Trans & Gender Focused Therapy In Chicago, IL

exploring, Transitioning, or just living your life

Folx, we have your back.

The world is a weird, dark place right now, so let us help you make sense of things. We want to provide you with the care you need and deserve while honoring your personhood and your identity. You deserve a therapist who understands, respects and celebrates your full self. You deserve a therapist who gets it.

A bright purple background, with red, orange and yellow wavy stripes at the bottom. The text "You can't know someone's GENDER just by looking at them" centered over the background.

THERAPY FOR TRANSGENDER PERSONS

Health care — especially mental health care — is personal. Therapists who work with trans folks need to have an understanding of the unique experiences and challenges they face. We know that trans people experience stigma, discrimination and bias and often struggle to access health care services. Therapists working with transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming clients should provide a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their gender identity and develop strategies to cope with the challenges they face.

WHAT IS GENDER THERAPY?

Gender identity is a core component of a person’s sense of self — of their reality and the way they see and interact with the world. Because of the stigma and challenges facing transgender folks, gender-affirming therapy and health care is critical, but it’s often hard to find. We understand that each person’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support your exploration and get you closer to your goals with self-discovery, empowerment, and medical or social transition, if and when that is right for you.

WHAT DOES GENDER THERAPY INCLUDE?

Some common elements of gender therapy include:

  • Exploration of gender identity: This may involve discussions about feelings and experiences related to gender identity, as well as exploring your gender history.
  • Education: Learning about gender identity, gender expression and the experiences of other transgender individuals can help you better understand your own experiences.
  • Coping strategies: Gender therapy may involve exploring ways to cope with dysphoria or the distress related to gender identity.
  • Transition planning: A therapist can assist in exploring and planning for a social, medical or legal transition to align to your gender identity.
  • Relationship support: Therapy can help you navigate the process of coming out to loved ones and support you in managing the reactions of others.
  • Building community: Transgender support groups can help you find community, share your experiences and get advice.

SUPPORT FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH

Trans youth are more than twice as likely to be bullied at school and more than four times as likely to attempt suicide, according to the CDC. Because of the stress and stigma they face, trans kids can greatly benefit from the support of a therapist who is knowledgeable and compassionate about gender diversity. Here are some ways a therapist can support trans youth:

  • Provide a safe and accepting space: Transgender youth often feel marginalized and stigmatized by society and may not feel safe sharing their experiences and feelings with others. A therapist can provide a safe and accepting space where they can express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination.
  • Help navigate the transition process: Transitioning can be a complex and confusing process for transgender youth and their families. A therapist can help guide them through the various aspects of transitioning, including hormone therapy, social transitioning, and legal name and gender marker changes.
  • Support mental health: Transgender youth are at higher risk for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues due to the stress and stigma of being transgender in a world that can be less than accepting. A therapist can provide support for mental health issues and help them cope with these challenges.
  • Assist with coming out: Coming out can be a difficult and scary process. A therapist can help them prepare for coming out to family, friends and others, as well as provide support and guidance throughout the process.
  • Provide advocacy and resources: A therapist can serve as an advocate for trans youth, working with schools, healthcare providers and other organizations to ensure they are treated with respect and dignity. They can also provide information and resources to help trans kids and their families navigate the healthcare and legal systems.
  • Foster resilience and self-acceptance: Transgender youth face numerous challenges and obstacles, but they can also be incredibly resilient and strong. A therapist can help them build resilience and self-acceptance, as well as celebrate their unique identities and experiences.

A therapist who is knowledgeable about gender diversity and committed to supporting transgender youth can play a critical role in helping them navigate the complexities of their gender identity and live happy, healthy lives.

BEST THERAPIES FOR TRANSGENDER COUNSELING

Here at Best Therapies, we understand the complexities of navigating trans health care and the barriers to accessing gender-affirming care. Looking for a specifically transgender therapist? We have several nonbinary/GNC and trans therapists on staff who are here to support you in your gender journey, whether you need a space to process if medical transition is for you or you need a letter for HRT or an upcoming gender-affirming surgery. We’re here for you.

At Best Therapies, we offer the following gender-affirming services:

  • A one-time session for a WPATH letter for gender-affirming surgery
  • Gender-affirming letters for HRT/medical transition
  • Family sessions
  • Connecting you with a gender-nonconforming, nonbinary, trans or queer clinician at Best Therapies
  • An affirming therapeutic space and transition counselor to process and work toward your therapy/transition goals
  • Connecting you with gender-affirming care providers/resources in Illinois

If you are questioning your gender identity, experiencing gender dysphoria or have body dysmorphia, reach out to our team for support. We want to connect with you, create goals together and meet you where you are in your journey.

Resources

BEST THERAPIES TRANS RESOURCE GUIDE

From surgery to hormone therapy to clothing, we've got you covered.

BEST THERAPIES TRANS GUIDE TO CHANGING YOUR NAME

A step by step guide to changing your name in Cook County, Illinois.

Our Experts

Pre-Licensed Therapist, Head of Training & Development | she/her/hers
MSW, MEd, Pre-Licensed Therapist | They/Them/Theirs
LCSW, CADC, Clinical Director | he/him/they/them
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