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

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..

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

Gwen Bevan

M.S.W., RSW
Gwen Bevan has been counselling individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. In addition to providing counselling, Gwen provides clinical supervision for private therapists (see below for more information... Read more

Tamara Pearl

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
As a psychotherapist and trauma counsellor I have helped people for over 20 years to heal from personal, intergenerational, and collective trauma as well as addictions, depression, anxiety, stress,... Read more

Tasha Davidson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, First, I recognize how challenging starting the process of counselling may be. Whether it feels like the problem is too big, no one will understand or 'maybe it's not that big of a deal,' I want you... Read more

Jay Hails

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
My strength lies in helping you identify and celebrate your own unique strengths. The fact that you're looking here for help already tells me you're strong. If you’re overwhelmed or stuck, or you’... Read more

Katie Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine. I... Read more
    • Online booking
Dear clients, I am sending you my warmest greetings as you take this incredible step of showing up for yourself here. Life could be unbearable and confusing at times. I believe that the complexity of life is... Read more

Jon Dickson

M.A., CCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Asking yourself questions like these: Is this authentic for me? Can I be me? Am I allowed to be myself? What is life asking me at this time? These important Life questions are openings, invitations, and horizons for... Read more

Sheri Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Using cutting edge neuroscience approaches and over 12 years experience practicing clinical social work, an online session with me offers effective, results-oriented therapy in a non-judgemental, compassionate... Read more

Roma Palmer

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Choosing a counsellor is a very personal decision.  Below please find some information to help you make the choice that is right for you. What is my philosophy of counselling and how can I help you? I believe... Read more

Catherine Moore

M.A., RCC
  I believe we are all instinctively moving towards healing, it's a natural process. When we get a cut, it magically heals. Emotional and psychological wounding is more complex and needs... Read more

Lynn Cameron

M.A., RCC
For over 25 years I have counselled individuals for a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, complex trauma, addictions, stress and bereavement to name a few.   I hold a Masters... Read more

Jennifer Mussell

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Jennifer is a compassionate and engaged therapist who will help clients imagine desired outcomes and create a roadmap to achieve their goals. She balances offering a safe space to process emotions, explore and... Read more

Chantal Bernard

M.C., RCC
Taking the step to seek the support of a counsellor for yourself or for your loved one is a step toward positive change. Counselling is an opportunity to express yourself and share your experiences in confidence and... Read more

Ayesha Sackey

M.S.W., RSW
Does your mind consistently race? Do you feel unsafe or wish you had more confidence? Do you feel like you simply can’t control what’s going around you? Do you feel like you must keep busy all the time for... Read more

Darcee Cooper

M.S.W., RSW
I am both a Registered Social Worker (RSW) and a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and have been practicing as a social worker since 2002.  I have extensive experience working with: trauma, chronic medical... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron Chin. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey BC on some days of the week. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to... Read more

Viviane Houle

M.S.W., RSW
Viviane Houle is a Registered Social Worker (#10977) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, an EMDR and Integrative Voicework Therapist, and a Certified NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer.... Read more

Jayne Simpson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I am the founder of Ash Tree Counselling, and believe in the importance of building a relationship for healing to begin and sustain. Part of my personal on-going relational healing is re-connecting to my ancestral... Read more

Larissa Szlavik

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Humans are amazing, complex beings. Life is messy. I am prepared to talk about all of it. Often the conversations I am engaged in with folks include topics of trauma, abuse, colonial violence, sexual assault, and... Read more

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Pam Vickram

M.S.W., RSW
If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you. I support individuals and couples to navigate a... Read more

Alma Vaugeois

M.A., RCC
You Don't Have to let Anxiety Run Your Life! Are you struggling in your life with anxiety or fear that you can't manage ? Does your anxiety keep you from following your dreams and creating the life you... Read more

Niall JM Barnard

M.Sc., RSW
People and institutions are always trying to force us into boxes – you shouldn't have to deal with that when you come to therapy. As a queer and trans person myself, I'm passionate... Read more

Sara Place

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstance brings you to counselling.  We can work through difficult life circumstances, relationship challenges (including... Read more

David Renaud

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing difficult problems. Such problems go by many names, and may be new or old, but all share the common trait of stubbornly obstructing our happiness. You might feel depressed, anxious, or... Read more

Dawna Silver

M.A., RCC
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. If you are like many people who seek therapy, you are struggling. Maybe you are in a time of crisis in your life. Something has happened out of the blue that... Read more

Janice Bell

M.S.W., RCC
Janice has had a private practice for 25 years, twenty of those in Nanaimo.Her office location provides comfort, confidentiality and convenience. Herschedule is structured to meet the needs of clients.Janice... Read more

Stephenie Torpey

M.C., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to build a life worth living well.  I have specialized training in helping adults with various concerns such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety (general, social, panic... Read more

Denise Carter

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Life can be complicated no matter what your age is. Managing life transitions such as becoming a teenager or young adult, a parent, or change in any life routine can be difficult. You may be experiencing stress, anxiety... Read more

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... Read more