Gender Identity

There are many hurdles for people who are trans*, such as exploring gender freely, without judgment, to seeking gender confirmation services. Beyond providing a safe space for trans folx, I am ready to write documentation after a single session to be used with other medical professionals to assert your readiness for any medical assistance with your transition that you might need.

I am an intersex person, assigned as male at birth. Although I identify as female within the gender binary, tomboy best describes my gender identity. I don't pass, which means that ever encounter with every new person I interact with is a coming out experience. I was the first out trans person hired in every job I've held since transitioning. In one form or another, I have been an activist in the trans community for more than a decade.

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 other navigate this sensitive, difficult, and deeply personal issue.

I am a Certified World Professional Association for Transgender Health Care (WPATH) GEI SOC7 Member. I have extensive training, research, and clinical experience working with transgender and gender diverse youth, adults, and families. Transgender clients and family members seeking assessment or counseling services can expect a safe space, and respectful, non-pathologizing, collaborative care.

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.

As someone who has grappled with and accepted their own gender identity, including choosing to medically transition, I have personal experience that aids in my expertise. I approach gender exploration with curiosity, openness, and non-judgment. I am here to help you understand yourself through compassionate listening and asking questions. Alternatively, perhaps you already have a solid understanding of your gender, but simply prefer to work with a therapist who has experience with trans clients.

More than ever, our culture finds itself confronted with the simple fact that many people’s lived experience, relationships, and sense of self do not match the restrictive gender and sexuality boxes we have required people to live in. Gender non-conforming people are refusing to accept these restrictions any longer. And yet, we have so much farther to go. Discrimination, inequality, microaggressions, and hate crimes still impact so many lives. The threats of violence faced by transgender women of color in particular are staggering and unacceptable. You need a therapist who is not only open and affirming, but well informed. I offer both individual and couples therapy for adults and can provide referrals for gender non-conforming clients needing medical services or changes to documentation. I'm also experienced helping partnered people who are coming out or transitioning work through the process in relationship therapy with partners.

My desire to work with gender identity was a critical component to my inspiration in becoming a sex therapist. I am passionate about delivering gender affirming care at all stages of exploration and/or transition.

I welcome your whole authentic self! You do not need to separate who you are as both an Autistic and transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive individual. I am also LGBTQIA+ affirming, disability informed, and aware of intersecting forms of discrimination. I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all of my clients, and I understand the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. I also provide letters for gender affirming medical care.

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.

Pressure to conform to social norms can be overwhelming and interfere with living. A person cannot possibly be living their best life if they are detached from their authentic self or feel trapped by traditional gender norms . I have worked with people who identify all along the gender spectrum from curious and questioning to fully transitioned. Supporting and helping them find their authenticity is one of the most rewarding parts of my professional work.

I offer letters of support for gender affirming surgery. Schedule a free consultation with me by looking at my calendar on https://resonanceportland.com/ to get the process started.

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 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.

I am a gender-affirming and queer-affirming therapist, and promote openness and acceptance in my practice. I offer transaffirmative care, and have worked with several clients at various stages through their gender identity journey. I also have experience with letter-writing for gender affirming services.

It's never too late to embrace your authentic self. My approach is to help support and encourage you in your journey to finding and accepting your true identity.

as a they/them myself, i find so much joy in serving queer and trans community and sharing lived experience. my entire training took place within a nonprofit mental health organization dedicated to queer and trans folx, and i've continued enjoying to work with my QTs (read like "cuties") since moving into private practice. i love celebrating the resilient wisdom of gender expansiveness and gender nonconformity. my nonbinary-ness is not merely a label—it's a whole worldview and way of being.

More than half of my clients identify as *trans. I have been a member of WPATH off and on for over a decade. I was in on the ground floor training of their Global Education Initiative. Identity is a right, not a privilege. You should get to be supported for who you are.

As someone who is Non-binary, I GET how difficult it can be to fall outside society’s binary expectations. The oppression and microaggressions experienced within the community create barriers to finding support that provides a sense of safety. As a graduate student, I recognized the community's lack of support, which led me to create a free clinic for Gender Non-conforming individuals. I aim to provide a supportive, safe place to explore your identity and live authentically.