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

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

Meghan Hodgson

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello - I'm Meghan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor living and practicing in Vancouver, BC, also known as the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-... Read more
    • Online booking
I work alongside youth and adult clients to support and explore challenges related to neurodivergence, trauma, mental health, identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, well-being, relationships, and confidence.... Read more

Yuka Oshimi

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with a major in psychology and a... Read more

Suzy Davis

M.A., RCC
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. I am currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions only, sliding fee scale available upon inquiry.  My approach to counselling is... Read more

Ellen Ivity

Ph.D., R.Psych
Hello, I am currently accepting new clients for counseling, as well as for ASD and ADHD assessments.  I offer an individualized approach to therapy to support you in achieving your goals. I integrate several... Read more

Christopher Conley

M.A., RCC
Sessions are available by phone or Zoom Pro online/video.  Grove Centre's mission as a respectful member of the community, is to support children and families within home, school and community... Read more

Tyler Schaus

M.Couns., RCC
As a queer, transguy, and adoptive parent to a neurospicy child, I prioritize the importance of seeing people as complex, nuanced, and unique beings. I strive to keep my practice flexible, authentic, holistic... Read more

Megan Sutherland

M.S.W., RCSW
Warm, accepting, inclusive and practical best describes my personal therapeutic style. I also place a high value on careful listening, empathy, professional ethics and accountability.  I believe that all people... Read more

Akeiko Rawn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Our identities are always in a process of becoming and our circumstances changing. We are here to listen deeply and respectfully cultivate a rich and purposeful way forward with you. Through genuine concern,... Read more

Kathryn Atkinson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am... Read more

Fred West

B.A., RCC
As humans, we possess complicated emotions.  Our behavior, thoughts and feelings can sometimes be overwhelming, even to ourselves! If you have been feeling lost, having depressed thoughts or going... Read more

Sylvia Dai

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you concerning about your child or struggling with how to support them? ? Here is the right place for you and your child! My name is Sylvia and I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT-USA) and a Registered Social... Read more

Rae Morris

Ph.D. (cand), RCSW
About me: I am a cisgender woman (she/her pronouns) and settler on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker who provides private... 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
    • Online booking
When explaining my approach, I often ask the question, “Who are you”? It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? No matter how hard we try, our stories rarely can sum it all up. Inevitably, something is... Read more

Salley-Ann Ross

M.A., RCC
Salley-Ann sees the potential in every person; whether it is working with families through divorce, parenting issues, children, youth, trauma, anger, grief or mental health issues. She believes that the road to... 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

Douglas Matear

Ed.D., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.... Read more

Sarah Welton

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
When your child isn’t doing well, it hurts you. Children can have big feelings and challenging behaviour. This can be a major life stressor. Behaviours get in the way of family time being playful and fun, and... Read more

Audrey Carriere

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who primarily works with adults that have ADHD and/or Autism. I also offer EMDR, IFS and trauma therapy online and in person! Using person-centered therapy that is... Read more

Melissa Brienza

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi there! Do you struggle with anxiety, motivation and being a part of a world that doesn't seem like it was designed for you? Have you been considering counselling for some time now? Are you feeling... Read more

Claudette Alain

M.A., RCC
My approach to psychotherapy is based on many years of training in both psychology and education. My passion for psychology led me to private practice after 20 years in the education sector as a teacher, counsellor,... 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

Jill Sweetable

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My goals as a therapist are to provide an inclusive and safe environment during an individual’s most trying times. As an empathic and compassionate person, I aim to walk with clients, not lead them on their... Read more

Tosh Gordey

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
My name is Tosh, and I am a queer therapist who finds my passion in working with individuals and couples on their healing journeys.  Whether you are experiencing relationship challenges or changes, anxiety,... Read more

Lindi Dale

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
As a therapist, I strive for you to feel held: to feel cared for and understood, with the assurance that I am fiercely present and always in your corner. Above all, my goal is for you to cultivate a grounding sense of... Read more

Danielle Kingdon

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I provide psychological services (i.e. assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, ADHD, ... Read more

Caroline Miege

M.A., CCC
I am able to bring my years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from... Read more

Jess Holtslander

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions. Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing... Read more

Desiree D'Silva

M.Couns., CCC
    • Online booking
I am an EMDR and Play base therapist who works with children, youth and adults. I am deeply committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore their emotions, gain insight into their... Read more