Gender Identity Issues Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

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.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) has helped couples and family members to treat distressed relationships, depression and a range of other emotional difficulties. It is one of the most common treatments used in private counselling and psychologist practices, training centres and hospital clinics around the world.

The main goal of Emotionally focused therapy is to create a secure bond between romantic partners and to reorganize and expand critical emotional responses. It helps to improve communication between partners, which is more beneficial to the relationship. EFT is a practical therapy that has been used successfully in relationships and marriages for many years, due to the fact that it creates a spirit of respect and harmony.

Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy generally only lasts between six to twenty sessions and has been shown effective in 90% of relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note:  Some practitioners practice Emotion Focused Therapy rather than Emotionally Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotionally Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.

Motivational Interviewing is a short term treatment approach, which is specifically aimed at strengthening the client's commitment for, and motivation to change. This approach is widely recognized and is used in a number of applications, including substance abuse, rehabilitation, social work, criminal justice, schools, coaching and in health promotion.

During a Motivational Interviewing session, the therapist will make sure that the client feels understood and supported. The therapist will also assure the client that his or her emotions are normal and expected, in anticipation of the great changes ahead. The key to Motivational Interviewing is to juxtapose the client's goals and behaviours that may stand in the way of success. Motivational Interviewing  can help a client recognize behavioural issues that are not conducive to success.

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

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

Linette Read

M.Ed., RCC
I’m a European settler, an explorer of nature, a knitter, and a Registered Clinical Counsellor who has supported youth and adults and their mental health for over a decade. I’m a calm, curious, relaxed... 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

Ally Abrami

MC, RCC
I focus on helping individuals and partners navigate the extra something that makes their relationship(s) a unique challenge. The folks I work with are often loving outside of the cisheteronormative & mononormative... Read more

Dee Gill

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you ever feel so overwhelmed that you have no idea what to do next? Do you worry about making the wrong decision that could worsen things?  I can help you change your thoughts and beliefs to take action by... Read more

Jenny Hsu

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling disconnected from those around you? You might find yourself stuck in the same arguments or patterns with your partner.  Or you may be struggling to find a sense of belonging in your family,... Read more

Adrienne Moya

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, I'm Adrienne, owner of Camas Mental Health. Camas offers therapy services with a specialization in supporting reproductive mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan through... Read more

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... Read more

Tricia Antoniuk

M.S.W., RSW
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet... Read more

Megan Jespersen

M.Couns., RCC
I go by either Megan or mj and I use she/her pronouns.  I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and the Founding Director of The Grounding Stone, a queer-owned and run online counselling community that offers... 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

Olivia Kienzel

M.Couns., RCC
Olivia has more than a decade of experience as a counsellor working with clients to transform their relationship to themselves, their lives, and the people they care about. She can help you, gently, get to the root... Read more

Tania Zulkoskey

M.S.W., RCSW
Video/Telephone Sessions Available. Tania counsels individuals, children and couples on issues such as:  relationship dynamics  communication issues  parenting and multiples  ... Read more

Lucy Snider

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you looking for sex therapy, relationship therapy or couples counselling? Are you struggling with a sexual problem and don't know who to talk to? Are you having difficulties in your current relationship or are... Read more

Keri Povall

M.A.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Increase your emotional well-being, decrease your anxiety and stress and increase your enjoyment of life. My counselling practice in Burnaby provides a safe, confidential and compassionate space to explore your areas of... Read more

Stephanie Pugsley

M.A., RCC
I have over 20 years experience of working with individuals, couples, families and groups in private practice, the Health Service, the Social Services and voluntary organisations.  I am a registered Clinical... Read more

Al Zwiers

M.S.W., RSW
I am a Registered Social Worker in BC, and have a Master of Social Work degree with additional training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, EMDR and Gottman Method for... Read more

Nicole Neufeld

M.C., RCC
Hi, I'm Nicole (she/they). If you're in a space where you're not feeling like yourself, you're not alone. Maybe you've been experiencing worry, or a sense of 'what's the point?' about... Read more

Teesha Morgan

M.A., CCC
Dr. Teesha Morgan is a Psychotherapist, published author, adjunct professor, and co-founder of the Westland Academy of Clinical Sex Therapy and Westland Therapy Group. Dr Morgan specializes in Sex Therapy and Couples... 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

Islai Rathlin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Islai Rathlin, MA, MSW, RSW (they/them) Islai is a Registered Social Worker who specializes in working with queer, trans, and genderdiverse folk who are struggling to connect with themselves and others. They also... Read more

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... Read more

Sandy Boon

M.A., RCC
IN PERSON AND SECURE VIDEO-CONFERENCE AND TELEPHONE THERAPY AVAILABLE Although not all of the last 30 plus years of Sandy's professional career has been spent exclusively practicing therapy, Sandy has... Read more

Sarah Levine

M.Ed., RCC
Welcome.  Counselling is very personal and it is important to have a good "fit" between you and your counsellor.  My reputation is for being kind, respectful and perceptive.  I... 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

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... Read more
I obtained my BSc majoring in psychology from the University of Victoria and continued on to complete my MCP at Adler University in Vancouver, before becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I have a private... Read more

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Maryam Goldan

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
You can heal. I can help. Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Isolated? Does it seem like everyone around you is finding happiness while you silently struggle? Then it’s time to break free from negative patterns... Read more

dean diamond

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
I am a Nature Guided Focusing Oriented Therapist, Sandplay Therapy Intern, and Canadian Certified Counsellor with a Master’s of Education in Disability Studies.  I offer embodied and experiential forms of... Read more

Isaac Rosenberg

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #18234) based in Victoria, British Columbia. I work with individuals and couples, in person or online. I bring a holistic approach to my work, and prioritize collaboration... Read more