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.

Ben Frizzo

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm here to guide, support, and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way. Let's be honest, if I'm doing my job well, we won't be seeing each other for long! But in the meantime, I consider it a... Read more

Kelly Archer

M.A., RCC
Kelly Archer, MA, RCC (pronouns: she/her/hers) Kelly is a clinical counsellor with over 13 years of experience working in the social services field with children, youth and young adults within outreach, community... Read more

Christy Arsenault

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Christy Arsenault (Waisman) is a seasoned therapist with extensive experience working with complex issues and diverse populations.  Christy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology from the... Read more

Colette Mrazek

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My counselling career began over 20 years ago and since then, I have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations, such as youth at risk, children who have been orphaned, young parents,... Read more

Maureen Lee

Ph.D., RCC
Dr. Maureen Lee is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in North Vancouver. She practices a client-centred approach to therapy which means you, the client, decide the outcome, goals and direction... Read more

Susanne Leach

M.S.W., RSW
Do you want to build a life that is worth living, filled with healthy balanced relationships with friends, family and important people in your life?  Do you want to build a stronger understanding of yourself and... Read more

Karianne Axford

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Karianne Axford and Associates is currently offering online/virtual/video counselling during COVID-19. Dr. Axford has over two decades of experience providing counselling and... Read more

Heather Bach

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
For over 20 years, Heather Bach of Bach Counselling Group brings clinical expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD... Read more

Michele Maurer

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Appointments Available In-office and Virtually You invest yourself in your relationships. Individuals, couples and parents have done their best to cope throughout the pandemic, and it's taken a ... Read more

Meredith MacKenzie

M.A., RCC
Meredith MacKenzie is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Parallel Wellness. She is a warm and genuine individual, couple and family therapist. She works with both adolescent and adult clients. She... Read more

Raheel Rahman

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Raheel Rahman is committed to providing compassion and support to help you through many life issues.   RAHEEL RAHMAN CAN HELP YOU WITH: Anxiety in adults and children Depression in adults... Read more

Mickey Stein

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist in Vancouver B.C. My mission is to provide professional psychotherapy and psychological assessments to assist and treat adolescents and adults of all ages, and their families.... Read more

Staci Illsley

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
For over 25 years, Dr. Illsley has continued to hone her therapy skills and weaves cognitive-behavioral, developmental, attachment-based, neurological, mindfulness and somatic approaches into her therapy. She prefers to... Read more

Shelley Foster

M.A., RCC
Unique Family Coaching, Customized Individual Counselling and Online Consultation. Are you a family with teenagers looking for help?  Need something to change. Feel like you can no longer communicate or trust... Read more

Aaron Lautzenhiser

Ph.D., R.Psych
I’m Dr. Aaron Lautzenhiser (or just “Dr. Aaron” for short!). I’m a registered psychologist, trained in neuropsychology and psychotherapy. I conduct neuropsychological and psycho-educational... Read more

Ryan Leiderman

M.A., RCC
Congratulations on having the courage to work towards a better you.  As someone that has walked a similar path of self-improvement, I empathize with your struggle and truly appreciate the spark within you that... 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

Desiree Blume

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a registered clinical counsellor who has worked therapeutically with children, adults, couples and families for over a decade.  I will offer you a safe and caring environment where you can identify and... 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

Johanna Abraham

M.S.W., RSW
I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and 25 years of professional experience helping individuals, couples and families from a range of backgrounds deal with a variety challenges. As well as providing counseling... Read more

Omar Hussein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Omar Hussein, MA, RCC (he/him). Currently, I practice Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with elements of Person Centered Therapy and Emotion Focused Therapy. I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC... Read more

Jess Lenihan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
People often come to see me to discuss problems related to depression, anxiety, climate anxiety, life transitions, grief, and parenting. My practice is narrative, gender affirming, neurodiversity affirming, anti-... Read more

Curt DeWolff

M.Ed., CCC
In counselling sessions I work to maintain a safe environment for my clients. I strive to create a space free from judgment so clients feel comfortable to share openly. As I get to know my clients, I allow... Read more

Teresa Moseley

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of thinking that everything sucks? Nothing will change and your Hogwarts letter will never come! Are you laying in bed with your junk food, not wanting to get up, downing Starbucks and Red Bulls like it... Read more

Tasha Johal

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
How connected do you feel? To others? To yourself? As a therapist, I emphasize the relationship and connection to one's body and mind through a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, holistic lens.... Read more

Gerry Bock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Gerry Bock earned his Masters degree in 1990. He has been practicing as a Registered Clinical Counsellor for over 30 years (since 1991).  The practice environment and philosophy offers committed, accountable,... Read more

Colin Evans

M.A., RCC
Evans-Carlson Counselling believes in supporting individuals and couples in the growth that will help them take the next step towards health and wholeness.   Special Issues In-Focus: Each person coming to... Read more

Rebecca Shuen

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello! My name is Rebecca (she/her/they) :) I offer counselling to women, men, non-binary folks, and adults of all gender identities, with a special passion for working with teens. I believe that counselling can be... 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

Klaus Klein

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
There are times when you may feel confused, frustrated, and powerless in a life situation that seems to get bigger and worse. Klaus works individuals, couples, and families to heal from the past, live more in the... Read more