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.

Kate McKay

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome! I'm Kate (she/her), Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Coastal Calm Therapy. Pregnancy, fertility, and the postpartum period has become infinitely more complex in our current world, and I... 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

Ajay Sahota

M.A., RCC
Thank-you for visiting my page. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) Psychotherapist and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist. I support people in Vancouver/Richmond... Read more

Johanna Simmons

M.A., RCC
I believe that families are the foundation of any society. As parents you create the future through your children. Occasionally we encounter challenges and need some encouragement to overcome these. I can provide... Read more

Emily Macdonell

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
You can connect with me for in-person/online sessions through Providence Therapy and Neurofeedback (Vancouver, BC) as well as through Aster Wellness Centre (Port Coquitlam, BC).  At both practices, you can... Read more

Krista Blakelock

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
We wake up each day, perhaps with the hope that today will be easier than yesterday, that stressors won't cause outbursts, that conversations won't be agonizing. You try to handle a variety of issues, challenges... 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

Brian Williams

M.A., RCC
My name is Brian and I appreciate you taking this important step of reaching out for assistance, which I know isn't always easy. I am a compassionate and engaged therapist who works hard for his clients. I... Read more

Ashleigh Keizer

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Finding the “right” counsellor can feel like a big task! My hope is that as you read through this space, you might feel that I am someone who can sit with you and help navigate some of the... Read more

Robyn Kozak

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Whether it is struggles with trauma, anxiety, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting, relationships, or mood, I support individuals with identifying what they want to be different in their life and co-creating a... Read more

Ashley Shankar

M.S.W., RCSW
I’m a cis South Asian woman. My Masters in Social Work from the University of British Columbia has granted me the opportunity to work extensively in diverse community mental health settings. I work with... Read more

Rachel London

M.Ed., RCC
You may be looking for a therapist for several reasons.  Perhaps you are feeling: lonely, disconnected, and longing for a better relationships with your partner. betrayed and hopeless after infidelity in... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Svetlana Vasilyeva

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Counselling Degree from City University of Seattle. My previous education and experience was in medicine (M.D. from Kuban State Medical University in Russia with a... Read more

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

Sandi Bossons

M.A., RCC
Counselling Process Making the decision to seek out counselling is a courageous step towards healing. Often people hesitate to seek out counselling because they feel it is a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a... Read more

Kala McKenzie

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of feeling exhausted by worry, or paralyzed by a harsh inner-critic? Perhaps you have noticed that your self-esteem is unhealthy - you either second-guess yourself, not really believing the nice things... Read more

Paula Jurczak

M.A., RCC
Counseling Services Promoting emotional healing, social development and the formation of healthy relationships.   Virtual Counseling Services Available. Telephone and Video. Please contact Counselor to... Read more

Mark Giesbrecht

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Do you need professional help to make changes that will improve your life or relationships?  Mark Giesbrecht is currently offering online video therapy through a secure online portal made for... Read more

Kerry Chutter

M.A., RCC
I provide counselling online across British Columbia. Do you need support at this time? My practice emphasizes individual counselling within a range of concerns. These concerns include but are not limited to: grief and... Read more

Moira Haagen

M.Ed., RCC
Welcoming You...Thank you for taking a moment to learn about me and how I work.  For what seems to be most of my life, I've been centered in a strong and heartfelt motivation to really contribute in this... Read more

Allison Bates

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Allison understands how difficult it can be to address issues that may have been lingering for some time. It is truly an honor to walk with you through these struggles and find real solutions. Counselling can... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more

Sandy Hawkins

M.A., RCC
"Although feelings of stress, anxiety, depression or relationship conflict may sometimes seem all-encompassing, they do not define who we are. Therapy is a process, and I believe we are each the experts of our own... 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

Brent Hayter

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a passionate professional who continues to strive to improve my skill-set while bringing passion to working with youth and adults in hopes of providing them further opportunities to thrive and grow as they overcome... Read more

David Renaud

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people experiencing difficult problems. Such problems go by many names, and may be new or old, but all share the common trait of stubbornly obstructing our happiness. You might feel depressed, anxious, or... Read more

Viviane Houle

M.S.W., RSW
Viviane Houle is a Registered Social Worker (#10977) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, an EMDR and Integrative Voicework Therapist, and a Certified NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer.... Read more

Lisa Crossfield

M.Ed., RCC
I believe everyone has the ability to restore hope, strength, balance, joy, clarity, and connection to live a meaningful life. At certain points we may need help to recognize our strengths, to accept our... Read more

Laura Bowie

M.Couns., RCC
Counseling is a place for tending to the self. It can help to expand your vision of who you are and how you work in the world. If you are curious about yourself, it can be a journey inward that opens up many... Read more