Gender Identity

I specialize in providing gender- and sexuality-affirming care to members of my community. I create a safe, inclusive space where individuals can explore their identities and address the unique challenges they face. I prioritize autonomy, well-being, and access to resources while offering support and advocacy. You will often find me in the local community volunteering for queer causes and I also serve on the organizing committee for the national Trans Wellness Conference.

Shannon supports clients exploring their gender identity, offering a safe space for self-discovery and self-acceptance. She helps individuals navigate gender dysphoria, societal expectations, and the emotional challenges that come with transitioning. Through compassionate guidance, Shannon empowers clients to embrace their authentic selves and build confidence in expressing their gender identity.

I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their gender identity. My approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding gender. I utilize a variety of practices to help clients navigate their unique journeys, offering personalized strategies and support through successes and challenges.

One of my favorite things to explore with client's is their self-identity and getting to truly know yourself as a person. And it is my personal belief that exploring one's gender identity is helpful, not only to have the opportunity to reflect and feel secure in one's self, but also to improve self-confidence and self-esteem, a sense of autonomy, and a greater sense of self.

At Syracuse University, I was on a special team of therapists and professors that provided therapy to transgender clients and their families--helping them explore their gender identity, transition, obtain hormone replacement therapy, name and gender changes, etc., as well as being a consistent source of support during what many describe as an isolating and challenging experience

While working at the San Diego LGBT Center, exploring gender identity was a primary focus of therapy for many or, at least, something that came up regularly in sessions. I have worked with people in transition, people who were certain of their gender identity, and people who were trying to "figure it out." I am comfortable with - and welcome - curiosity, questioning, and ambiguity. My academic studies have also focused heavily on gender and it's relation to other factors.

I have worked with clients from exploring gender identity, exploring gender expressions, and navigating the world when they don't recognize you for who you are.

I have personal experience with gender identity and understand on a human level what it's like. This testimony paired with my clinical experience shows up relationally in sessions.

My area of expertise and training is working with gender outlaws, outsiders, rebels, and pioneers. Wherever you are in our gender journey, and whatever space you take up on the gender spectrum I am here to support you. My approach is ICATH informed, I provide letters for pay-what-you-can without requiring ongoing treatment, and I also provide resources for ICATH providers as part of my complimentary 30 minute consultations.

I work with members of the trans community and help with gender confusion, gender dysphoria, transition decisions, transition disorders, family issues, relationship issues, and discrimination. I leverage my medical background to help people navigate medical and surgical transition.

When considering your gender identity, you may realize that all of us have been socialized to fall into a cookie cutter example of the sex we were born with at birth. The sex written on our birth certificate, based on our sexual organs, we have when we are born. This often does not reflect one’s feelings about their own gender identity. In therapy, I am here to help you sort out your feelings support you and validate and support you on this journey.

My area of expertise and training is working with gender outlaws, outsiders, rebels, and pioneers. Wherever you are in our gender journey, and whatever space you take up on the gender spectrum I am here to support you. My approach is ICATH informed, I provide letters for pay-what-you-can without requiring ongoing treatment, and I also provide resources for ICATH providers as part of my complimentary 30 minute consultations.

Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary. Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both. Every member of our team at TheraPride is an LGBTQ ally and affirming. We work at the cutting edge of new research in how we can best serve our LGBTQ+ community.

I am a Certified World Professional Association for Transgender Health Care (WPATH) GEI SOC7 Member. I have extensive training, research, and clinical experience working with transgender and gender diverse youth, adults, and families. Transgender clients and family members seeking assessment or counseling services can expect a safe space, and respectful, non-pathologizing, collaborative care.

While working with the San Francisco Department of Public Health, I specialized in supporting gender-expansive clients. I provided individual psychotherapy to clients who were exploring their gender identity & expression, & considering & often pursuing medical aspects of gender transition such as hormone therapy, hair removal & gender affirming therapies. I provided WPATH letters for surgery & often supported clients in preparing for surgery & recovery.

I have specialized training and have worked with children, adolescents, and adults as they explore their gender, and as they go through social and physical transition. Additionally, I have worked as family therapist with families that are having conflict or concerns around a family member's gender identity. I believe in an affirmative-care only approach to exploration of gender and identity.

I provide support and therapy for those who are exploring their gender identity.

My desire to work with gender identity was a critical component to my inspiration in becoming a sex therapist. I am passionate about delivering gender affirming care at all stages of exploration and/or transition.