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, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

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..

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) deals with depressive symptoms and issues. This short term treatment of up to 20 weeks deals with the client's main symptoms during the initial sessions. During this stage the therapist helps the client to regain a semblance of functionality, which will facilitate healing. IPT allows for variations that can be incorporated into treatment of a range of other co-existing issues.

Depression usually impacts heavily on interpersonal relationships, and  Interpersonal Psychotherapy measures the dynamics of these issues during the initial stages. Strengthened relationships can lend significant support during the process of recovery from depression.

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

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

Joy Hung

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Is stress getting you down? Would you like to have healthier and more meaningful relationships? Are you tired of being limited by feelings of depression or anxiety? You probably found your way here because you... Read more

Susan McConnell

M.S.W., RSW
I have been in private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 20 years. During that time I have had the privilege of being able to connect with people and help them achieve their personal goals, create... Read more

Chris Rensch

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Chris has specialized training in trauma and child therapy. He helps kids and adults get unstuck when life circumstances create barriers. As one of the only male trauma-focused children’s therapists... Read more

Christopher Cardoso

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
If you’re tired of suffering alone and feeling misunderstood, finding the right therapist is a great place to start. I have spent nearly a decade helping people face overwhelming challenges and beat the odds. You... 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

Parinaz Falsafi

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I have additional training (Sue Johnson, EFT externship, 2018) and experience working with couples to help them resolve marital and relationship issues. I help families learn ways to communicate better, set firm... Read more

Danielle Bowersock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I can help if you are stressed, anxious or depressed. At their extreme, anxiety and depression can be crippling, making you feel hopeless. Life becomes a struggle and your... Read more

Alex Abdel-Malek

M.S.W., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
*** Please note that in response to the COVID-19 situation, I have moved my therapy practice to a fully online service, meaning we can connect via secure video call for our sessions for individual and couple therapy... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Marilyn Beloff

Ph.D., RCC
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, and in order to protect my clients, as well as our families and community as a whole, I have made the decision to move to a secure on-line fully encrypted format, for video sessions... Read more

Nicole Alexander

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Do you sometimes feel like it is difficult to get through the day? Do you often feel low and like your progress is somehow blocked? Are you at a point in your life where it seems like nothing is changing? I understand... Read more

Kimberly Clarke

M.S.W., RCSW
    • Online booking
Hello. I am a registered clinical social worker with a master's degree in social work from Lakehead University. My practice includes over 20 years of experience working with both youth and adults in a variety... Read more

Amelia Wu

M.Ed., CCC
吴偲予是持有心理学学士学位和心理咨询硕士学位的加拿大注册心理咨询师。在工作中,她习惯运用综合疗法以及不同的技巧,例如: 辩证行为法,认知行为疗法,人物中心疗罚,解答聚焦治疗,情感集中治疗, 艺术疗法和觉知训练方法等,来帮助大家达到预期效果。传统的中国文化背景让吴偲予对移民在西方文化环境里面临的挑战,以及父母子女之间潜在的文化差异与代沟有着深刻的了解与体会。因此能够更好的帮助解决因为文化导致的各种问题,促进家庭关系,... Read more

Claire DeBoer

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you and your partner can't communicate without conflict? Are you stuck in a cycle where you try to connect and they shut down and pull away? These patterns are normal in long-term... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Olga Shchedrinskaya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Having worked as a counsellor in a non-profit organization, private practice, and a mental health clinic, I bring more than 10 years of experience to my work with with individuals, couples, and families. My primary... Read more

Crystal Arber

M.S.W., RCC
 Effective Online EMDR Treatment for acute stress response and post- traumatic stress injuries.  Treatment for Post Trauma Injuries for health care workers, first responders, veterans, military, kids and... Read more
Jane, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#0828), is a Certified EMDR therapist and a Cognitive Behaviorial therapist. Since 1989 she has worked with individuals and couples experiencing distressing life events such as... Read more

Sara Kammerzell

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
For over twenty years, Sara has helped people grow through turbulent times in their lives so that they can reclaim their full vitality and live the life they were born to live.  She strives to connect with... Read more

Aliona Sydorenko

M.Ed., RCC
At the heart of my practice is a belief that bringing light to what pains us, with openness, kindness and compassion, helps us connect to our natural healing capacity. As a counsellor, I bring my knowledge, experience... Read more

Sophie McEntee

M.A., RCC
I have a combined 16 years of training and clinical experience working with individuals and couples. Clients come to me usually when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or at a crossroad. My clients are often... Read more

Ishtar Beck

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
My practice is located in East Van on Commercial Drive. I am currently welcoming folks mostly for in-person appointments. Whether in person or remotely, when interacting with me you will find a supportive space... Read more

Josh Slatkoff

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Josh Slatkoff is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1774) who sees adult clients in Victoria, BC. He works with clients to develop coping skills to face challenges and accept limitations. He believes that clients... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Linda Williams

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you ready for a change? Linda is a highly skilled therapist, lecturer and writer, with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and children. She embraces all clinical issues, and as a... Read more

Kevin Gomes

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
A genuine human connection is the most important part of any successful therapy, as it’s from this nurturing relationship that people can begin to heal wounds, make meaning, find purpose, and eventually grow. With... Read more

Hannah Curwin

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
What would it take to remember our worth? How complete and loving and lovable we are? Welcome and thank you for being here. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy... Read more

Brooke Peters

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Brooke Peters is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Victoria BC, offering psychotherapy via secure online video and telephone. Brooke is passionate about helping others reconnect... Read more

Mark Bodnarchuk

Ph.D., R.Psych
I help people who are having difficulties in their relationships with their children, family, romantic partners, and co-workers.  I work with individuals, couples, and some or all family members.   I help... Read more

Stephanie Albanese

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
MaternalCare Counselling is a safe and loving space for you to take care of yourself so you can regain confidence and be the mama you were meant to be. You deserve to be supported so you can find balance again. Despite... Read more