is not a monolith in general. The needs of sexually, romantic, and gender-diverse clients can be very difficult.
- Be well-connected with transgender-affirming and friendly community resources and providers in North Carolina. To be able to help their clients in accessing other affirming care and services.
- Be informed about recent news and politics, and be engaged in advocacy work.
How to Find a Transgender-Affirming Therapist in North Carolina
Directories
To start, there are many directories that allow a client to filter and search by location, client, and clinical area of focus. As well as the lived experience of the provider. Some of these directories assist in finding a transgender-affirming provider in North Carolina. These include:
Utilize Consultations
Next, most therapists in North Carolina, including the team at Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, offer free goodness-of-fit consultations. This initial meeting is an opportunity for the client to ask whatever questions they need. This ensures the therapist is going to be someone they can spend an hour a week with and who they believe can truly help. Moreover, this initial meeting allows clients to assess whether the therapist is knowledgeable, supportive, and affirming of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients. Here are some questions to consider asking at your free consult:
- What is your experience working with transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals?
- What training have you received relating to offering affirming care to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx?
- What ongoing training do you engage in to ensure you are offering affirming care for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx?
- How do you ensure that your practice is inclusive and affirming of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx?
- If I were to need a letter for medical transition in the future, what is your process like for authoring that?
- What does it mean to you to be an affirming and inclusive therapist?
These questions can help you determine whether the therapist has the necessary knowledge and experience to provide you with the support you need. Remember, you can ask whatever questions you need to feel comfortable moving forward. However, it is up to the therapist to decide if it is a question they are comfortable responding to, and that may be important information for you as well.
For some clients, it is important that their therapist is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Some clients may wish to ask this question if it is not otherwise shared on the therapist’s profile or directory. However, some therapists may not be comfortable sharing this. Still, as a client, you have every right to ask.
Begin Transgender Affirming Therapy in North Carolina Today!
Mental health care is a crucial aspect of well-being for everyone, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. Finding an affirming therapist who understands the unique challenges and concerns of this community is essential for receiving effective treatment.
To start receiving online therapy with a therapist specializing in gender-affirming, queer-affirming, inclusive therapy, and letter-writing services, follow these steps:
- Send an email to info@beboldpsychnc.com or submit a request for a free 20-minute consultation here!
- Schedule your first appointment for online transgender-affirming therapy
- Start getting the support you deserve as a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community!
Other Services Offered at Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting
Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting centers on the needs and experiences of queer, transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse folx. All of our trauma-informed therapists engage in initial and ongoing training and consultation from providers of lived experience. We offer individual, couples, family, relationship, and group therapy options! Also, we have providers available today for a free consultation, so you can have all of your questions answered before moving forward with one of our awesome therapists in North Carolina.
