Gender Identity Issues Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

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.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relaxation Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that deals with the way in which clients think about themselves, other people and the world. The outside world affects how we think and feel about ourselves and as a result, our behaviour. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help a person to change the way they think about thoughts and feelings, but it is not like other types of talk therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy focuses on current issues and challenges that affect the client right now. It doesn't consider the past issues that caused distress, but rather looks for solutions that can improve the client's state of mind in the moment. Much of CBT involves looking at thought distortions that can affect mood and are affected by mood, and helps client examine and challenge distorted thinking patters.

CBT can help a range of problems, from OCD, PTSD, bulimia, stress, phobias and other issues that might seem overwhelming to the client, by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable chunks.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Cognitive Behavioural 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:  Some practitioners practice Emotionally Focused Therapy rather than Emotional Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotion Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.  

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

Annique Doucette

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2006, I have been providing supportive psychotherapy to a diverse group of individuals in variety of settings: post secondary, residential addiction treatment, public health... Read more

Esther Oh

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I’m Esther (she/her). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Vancouver, BC. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I was a tax and estates lawyer at one of Canada’s leading... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Lisa Bylsma

M.Ed., RCC
Currently accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have... Read more

Michael Mandrusiak

Psy.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Dr. Michael Mandrusiak is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1803) and holds a Doctor of Psychology degree.  As a psychologist in B.C. since 2008, Michael has had extensive clinical ... 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

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

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

Ellahae Keshmiri

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and therapy.  I currently offer in person and virtual sessions in Vancouver (Broadway and Cambie area... Read more

Shawna Bot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Taking that first step towards healing takes courage! I want to honour that and walk alongside of you while we work towards your wellness goals. The reality is that not many people are taught the skills to deal... Read more

Kady Wong

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, nice to meet you, I’m Kady (she/her)! I know how hard it can be to find a counsellor so I hope this bio helps you decide if we would be a good fit together. As a counsellor, I approach therapy relationally and... Read more

Alistair Gordon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Director of Wellspring Counselling Inc., as well as an Adjunct Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, my mission is to help you navigate the... Read more

Dave Vass

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I have specialized training in the treatment of Type-C Personalities (Conscientious/Competent/Self-Controlled). Who, or what is Type C ?? People tend to be quite familiar with Type A and Type B personalities. But... Read more
    • Online booking
I am a relationship and individual counsellor who focuses on supporting my clients in becoming more connected to eachother and to themselves.  Have you noticed that worrying is negatively impacting your life or... Read more

Huda Sajjad

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
About Me My practice is grounded in an approach that is holistic and collaborative. I believe that all people have the ability to heal and grow. I offer my clients support and guidance to access and trust their inner... Read more

Jonathan Carter

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS **NO REFERRAL NECESSARY When we set out on life's journey we all have expectations of what life is going to give us and how life is going to turn out. We all have a sense of how... Read more

Jennifer Vishloff

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Many of the clients I’ve worked with feel overwhelmed by their emotions. On the outside they are able to be successful through a lot of hard work, but inside they feel like they’re barely holding it together... Read more

Danielle Holtjer

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi I’m Dani and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Director at Skylark Counselling! I have worked in the counselling field for over a decade and have had the pleasure of gaining hands-on... Read more

Angeline Vaughan

M.A., RCC
Angeline is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#10058) and a member in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical counsellors (BCACC). Angeline holds a Masters of Arts degree in Counselling... Read more

Bonny Yung

M.C., RCC
Are you in a season of struggle and looking for clarity and support to help you move through difficulty? Perhaps you have reached your tipping point, feel isolated and alone, unsure of yourself, struggle with self-... Read more

Lynne Cowburn

M.Ed., RSW
I believe in the innate ability of every human to heal.. even when it feels too dark to do so. My goal is to help you foster insights, understanding and acceptance of the obstacles that prevent you from expanding into a... Read more

JY Zhang

M.A., RMFT
    • Online booking
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” -- Laurell K. Hamilton  JY holds a warm, safe, and accepting space for who you are and... Read more

Aditi Mukesh

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Aditi Mukesh, I am an RCC (#18027), operating out of the lower mainland area. Counselling is my passion in life, and what a blessing that it is also my profession. My work is in service of healing... Read more
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Sam van Ginkel

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Please contact me here: https://form.jotform.com/222765666770063  When painful thoughts and emotions show up, it can be like trying to find our way through a fog. It’s hard to live the way... Read more

Krista Blatchford

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Krista (she/her) has many years experience working with children (6+), adolescents, adults, parents and families. Before completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology and becoming a therapist, she was a youth worker... Read more

Alex Gheorghe

M.S.W., RSW
I started Out of the Woods Counselling with the goal of providing individuals, couples and families with evidence-based interventions and techniques to relieve them of challenges that keep them stuck - depression,... Read more

Charene Cranston

M.Couns., RCC
Hello! My name is Charene (she/her). Sometimes we get caught up in our day-to-day routines or we feel too stretched, stressed, or spent to get going on creating the future we want for ourselves. Other times, there... Read more

Annu Dha

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  About Me I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor born and raised in Vancouver. I have a Masters Degree in Counselling (MA) and over a decade of related experience. I've worked in diverse... Read more