Gender Identity Issues Marriage & Couples Counselling

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.

Marriage & Couples Counselling, Relaxation Therapy, AEDP

Marriage & Couples Counselling offers a wide range of approaches that incorporate a variety of models to work in different situations. Some of the most common approaches in couples counselling are Imago therapy, emotionally focussed therapy, and Gottman approach.

One of the first undertakings of marriage & couples counselling is to set goals for the therapy. Establishing healthy communication within the relationship is one of the key components in any of the approaches make up their union, because this is what helps couples to better understand one another and the patterns that  Couples will be led to examine their communication styles and explore their attachment experiences. Healing past hurts and trauma is essential in building healthy future relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Marriage & Couples Counselling, 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..

Accelerated experiential-dynamic psychotherapy focuses on techniques to bring about healing and helping clients to achieve behaviour transformation. The outcomes are facilitated through a exploring difficult experiences that have had a profound relational or emotional effect on the client's life experience.

Dr. Diana Fosha developed this innovative approach which is closely related to other disciplines, including body-focused approaches, affective neuroscience and attachment theory. The goal of Accelerated experiential-dynamic psychotherapy is to tap into the client's untapped inner resources for healing. The AEDP approach equips clients with the skills they require to confront and deal with emotional traumas, instead of resorting to defensive tactics, which is a common knee-jerk reaction. It allows the client to see their own internal coping skills that were hidden before, and to wake those inner strengths to become a natural response to life's circumstances.

If you are looking for a counsellor who offers AEDP therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

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

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

Anna Richards

M.Couns., RCC
Anna Richards Counselling & Consulting I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a certified mediator in downtown Vancouver. I am also on faculty at the Justice Institute of British Columbia... Read more

Tracey Dahl

M.A., RCC
In the room with neuroscience, attachment and the core self Sometimes we feel unsettled, worried or stuck. Maybe it is a sense that we must to do something different to get out of a rut, but all our efforts don't... 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

Whitney Humphry

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people of all backgrounds seeking a gentler path in life. Perhaps you struggle with feelings of disconnection, sorrow, or self-doubt. Perhaps you are no longer sure of who you really are, or are feeling... Read more

Toni Pieroni

M.A., RCC
I believe that healing, growth and development occur within the context of relationship. Therefore, choosing the right therapist is a critical aspect of the therapeutic process. I bring over 40 years of personal... Read more

Mandy Rai

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who uses a collaborative and person-centred approach to support clients in their journey toward self-discovery and healing. I offer a range of treatment options from a trauma-... Read more

Katie Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine. I... Read more

Michelle Carchrae

M.C., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
People come to counselling when they want to feel better. I'm here to help you do that.  Whether you're experiencing depression and stuckness, anxiety, overwhelming emotion or difficulty in your... Read more

Amy Rappaport

M.S.W., RCC
Welcome! I work with people experiencing a variety of life transitions and life struggles.  A stressful life event, life change, or a recent loss can make it feel like your bottom has fallen out from under... Read more

April Griffin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you finding it difficult to deal with the pressures of life, and find yourself having emotional reactions that blindside you and come out of nowhere?   I have worked with people just... Read more

JY Zhang

M.A., RMFT
    • Online booking
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.” -- Laurell K. Hamilton  JY holds a warm, safe, and accepting space for who you are and... Read more

Douglas Ozier

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Are you ready to finally start feeling “good enough”? Your friends would probably be surprised if they knew how deeply you doubt yourself. They might be surprised at how shaky you often feel, how quickly... Read more

Dave Vass

M.Couns., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I have specialized training in the treatment of Type-C Personalities (Conscientious/Competent/Self-Controlled). Who, or what is Type C ?? People tend to be quite familiar with Type A and Type B personalities. But... Read more

Marilyn Kwong

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist (#2043) with specialized training in helping people with their emotions and relationships in a deep and experiential way. Relationships have a huge influence on how we feel about... Read more

Dale Trimble

M.A., RCC
I do not accept new clients. I do see anyone who has been a client of his before. The focus of my work is the supervision of therapists.  I am a faculty emeritus with the Accelerated Experiential Dynamic... Read more

Jordana Glotman

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome! My name is Jordana. I am here to help you navigate the challenges that prompted you to seek counseling. I am passionate about working with clients with Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Burnout... Read more

Roya Vojdani

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Life is a journey full of twists and turns, but you don't have to face it all alone. Depression, anxiety, trauma and other emotional struggles take away from the joys of everyday life and might leave you feeling... Read more

Heather Gretton

Ph.D., R.Psych
Sorry, Dr. Gretton is currently not accepting new clients. My virtual office is open with Telepsychology/Video/Online Options during COVID-19.  Please contact me for more information about my general... Read more

Gloria Lee

Psy.D., R.Psych
Thank you for visiting my website. It takes a lot of courage to seek help and ask for what we need. There are lots of counselling options out there and it's hard to know where to start. I believe you are at the... Read more

Iona Monk

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counselor who meets with couples and individuals in private practice in Vancouver. I have been working with couples for over twenty years in private practice. I am a graduate of both... Read more

Cordelia Mejin

M.A., RCC
Are you struggling with how to go on living in the wake of a loss? Does the pain of losing your person continue to have significant impact on your life and you are at a loss as to how to process the deep pain? Are you... 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

Nikki Hollinson

MCP, RCC
From a young age, I have loved listening to people's stories and being a supportive person helping others explore their inner world. I commonly work with folks who are wanting help with anxiety, perfectionism,... Read more

Joelle Lazar

M.A., RCC
I love my work, and am passionate about helping people have more joy and fulfillment in their lives and relationships! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive training and experience providing... Read more

Eleanor Rogers

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Eleanor Rogers is a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering remote counselling in British Columbia including Burnaby, Greater Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. I work with clients who are in the midst of... Read more

Bill Arbuckle

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Why is it that things have to hurt so much before we reach out for help?  I help people struggling to feel better about themselves and less exhausted.  I listen to people and try to understand what it's... Read more

Christian Monks

M.A., RCC
Does your mind race, are you up in your head a lot, or do you procrastinate and struggle to realize your goals? Do you struggle with an inner critic and find that you are either overwhelmed by emotions or numb to... Read more

Gayane Ghazaryan

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP). I am also the founder of Luminaire Therapy which offers... Read more