Auricular Acupuncture - What is it?
Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture that is utilized on the ear. There are multiple maps that can be used, but the predominant map of points is based on the homunculus theory. The homunculus theory shows a map based off the neurological distribution in the body, and is displayed as an overlay of an upside “infant” with large hands, feet, and head.
Massage as Healing: Touch, Trust, and Nervous System Care for Queer & Neurodivergent Folks
For a lot of people I work with, touch is complicated. Maybe because of trauma, dysphoria, chronic pain conditions, or just feeling like their body has never been a safe or comfortable place. A lot of folks are used to dissociating, or shutting down sensations to get through the day.
Massage can offer a way to reconnect with your body in a safe, supportive environment. The pace is slow. There’s lots of communication. You’re always in control of what happens in the session, and nothing is assumed.
Fighting for Coverage—Navigating Insurance for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Medical Insurance
Part of trans advocacy for Caroline was pinning down her medical insurance coverage. I had to challenge her employer to reveal transgender surgeries covered by her policy (contract) by arranging a meeting with In-House Counsel and the Head of Benefits.
Navigating the Legal System—Name and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer
Legal Gender and Name Change
I can’t tell you how lucky I was to have the mentor I met at my first PTWC. She happened to live in the same county in Pennsylvania as Caroline. She took the time to write a seven-page document on how to save tons of money by not hiring an attorney to file the required paperwork for a legal name change at the County Court of Common Pleas.
From Hormones to Coming Out—The First Steps of Medical and Social Transition
Physical and Social Transition Begins
One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in 2017–18 was finding an endocrinologist who was willing to help Caroline with her 15-month pre-surgical hormone treatment following her decision not to save sperm. I searched her insurance network and called group practices of endocrinologists, one after another, and was told that not only did they not have anyone trained in transgender care, they had no one interested in coming up to speed to do so.
Gender is a Social Construct: The Role of Chromosomes in Gender Assignment
HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy
Chromosomes play a significant role in determining biological sex, but the traditional binary understanding of sex as solely male (XY) or female (XX) oversimplifies the complexity of sex determination.
Pros and Cons: What to keep in mind when considering HRT
HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy
Benefits of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) include:
Improvement in Psychological and Social Well-being: GAHT can improve psychological and emotional well-being, reduce gender dysphoria-related distress, and enhance satisfaction with one's body and gender identity.
Physical Alignment with Gender Identity: For individuals seeking a more aligned physical appearance, GAHT helps develop secondary sex characteristics that are consistent with their gender identity. This can include the development of breasts, softer skin, wider hips (feminizing therapy), or a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair (masculinizing therapy).
Key Types of Hormone Therapy and Their Effects
HRT and You: A blog series by Arrive Therapy
The overview:
Feminizing Hormone Therapy: Estrogen
Estrogen: Promotes feminine characteristics such as breast development, softer skin, and wider hips.
Anti-androgens: Blocks the production and effects of testosterone, aiding in the reduction of masculine features. 1,2.
Masculinizing Hormone Therapy: Testosterone 1,2.
Testosterone: Induces masculine characteristics including a deeper voice, increased body and facial hair, and a more muscular appearance. It also halts menstrual cycles
Gender Fluid Hormone Therapy:
Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous appearance.
Hormone therapy may be taken in small doses by individuals who don’t identify as strictly male or female, resulting in a more androgynous or feminine appearance. 1.
Five teenagers of varying genders and colors, expressing their unique personalities
Pulling Back the Veil on Gender-Affirming Surgeries
A free seminar for clinicians on Gender-Affirming Surgery, how to support your clients, offer factual pros and cons, and conquer your own fears about counseling transgender clients properly.
Microgrants Available for Trans Folks
Microgrants available for trans folks and their families.
Contact us
We do not take insurance.
However, if you require financial assistance. we have options for you. First, not all of our therapists cost the same. Check the Team page for details. In addition, you can submit your expenses to insurance to get a portion of your fee refunded. Click below for a quick guide: