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, Communication Skills Training

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..

Communication Skills Training is a valuable investment in a world where technology has taken the place of verbal, eye-to-eye meetings. Misunderstandings have become common-place and lead to unnecessary breakdown in relationships.

People who feel that they know what they want to say, but don't know how to explain it, can benefit from Communication skills training. Communication skill can often mean the difference between effectively and ineffectively dealing with difficult people.

Communication skills training also help people to develop as people, and to prosper in their careers. Whether you want to be a better team member, or develop as a public speaker or educator, communication skills training will help you increase confidence levels and help you to communicate clearly and efficiently.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers communication skills training, please browse our list of practitioners below..

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

Pam Vickram

M.S.W., RSW
If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you. I support individuals and couples to navigate a... Read more

Jim Browning

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Browning has been a registered psychologist in the Vancouver area since 1980. He has worked extensively in the areas of mental health, family violence, addictions, men's issues, trauma recovery and employee... Read more

Erica Steward

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
With a deep-rooted belief in the capacity for healing, personal growth, and transformation, I am honoured to offer my support on your unique journey. People often reach out to me when they feel stuck, struggle with... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron Chin. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey BC on some days of the week. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to... Read more

Michael Mandrusiak

Psy.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Dr. Michael Mandrusiak is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1803) and holds a Doctor of Psychology degree.  As a psychologist in B.C. since 2008, Michael has had extensive clinical ... Read more

Jude Weir

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Counseling is about transforming relationships and lives - it might be about the relationship we have with ourselves or with others. Maybe it's about addressing specific problems so you can move... Read more

Debra Seeley

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello! I’m Debbie, from Inner Harmony Counselling Registered Social Worker (MSW & RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I am currently offering both remote, and or in person counselling... Read more

Deena Chochinov

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Deena is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Vancouver since 2000. She works with individuals, couples and families and uses a variety of therapeutic approaches to help clients find the self-... Read more

Leanne Cuddington

M.A., RCC
Leanne is a Registered Clinical Counsellor based in Kitsilano. She obtained her Master’s degree in Somatic Counselling Psychology from Naropa University, Colorado and she has specialized credentials in Body... Read more

Ellahae Keshmiri

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with over 14 years of experience in the field of mental health and therapy.  I currently offer in person and virtual sessions in Vancouver (Broadway and Cambie area... Read more

Shawna Bot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Taking that first step towards healing takes courage! I want to honour that and walk alongside of you while we work towards your wellness goals. The reality is that not many people are taught the skills to deal... Read more

Jonathan McVicar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jonathan McVicar, MA, PhD (UBC), Registered Psychologist has been working with adults (ages 17+) and couples for over 20 years. During this time, he has focused his practice on relationship / marriage... 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

Alistair Gordon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Director of Wellspring Counselling Inc., as well as an Adjunct Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, my mission is to help you navigate the... 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

Nikita Crook

M.Ed., Dipl. TCCP RCC
Nikita has been in full-time private practice for two decades.  Originally trained in contemporary schools of psychoanalysis, and as a dedicated lifelong learner, she now blends her knowledge and experience with an... Read more

Colin Lester

M.Ed., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counselling with a Masters of Education in Counselling Psychology. For more than 30 years, I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, and life problems. As well, those wanting to... 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

Angeline Vaughan

M.A., RCC
Angeline is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#10058) and a member in good standing with the British Columbia Association of Clinical counsellors (BCACC). Angeline holds a Masters of Arts degree in Counselling... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Maria Boublil

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Therapy is about achieving lasting change that improves your quality of life now and in the future. You may be looking for a therapist to talk to, but more importantly, you are looking for someone who can help you... Read more

Sam van Ginkel

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  Please contact me here: https://form.jotform.com/222765666770063  When painful thoughts and emotions show up, it can be like trying to find our way through a fog. It’s hard to live the way... 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

Marion Gargiulo

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
It is common to feel alone with your problems. Excessive worries, depression, a difficult relationship, or a painful loss feel heavy and make it hard to cope. You might feel further weighed down by thinking your... Read more

Nadia Oomer

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and have been working in the mental health and substance abuse sector for over twelve years. I work with clients with a wide variety of psychological, health and life problems... Read more

Lisa McLellan

M.A., RCC
If you are looking for a practically based down-to-earth counsellor with over 30 years of experience in helping others,  you have arrived at the right place. Making the decision to enter into counselling ... 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

Gloria McArter

Ph.D., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. McArter has been in private practice since receiving her MA in Counselling Psychology in 1990. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2002. Her research and dissertation focused on the relationship between religion... Read more

Coleen Adderley

M.A., RCC
Coleen is the Founder and Clinical Director of Reflective Soul Counselling. She is passionate about helping others and believes that each obstacle we face only makes us that much stronger.   Coleen has over... Read more