Mental Health Therapy for Transgender Michiganders
Asking for help is a decision that often feels complicated, even if we know it could benefit us. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing if you aren’t able to “figure it all out” on your own.
I believe that individual people aren’t designed to do most things all by themselves. Humans are creatures whose wellness and survival have always depended on community relationships, connection, and shared wisdom. Even so, it’s okay if connecting with a stranger feels intimidating right now. Reach out when you’re ready, and we’ll figure out the next steps together.
Finding a good therapist starts with seeing if they’re a good fit for you. Take a look at the sections below to learn more about the therapeutic approaches we might take together.
Reaching out for help can feel terrifying.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is an evidence-based therapy model that views every whole person as a system of “parts” that work together to navigate life. Therapy sessions will focus on identifying stressful situations or emotions impacting your life and the various different “parts” that contribute to them. Together, we will build trusting relationships with these parts of you and support your system to operate like a well-oiled machine, trusting your wise Self to navigate situations that may have previously felt overwhelming.
Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is an evidence-based therapy model that focuses on developing skills in the areas of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness. Therapy sessions will focus on understanding the relationships between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and identify strategies & skills to support more grounded decision-making in daily life.
I practice DBT-informed therapy (not Comprehensive DBT like one may receive in a dedicated DBT program). This means I have capacity to conduct individual sessions that follow the model and individually teach clients the DBT skills typically taught in Skills Groups. However, I do not have capacity for Phone Skills sessions or leading Skills Groups at this time, and I do not receive DBT-specific consultation.
Eclectic & Strengths-Based Approaches
In addition to the models listed above, I prefer to use a variety of tools from other models when they offer a different approach to supporting your journey. All of these tools will focus on identifying the strengths you already have and strategies that already work for you to build upon the foundation you’ve already established.
