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.

Edie Reiman

M.S.W., RSW
*****Edie Reiman MSW, RSW is a Psychotherapist, Life Coach and Presenter. Private Practice located in South Surrey/White Rock, BC.  Video and Tele-Counselling/Coaching with clients in Vancouver,... Read more

Nicole Lam

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor devoted to guiding individuals on their healing journeys through improving overall wellness and building strong relationships. I strive to bring a unique blend of cultural insight... Read more

James Lowe

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
James is a counsellor who practices multicultural counselling in Vancouver, Richmond and Metro Vancouver, BC. James provides cross cultural counselling and therapy to a variety of ethnic and minority immigrants and... Read more

Cookie Bain

M.C., RCC
What I most love in this world is to see people thriving as they live their most authentic life. I understand that may of us us have grown up in a way hasn't supported us to be our authentic self.... Read more

Lephuong Ong

Ph.D., R.Psych
Insight and Therapy:  It takes great courage and insight to make the decision to engage in therapy to examine and address the concerns that have been troubling you. Though it may seem daunting, therapy... 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

Andrew Lee

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Andrew Lee and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 2550). I am dedicated to providing personalized therapy to clients seeking healing, treatment, support, and guidance for various mental health... Read more

Graham Butler

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Life is filled with challenges, both visible and hidden, that can impede our growth and fulfillment in life. Whether internal or external, anchored in the past, present or future, these challenges can burden us with... Read more

Elisa-Maria Chong

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Our lives each contain moments of great joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure, opportunity, and obstacle. At the center of these experiences is our innate search for connection. We need relationships, they are precious and... Read more

Stephanie Slater

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're not sure if therapy is the right choice for you. It's sounds like a good idea, but you're just not sure if your 'issues' are important enough for therapy. Maybe its work stress, a relationship... Read more
    • Online booking
Simone is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 5 years of experience working with clients from varying populations and backgrounds including members of LGBTQ2SIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent communities. Simone... 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

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

Peter Vaughan

M.A., RCC
Certified Gottman Method Therapist, Peter frequently addresses couples communication during conflict, restoring fidelity and commitment, or building intimacy and sexuality. Other common issues: ongoing incompatibilities... Read more
I specialize in EMDR Therapy and Psychedelic Integration  Greetings, and welcome to my page. I am honoured, that you have chosen to learn more about my work. I am licensed practitioner in the art of healing... Read more

Sahiba Walia

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Journeying inward is not always an easy process, but at some point, the call within us to move beyond our suffering and seek connection with ourselves gets louder and harder to ignore. Whether you are starting out on... 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

Thomas Wiens

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
What if your psychologist could help you overcome challenges AND get to that next level? Dr. Wiens assists professionals to manage the demands of their career and personal life so that they can perform at their best... Read more

Heidi Kwok

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am an integrative therapist who believes in the power of combining spirituality and psychotherapy to support individuals on their healing journey. I understand that humans are complex beings, and that healing goes... 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

Elizabeth Koch

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing stubborn problems. If you're struggling to find a sense of well-being in your life, you may feel chronically unwell, and disconnected from your core sense of self. You might find... Read more

MarieHelene Pelletier

Ph.D., R.Psych
Thank you for connecting - all my appointments are virtual (telephonic or video). Please feel free to visit my website: https://drmarie-helene.com or email me at mh@drmarie-helene.com You are perhaps... Read more

Lindsay Faas

M.A., RCC
Lindsay is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology. She is the Owner and Director of ThriveLife Counselling & Wellness, as well as full time Clinical Counsellor... Read more

Ira Yakubovitz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been... Read more

Avraham Cohen

Ph.D., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Avraham Cohen, Ph. D., RCC-ACS, CCC holds the designations of Registered Clinical Counsellor; Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC=ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Counsellor Certification... Read more

Rana Hakami

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Registered Clinical Counsellor and educator supporting individuals navigate planned and unexpected educational, career, and life transitions. Everyone approaches change with a unique set of values, beliefs, and... Read more

Lisa Roberts

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My clients have said "counselling with you feels different". Likely, because it is often matter of fact, to the point, humour infused and honest. I am your biggest cheerleader, but I will hold you accountable... Read more

Katy Vinson

M.C., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Katy (she/her) and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I am also a Registered Art Therapist (RCAT) with the Canadian Art... Read more

Mary Longworth

M.Sc., RCC
Mary Longworth is in private practice (Delta Counselling) in the South Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner and New Westminster regions since receiving her M.Sc. in marital, family and child counselling in 1995. Mary is a... Read more

Carolyn Jarvis

B.S.W., RSW
If one thing is true about life, it will throw us unexpected curve balls. Throughout my career, I have developed an expertise in counselling people going through distressing or unexpected life changes, or... Read more