Gender Identity Issues Animal Assisted Therapy

Gender Identity Issues

Gender identity issues can make a person feel that nature has played a cruel trick, leaving them living in a body and role that is contrary to what they feel inside. However, as society becomes more accepting of gay and lesbian individuals it is also becoming much easier for people to admit that they are transgender than ever before. However, therapy can help people with gender dysphoria to cope with gender identity issues.

Most people with gender dysphoria prefer the term transgender as they deal with the social expectations of living a life that is authentic to their own emotions while conforming to their birth gender.

Whether you are confused about the possibility that you might be transgender, or whether you have accepted the reality, it is a good idea to speak to a therapist. If you are considering gender reassignment surgery, therapy will help you prepare for the psychological impact of the decision.

Living in your gender of choice will take a lot of courage, as well as some experimentation. You will have to learn how to find a congruent appearance, and explore different ways for you to present your body so that it relates to your true gender.

Counselling from a therapist trained in gender identity issues will provide a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your emotions, fears and feelings regarding what is happening for you.  Individual and group therapies are common for gender dysphoric patients, while family therapy can help foster better communication, and understanding. Family therapy can help deal with conflicts that can arise from gender dysphoria.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers gender identity counselling to address your gender dysphoria issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Animal Assisted Therapy, Relaxation Therapy, Focusing, Internal Family Systems

Animal-assisted therapy uses animals, and dogs in particular, to improve cognitive and emotional functioning. Animals help to build a report between the therapist and the patient, and can include domesticated pets and farm animals.

During the first stages of animal-assisted therapy, the therapist will assess the client's needs without animals present. The animal is only introduced once the therapist has developed a treatment plan.

The next stage involves a bond being developed between the client and the animal through motor skills. The animals are used to motivate the client, and to create positive interactions that can be translated into human interaction.

The therapist will monitor improvement and once a positive interaction is established between the client and the animal, the client is given independence in making choices for their partner in Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy.

If you are looking for a counsellor who offers Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Relaxation Therapy, used therapeutically, relieves stress, manage symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep. Applied correctly and practiced frequently, relaxation therapy can improve a person's general well being.

The waking mind is constantly active, with thoughts swirling through it at an alarming rate. The mind remains active during sleep as well, and that is why people often wake up feeling tired. Restful sleep is needed for the mind to be relaxed and for the body to be healthy.

Relaxation therapy quiets the mind, allowing thoughts to flow smoothly, at a level rhythm that induces relaxation. A well-rested mind is rejuvenated, even while at sleep. Rest and relaxation improves overall health, boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight stress and anxiety to improve a person's quality of life.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Relaxation Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Focusing is all about body sense - the structural component of a human being. It teaches the client to become fully aware of body and mind interactions, and the effects those collisions have on his or her life experience.

This fascinating therapy involves focusing on the body-mind relationship, which, at first, is not easy. Through focusing, the client will begin to feel a shift as the body starts to address the issue, and answers arrive for handling situations.

Focusing can bring about the gift of self-healing in terms of psychological issues within fewer than ten focusing sessions. It can treat a range of issues, from minor behaviour or personality issues, to severe cases of child abuse. Couples can experience fascinating changes in listening skills through focusing, too.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Focusing, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Kate Malone

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Maybe you are struggling with anxiety and depression, working on building self-confidence, looking to heal past trauma, facing challenges in your relationships, or just needing a space to talk. I welcome individuals who... Read more

Linette Read

M.Ed., RCC
I’m a settler of European descent, an explorer of nature, a knitter, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has supported youth and adults and their mental health for over a decade. I’m a calm,... Read more

Lisa Woolgar

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
If you're suffering through a loss, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck, I'm an Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in helping people navigate even their most challenging emotions, felt... Read more

Naoko Sasaki

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Are you struggling with high stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, or trauma and PTSD? Would you like to ease your emotional pain by gaining tools to self-regulate and... Read more

Emma Ellison

MCP, RCC
Transpersonal Psychotherapist Doula & Traditional Birth Attendant Birth Integration & Spiritual Care Practitioner My approach Just as a seed will grow into a plant, and a plant will seek water and... Read more

Michelle Carchrae

M.C., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
People come to counselling when they want to feel better. I'm here to help you do that.  Whether you're experiencing depression and stuckness, anxiety, overwhelming emotion or difficulty in your... Read more

Alisa Chirpicinic

M.Couns., RCC
About Me I believe that all problems that seem to defy solutions are directly affected – even determined - by how you experience and relate to yourself and others. Exploring the psychological meaning and... Read more

Amanda Bowers

MCP, RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I have been you before. Lonely and overwhelmed, feeling like others couldn’t understand or engage with how deeply I see and experience the world. As a highly sensitive person, I appreciate how meaning, the impact... Read more

Becca Smith

M.S.W., RSW
Counselling is a deeply personal experience. A therapy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and trust is built over time as we gain knowledge and experience of another person. With 25 years of experience... Read more

Jamie Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a man, therapy might not be your preferred use of time, yet a growing part of you is curious about what could be. Throughout your life, you’ve felt minimized and closed off from your potential. Maybe you’... Read more

Jude Weir

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Counseling is about transforming relationships and lives - it might be about the relationship we have with ourselves or with others. Maybe it's about addressing specific problems so you can move... Read more

Jill Koehler

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
So….you are thinking about counselling and wondering where to start, maybe: Your mind keeps spinning and you can’t find any peace. You are hard on yourself, but don’t know how else to keep... Read more

Lindsay Bhuller

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you find yourself getting triggered for reasons you can't explain? Are you having trouble turning your brain off from racing thoughts? Maybe you are overwhelmed by emotion, or the opposite- not... Read more

David Nisbet

M.A., RCC
David is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. He has extensive experience and knowledge working with... Read more

Alexandra Stewart

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, and congratulations on starting your search for a therapist. It's important you feel a connection and find the right fit. I welcome consultation calls where we have a brief chat over the phone to ... Read more