specialized queer and gender-affirming therapy for your journey
LGBTQ & Transgender Care in Philadelphia, PA
You can't shake the nagging feeling that you’re not living a life that feels like yours.
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When you look in the mirror, it feels like you’re staring at a stranger. Certain clothes feel awkward, and you always feel restless and on edge. You try to go about your day but you feel like you’re going through the motions. Something just feels off.
You’re at your friend’s wedding, wishing you could just enjoy yourself. But instead you’re hyper-aware of how you look and you feel like you don’t belong.
You just want to disappear.
Sometimes you fantasize about being a different gender, and it’s the one thing that gets you through the day. However, the 1 am internet deep-dives about whether you’re trans leave you feeling confused and scared.
You want to talk it out with someone, but you’re afraid to take the first step because that will make it more real.
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Maybe you’re a millennial or Gen X, who grew up with limited awareness and language around queerness. You only knew of two options: gay or straight, and neither label really felt right to you.
So you stuffed the feelings down, thinking that everyone fantasizes about kissing their friends sometimes.
Now you’re on Instagram and Tik-Tok reading about Comp Het, pansexuality, and gender fluidity. It’s starting to click, but it feels like you have a lot to lose. What if your straight spouse freaks out, and your religious family disowns you?
You thought you had a vision for your future, but it’s been flipped upside down.
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You’ve sent the email to your family, you’ve had the Zoom call with your friends, and now you’re about to come out to your boss at work.
Your heart is racing and while you’re on the other side of some of these conversations, you still can’t fully relax. Because coming out is an ongoing process, and you’re always bracing yourself for how the other person will react, even with your progressive friends.
Maybe you’ve flown under the radar but now you’re in a visibly queer relationship. You want to introduce your new partner to your family, but you’re scared because they don’t know you're queer and you’re not sure how they'll react.
Perhaps you’re exploring options around HRT and gender-affirming surgery, and you’re looking to talk it out with someone.
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Whether you’re navigating dating apps, ethical non-monogamy, or a long-term relationship, queer dating hits a little different.
Maybe you are trans and you’re realizing you’re attracted to more than one gender. You’re excited, but also nervous because you’ve just re-entered the dating scene since you’ve transitioned. Or maybe you’ve been dating for awhile, but you’re tired of trying to weed out the people who only see you as a fetish.
Perhaps you’re seeking a sapphic relationship, and you’re struggling with knowing how to flirt with women and show them you’re interested.
Or, maybe you’re poly, and google calendars have become your best friend. You’re juggling time with your nesting partner, date night with your long-distant partner, and Back-to-School Night.
Maybe you…
Maybe you’re dealing with…
Fantasizing about being with someone of the same gender, even though you’ve identified as straight up until now.
Being misgendered by friends and coworkers while feeling burdened with having to reassure them when they overly apologize.
Family members calling you by your old name and rolling their eyes when you try to correct their pronouns.
Strangers commenting on your body and feeling terrified to use the public bathroom because you don’t know how people will react.
Wishing you had more queer and trans friends, but you feel too shy and awkward to meet people.
Trying to date as a queer and trans person and grappling with feelings of not being good enough.
Queer-Affirming Therapy in Society Hill, Philadelphia
As a queer-identified therapist specializing in gender-affirming care, I provide compassionate support for transgender and non-binary individuals navigating gender identity, body image, and authentic self-expression. My practice offers a warm, affirming space where you can explore your true self without judgment.
My Approach
Your struggles aren’t personal failings—they are normal reactions to living in an unjust world.
I believe our identities and lived experiences impact the relationship we build in therapy. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly about what’s working, what’s not, and any concerns that come up along the way.
As a white, cisgender queer woman, I’ll never fully know what it’s like to walk in your shoes. However, I am committed to creating the safest place possible where you can be vulnerable and do deep, meaningful work in therapy. I’d love to walk alongside of you in your journey.
In our work together, we’ll call out the systems that put certain bodies and identities above other. We’ll explore how these societal pressures have impacted how you see yourself and move through the world.
Therapy can help you understand why you feel stuck, and give you the tools to know how to change it. We’ll uncover what’s been holding you back so you can feel more confident in who you are and have more fulfilling relationships.
