Therapy for gender questioning adults.

My approach to working with gender questioning clients.

Alongside my adult clients in private practice, I work in a secondary school setting in Hackney, where the issue around gender questioning is increasingly very present, and thus I have realized that gaining an understanding about what might be going on for those affected by this discomfort is prudent to the work I do and develops me as a therapist.

I think about the individual who steps unto my therapy room – gender and sex are one of many parts to think about. I believe engaging  alongside a thinking therapist is the first step to understanding parts of the self that cause
distress, and truly believe that anyone experiencing this distress needs access to a therapist that will allow them to explore what might be going on for them, and allowing them to uncover their authentic and unique self, whatever that
might be. I do not have an agenda – I believe therapy is a space to consider who we are.

One thing you do need to know – I get contacted by many parents asking me to engage in therapy with their young person because they think they have gender dysphoria or might be trans. Once therapy starts with me I do not, under any circumstances give “feedback” to parents or offer any type of communication regarding what is spoken about in the therapy room. 

Weather you decide to work with me or another therapist, there are some questions worth asking any potential therapist:

Questions to consider asking any potential gender therapist. 

For me, the most important question when working with anyone under the age of 18 concerns the therapists approach to Safeguarding. I have undergone DSL (Designated Safeguard Lead) training  and implement best practice in my day to day work.

How do you approach working with gender-questioning or gender-diverse young people? I work with gender questioning clients the same way I work with any client – in a space that allows me to think alongside them and to gently be curious about their presenting issue. Each session focuses on whatever you bring: my own beliefs and values are kept outside the therapy room.

How do you create a supportive and safe space for someone who is questioning their gender?I keep my own beliefs and values outside the therapy room. When I work with any client group, regardless of their presenting issue, I offer a space for non-judgement, curiosity and the space to think creatively alongside the young person. Sex and gender are just one of the many topics that regularly get explored and thought about in our sessions together.

How do you ensure that the voices and experiences of gender-questioning individuals are respected, especially when there’s uncertainty? Again, in thinking about this question, this comes back to my core training and beliefs– young people, whatever their presentation, are undergoing a time of real identity exploration – not just gender but often wider thoughts – am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? How am I seen in the eyes of others and what does this mean to me? It I a time of great exploration and organising of our inner world. 

What experience of working with young people presenting with ASD or ADHD do you have? I work in a secondary school and have vast experience of young people aged 11-18 with these presenting issues. 

Do you collaborate with other professionals or support systems (e.g., support groups, medical professionals)
if someone is exploring gender identity? I have regular supervision and attend clinical support groups for therapists with a gender focused content, allowing me space to make sure the work I do with clients is professional, considered and exploratory.

Sessions are in person in Dalston or Stoke Newington, (Hackney) or via Zoom.

Please email me at to arrange a no obligation chat.