ABOUT

Many of my clients come to me to explore their gender identities and expressions. Often, they have a strong sense that there are actionable changes that could help them feel more secure in themselves, but are facing some kind of barrier—either external and/or self-created—to moving toward lasting change. Together we explore how to move through those barriers into a liberated identity space.

For some clients, exploring gender embodiment goals is the main focus of our work together. For others, it’s an entry point to discussing other salient identities and significant aspects of their lives (e.g., dating as a trans or non-binary person, coming out at work, finding new friends with shared identities or experiences, learning to embrace masculinity and/or femininity in healthy ways). The focus of therapy may change over the course of our treatment depending on fluctuating needs. However it goes, I’ll be with you along the way.

I feel especially passionate about working with trans folks who have been deeply harmed by the medical industrial complex. I also feel pulled toward this work in this current political climate. With ongoing threats to trans people’s basic rights, being in a space where you can freely explore all the different parts of yourself with another trans person can feel loving and transformative.

GENDER AFFIRMING CARE IS LIFE-SAVING

GENDER AFFIRMING CARE IS LIFE-SAVING

Gender affirming therapy is an opportunity to be seen in full.

To indulge in delight and be celebrated.

To be unapologetic with your needs.

To play with a multitude of possibility.

To heal from heterosexism, cisgenderism, and harmful masculinity.

To make sense of both inherited fear and resilience from our ancestors.

To feel abundant.

To make room for joy, pride, power, pleasure, love, and community.

I can’t wait to see how you’ll shine in your truth.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Based on your unique needs, gender affirming therapy may include any of the following:

  • Finding affirming language around gender identity/identities and pronouns

  • Finding an affirming name, if different from given name

  • Exploring gender expressions

  • Normalizing uncertainty and ambiguity in gender exploration

  • Addressing internalized and external transphobia

  • Deepening insight into gender dysphoria

  • Identifying factors to facilitate gender euphoria

  • Making decisions or not around hormone therapy

  • Making decisions or not around gender affirming surgeries

  • Building sustainable communities of care

  • Deciding whether or not to come out

  • Advocating for yourself within families, friendships, partnerships, work or school settings

  • Inviting sex, pleasure, and other kinds of safe intimate touch

  • Exploring how gender intersects with other identity factors

What if instead of relying on made-up gender norms for stability, we instead relied on each other? What if instead of fearing change, we recognized that change is an integral part of societal growth?

— Alok Vaid-Menon