Together, we’ll help you let go of the shame that you’ve carried, so you can reconnect with who you really are.
My Therapeutic Approach
My practice integrates multiple evidence-based modalities tailored to support gender-affirming care:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us understand and heal different parts of yourself that may hold conflicting feelings about gender identity. This approach proves particularly powerful for those experiencing internal criticism or feeling torn between authentic expression and safety.
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Art Therapy provides non-verbal pathways to explore gender dysphoria, body image, and identity. Creating art allows access to emotions and insights that feel too complex for words, making it especially valuable for processing experiences related to gender.
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Psychodynamic Therapy explores how early relationships and cultural messages about gender shape current patterns. Understanding these influences creates opportunities for profound healing and change in your relationship with yourself.
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ERPoffers structured support for OCD symptoms related to gender identity or body image, helping you face fears while resisting compulsions that interfere with authentic living.
Specialized Gender Affirming Care for Your Journey
Gender-affirming care encompasses comprehensive mental health support that honors your unique experience as a transgender or non-binary person. Unlike traditional therapy approaches that may not understand the nuances of gender dysphoria, my practice focuses specifically on the intersection of gender identity with eating disorders, body image, and overall well-being.
I understand that transgender folks face unique challenges in accessing appropriate health care. Having advanced training in transgender health and connections to the trans community, I bring both professional expertise and personal understanding to our work together. This combination allows me to provide gender affirmation that goes beyond surface-level acceptance to truly see and support who you are.
My approach recognizes that every transgender person's journey is different. Whether you're exploring your gender identity for the first time, navigating social or medical transition, or seeking support for gender dysphoria, I tailor our sessions to meet your specific needs. Together, we'll work through the complexities of living authentically in a world that doesn't always understand or accept transgender and non-binary individuals.
Supporting Transgender Youth and Their Families
Working with transgender kids requires specialized understanding of both adolescent development and gender identity formation. Young people exploring their gender need a safe space to express themselves freely while building resilience against discrimination. I provide that space while helping them develop coping strategies for school challenges, peer relationships, and family dynamics.
If your child has come out as trans or non-binary, you might be feeling a mix of emotions—love, worry, and confusion. For parents of transgender children, I offer guidance on creating an affirming home environment. Understanding that your child's gender differs from their sex assigned at birth can bring up complex emotions. I help family members process their feelings while learning to provide the support their transgender youth needs. This includes practical strategies for advocating at school, navigating extended family reactions, and supporting your child through potential social transition.
When parents show up with love and affirmation, trans kids thrive. Research consistently shows that transgender youth with supportive families have significantly better mental health outcomes. My work helps families build that foundation of support, improving emotional well-being for everyone involved.
The Intersection of Eating Disorders and Gender Identity
One of my primary specialties involves supporting individuals where eating disorders and gender dysphoria intersect. Traditional eating disorder treatment often fails transgender and non-binary people because it doesn't account for how gender identity affects body image and food relationships. Body dysphoria related to one's assigned gender at birth can trigger or complicate disordered eating patterns in ways that require specialized understanding.
Through my training in both eating disorder treatment and gender-affirming care, I help people navigate these interconnected challenges. We explore how gender dysphoria influences eating behaviors, how hormone therapy might affect body image, and how to develop a peaceful relationship with food during gender transition. This integrated approach addresses both concerns simultaneously rather than treating them as separate issues.
My therapeutic modalities - including Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic therapy - allow us to explore these complex feelings through multiple pathways. Art Therapy proves particularly powerful for expressing emotions about body and gender that feel too overwhelming for words alone.
Support for partners of transgender individuals.
Gender transition affects not just individuals but their entire support system. Partners of transgender people often need their own space to process complex emotions while maintaining their relationship. I provide specialized support for partners navigating these waters, helping them maintain their own well-being while supporting their loved one through transition.
This work acknowledges that successful relationships during transition require open communication, flexibility, and mutual support. We explore how to maintain intimacy, navigate changing dynamics, and grow together through this transformative process.
