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, Psychodynamic Therapy

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..

Psychodynamic Therapy can help clients to become aware of feelings of vulnerability that have been repressed from their conscious awareness. This approach is based on the theory that every person has an unconscious which stores vulnerable and painful emotions that are too deep to handle on a conscious level.

Psychodynamic Therapy addresses the defense mechanisms that  have been developed. Defense mechanisms can sometimes do more harm than good. By resolving vulnerabilities such as repression and denial, painful emotions and memories can be processed in order for the defense mechanisms to be resolved, or reduced.

Therapists use a range of core principles in Psychodynamic Therapy, based on the client's needs. It will help the client to gain perspective while recognizing behaviours, actions, responses and character traits that can be transformed.

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

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

Emma Ellison

MCP, RCC
Transpersonal Psychotherapist Doula & Traditional Birth Attendant Birth Integration & Spiritual Care Practitioner My approach Just as a seed will grow into a plant, and a plant will seek water and... Read more

Sharon Southey

M.A., RCC
Sharon Southey is a skilled professional with a nursing background, who has been counselling people since 1992. She likes to work with individuals who are teenage or adult, families of all types and couples,... Read more

Ian Bond

M.A., RCC
Ian has over 25 years of education, training, and experience in counselling and therapy.  He works together with clients to help them explore relationships, thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, which... 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

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Kate Malone

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Maybe you are struggling with anxiety and depression, working on building self-confidence, looking to heal past trauma, facing challenges in your relationships, or just needing a space to talk. I welcome individuals who... Read more

CarlaMae Leuschen

M.S.W., RSW
I work with people who are ready to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the clients that I work with are dealing with major depression,... Read more

Raazhan Rae-Seebach

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Raazhan Rae-Seebach is a registered psychologist who works from an integrated, psychotherapeutic approach that includes mindfulness, meditation, spiritual and existential practices focused... Read more

Jan Paris

M.A., RCC
I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience working in private practice and the voluntary sector.  I work with individuals, couples, groups and families. I... Read more

Uri Sanhedrai

M.A., RCC
Uri Sanhedrai is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Therapist in Private Practice in downtown Vancouver, providing counselling, therapy, coaching and consultation to individuals, groups and businesses. Uri... Read more

Karen Ergas

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered psychologist with over 25 years experience working with individuals who struggle with all types of disordered eating and related conditions. My background includes individual and group therapy,... Read more

Parinaz Falsafi

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I have additional training (Sue Johnson, EFT externship, 2018) and experience working with couples to help them resolve marital and relationship issues. I help families learn ways to communicate better, set firm... Read more

Aaron Lautzenhiser

Ph.D., R.Psych
I’m Dr. Aaron Lautzenhiser (or just “Dr. Aaron” for short!). I’m a registered psychologist, trained in neuropsychology and psychotherapy. I conduct neuropsychological and psycho-educational... 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

Saeid Poursaeid

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a certified EMDR therapist with the British Columbia School of Professional Psychology. My cultural background affords me a unique insight into immigrants and second-generation... Read more

Carole Gaato

Ph.D., R.Psych
With more than 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, I sometimes lose touch with just how daunting the task of finding your "right" therapist can be. Just so you know, as registered psychologists and... Read more

Nancy Nigro

M.S.W., RCC
I am a Psychotherapist in private practice with over 30 years of clinical experience. I have specialized training in Relationship issues, Self Esteem, Anxiety/Depression, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Life Transitions. If you... Read more

Stephenie Torpey

M.C., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to build a life worth living well.  I have specialized training in helping adults with various concerns such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety (general, social, panic... Read more

Eva DeHaas

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Eva DeHaas, Registered Psychologist (#2074) Eva brings warmth, compassion, and self-awareness to the therapy room. She draws from a broad skill set ranging from shorter term, skill based interventions to more in-... Read more

Susan McConnell

M.S.W., RSW
I have been in private practice as a counsellor and psychotherapist for over 20 years. During that time I have had the privilege of being able to connect with people and help them achieve their personal goals, create... Read more

Celine Brouillette

Ed.D., R.Psych
Thank you for visiting my website. As a registered psychologist, I’ve been practicing in Vancouver and North Vancouver for over 20 years, providing psychotherapy and psycho-educational assessments. I work with... Read more

Shelley Gordon

M.S.W., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Shelley Gordon has been an Imago Relationship Therapist since 1996, and a Therapist since 1983. She has over 25 years of experience, and is an advanced clinician with Imago Relationships International. Shelley is... Read more

Tannis Hugill

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
I am a Dance-movement and Drama Therapist, BC Clinical Counsellor and Spiritual Director with an MA in Somatic Psychology. I bring over thirty-five years of experience to my work with individuals, groups, adolescents... Read more

Sebastian Di Cesare

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. To describe my counselling approach succinctly, I would say I place a strong emphasis on the working alliance. I prioritize active listening and keep your immediate needs... Read more

Sarah Causton

M.S.W., RSW
Currently Accepting New Clients. Sometimes we all feel stuck. Our go-to methods of coping aren't working anymore, or we aren't getting what we need from those we usually turn to. Sometimes we need a space to... Read more

Geraldine Brooks

Ph.D., R.Psych
My counselling is holistic, informed by scientific advances in psychology and neurology as well as Transpersonal, Jungian (the theories of C.G. Jung) and Energy Psychologies. I address a wide variety of client concerns... 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

Becca Smith

M.S.W., RSW
Counselling is a deeply personal experience. A therapy relationship is built on a foundation of trust and trust is built over time as we gain knowledge and experience of another person. With 25 years of clinical... 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

Begum Ozeke

MCP, RCC
Welcome! I support individuals and couples through a wide range of challenging issues and specialize in culturally-sensitive Trauma treatment. I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of... Read more