Gender Identity Therapist in Los Angeles
Questioning your gender identity can often be the beginning of a long and challenging road ahead. Even getting to the point of questioning can be difficult, and then there's pressure to be certain right away once you start questioning. The thought of enduring transphobia or bias against gender non-conformity is terrifying, and you don't want to be wrong. It's hard to know how to be sure about your gender, and navigating the questioning process or transitioning can bring up a lot of emotions, including fear, shame, guilt, resentment, and more.
What does gender identity therapy look like?
My name is Gabby Collins, LCSW and I am both a nonbinary lesbian and a licensed psychotherapist specializing in working with gender questioning, gender identity, and issues that arise in the process of transitioning. My work with trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people around gender identity involves creating a safe therapeutic space for questioning to occur, exploring what gender and gender presentation means for the person, and building physical and emotional safety against both anticipated and existing manifestations of transphobia they may be experiencing. We explore themes of internalized transphobia, acceptance (or lack thereof) from family and peers, and desires around social and/or medical transition.
Additionally, I am trained in writing WPATH-compliant letters of support for access to gender-affirming care such as HRT, top surgery, or bottom surgery. I offer these letters at no cost to both existing clients and people who need a letter but are not looking for therapy, and I complete them collaboratively with the person in a single session.