Learn More About Support for Partners and Spouses of Trans Individuals
Group Therapy for Community Connection
Along with one-on-one work, I also offer small group sessions where trans and non-binary folks can connect and share openly. Group therapy is a space to connect with people who get it — folks who’ve been through similar struggles and are ready to show up with honesty and care. You’ll share stories, build real connections, and realize you’re not as alone as you thought. Over time, those connections often turn into lasting support that stays with you long after the sessions end.
LGBTQ-Affirming therapy can help you…
Find Your People
Therapy helps you strengthen the connections you already have, while helping you build new friendships in queer spaces.
Discover Your True Self
You’ll identify and connect with your values, goals, and passions, and the relationships that truly matter.
Learn Self-Compassion
Therapy helps you look at every side of yourself with kindness, not criticism. Even the parts buried in shame and guilt.
Advocate For Your Needs
Learn how to set boundaries and protect your well-being when dealing with invasive questions, misgendering and navigating cis-het spaces.
Reduce self-blame
The beliefs you inherited from oppressive systems aren’t yours to carry. It’s time to start directing your anger where it belongs—at the systems that caused the harm, not you.
Celebrate Queer Joy
Find ways to notice small moments of gratitude and what brings you happiness, even in a cis-het world. Learn how to carve out time for pleasure, fun and rest.
You don't have to keep feeling ashamed of who you are.
Together, let’s build the confidence to live the life you truly want.
Questions?
FAQs
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Starting therapy begins with a free 20-minute phone consultation where we discuss what brings you to seek support and whether my approach aligns with your needs.
There's no pressure - finding the right therapist who understands transgender health is crucial for effective therapy.
If we decide to work together, you'll complete intake paperwork through a secure client portal.
Our first session focuses on understanding your goals, exploring your history with gender identity and any co-occurring concerns like eating disorders, and discussing how therapy can support your journey.
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I typically meet with clients weekly for one-hour sessions at a consistent day and time. Some benefit from meeting more frequently or for extended 90-minute sessions, particularly when doing intensive work around gender dysphoria or eating disorders.
Between sessions, I may provide journal prompts to deepen self-exploration. For those working with OCD through ERP, there will be specific homework to practice skills and track progress.
Sometimes goals/needs change in therapy, or you might realize that something is missing in sessions. I always center your needs in treatment and encourage feedback on what’s working for you and what’s not working
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I get it, starting therapy is a huge leap! Here are some things to consider:
You’re looking to explore your gender and feel ready to talk about it.
You’re considering HRT or gender affirming surgery and need support in how to take those next steps
You’re looking for a gender affirming letter.
You’re looking for a social justice, anti-oppressive approach to therapy.
You’re interested in trying non-traditional approaches to counseling (in addition to talk therapy).
You’re looking to do deeper work to understand yourself better.
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You can schedule a consultation by booking online.
We’ll start with a quick, free 20-minute phone chat to talk about what’s been coming up for you and what kind of support you’re looking for. There’s no pressure — it’s just a chance for us to connect and see if working together feels like a good fit. You deserve a therapist who really gets your experience and makes space for all of who you are.
After the phone call, if it’s a good fit, we can schedule that first appointment. You will receive an email to set up your client portal and complete the intake paperwork online. Once all of the forms are completed, your appointment will be confirmed.
Creating Your Path Forward
Living authentically as your true self is possible, even when facing societal challenges. Through our work together, you can develop more self-confidence, improve your relationship with your body, and build hope for your future. My role is to provide consistent, compassionate support while you navigate the complexities of gender identity and self-discovery.
Recovery from eating disorders, healing from trauma, and embracing your gender identity aren't linear processes. There will be challenges along the way. What matters is having steady support from someone who understands the unique experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals.
Begin Your Journey Today
If you’re ready for therapy that truly sees and supports who you are, let’s connect. Whether you're questioning your gender identity, navigating transition, struggling with eating disorders, or seeking support as a partner or parent of someone transgender, my practice offers specialized care tailored to your needs.
Schedule your free consultation through my website to learn more about how therapy can support your path toward authentic living and healing. Your gender identity is valid, your story matters, and you deserve mental health care that affirms and celebrates who you are.
Serving the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia with in-person and online sessions available.
