Transgender Support Groups in British Columbia

Body Liberation Support Group May 9th Start
Come join a small group of us as we unpack the harmful messages and stigma that exist, especially moving into warmer months.  We will take time to look at origins of beauty standards, tackle myths and misconceptions around nourishment and ...
Photo of Sawah Danniels, Counsellor in British Columbia
Hosted by Sawah Danniels
Counsellor, MA, CCC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Nelson, BC V1L
Come join a small group of us as we unpack the harmful messages and stigma that exist, especially moving into warmer months.  We will take time to look at origins of beauty standards, tackle myths and misconceptions around nourishment and ...
(343) 309-9206 View (343) 309-9206
Morbid Unicorn
Some autistic children have curiosity and intense fascination with morbid topics (murder, death, gore), manifesting in dark, imaginative play. Interestingly, these children are often very sensitive, anxious, and delicate. The neurotypical culture stigmatizes this type of play, and autistic children ...
Photo of Christine Michailides, Counsellor in British Columbia
Hosted by Christine Michailides
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
Group meets in Burnaby, BC V5C
Some autistic children have curiosity and intense fascination with morbid topics (murder, death, gore), manifesting in dark, imaginative play. Interestingly, these children are often very sensitive, anxious, and delicate. The neurotypical culture stigmatizes this type of play, and autistic children ...
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Free DBT Workshop for LGBT+ Adults (Online)
WHO: Adults who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, plus) WHAT: Monthly workshop on different skills from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. WHEN: First Monday of every ...
Photo of Beckham Ronaghan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in British Columbia
Hosted by Beckham Ronaghan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW , RSW , BAH
Verified Verified
Group meets in Victoria, BC V8R
WHO: Adults who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ (Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, plus) WHAT: Monthly workshop on different skills from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. WHEN: First Monday of every ...
(778) 902-4672 View (778) 902-4672
DBT Skills Group for Queer and Trans Folks
Online DBT Skills Group for Queer and Trans Folks. This group is for folks who have been interested in learning about DBT, but maybe haven't felt comfortable or included in other settings. Or you have perhaps attended DBT skills groups ...
Photo of Lower Cost Counselling Program- Expressive Wellness, Counsellor in British Columbia
Hosted by Lower Cost Counselling Program- Expressive Wellness
Counsellor, MA, RCC, RSW
Verified Verified
Group meets in Vancouver, BC V6B
Online DBT Skills Group for Queer and Trans Folks. This group is for folks who have been interested in learning about DBT, but maybe haven't felt comfortable or included in other settings. Or you have perhaps attended DBT skills groups ...
(365) 651-9573 View (365) 651-9573

See more therapy options for British Columbia

Transgender Support Groups

As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?

A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.

What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?

Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.

How can I recognise a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?

An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognise a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.

How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?

Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.