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. Thereās lots of communication. Youāre always in control of what happens in the session, and nothing is assumed.
After the TransitionāReflections, Recovery, and Continuing the Journey
Home in Pennsylvania
In between the August and December surgeries, I arranged a fall semester of free voice lessons after researching three providers who all specialized in helping transgender people, especially trans women. Estradiol does not help raise your voice.
Surgery, Setbacks, and StrengthāA Motherās Role in Gender-Affirming Care
Surgeries in Arizona
We stayed in an Airbnb townhouse close to the surgeonās office, surgical center, and local hospital. As planned, we had a rental car for 10 days and used an Uber from then on. Since I was not working and Caroline had recently attended her second college graduation, we were able to stay in town for all follow-up visits with the surgeon.
Fighting for CoverageāNavigating 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 SystemāName and Gender Marker Changes Without a Lawyer
Legal Gender and Name Change
I canāt 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 OutāThe First Steps of Medical and Social Transition
Physical and Social Transition Begins
One of the most difficult and frustrating tasks in 2017ā18 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.
Visit Arrive Therapy at this Yearās PRIDE Events!
June is PRIDE Month, and we are so excited to see you there! Stop by our booth to say hi and grab some free swag.
Here are all of the 2025 Pride festivals and events that Arrive will be attending. Check back here throughout the month for updates.
Finding Mentors and Mapping a PathāLessons from the Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference
Making Progress
The best advice we received from a therapist was to attend the annual Philadelphia Transgender Wellness Conference (PTWC). I attended all three days for three years in a row.
LGBTQ+ Events Near Philadelphia: May 2025
Here are some upcoming queer events to check out in May 2025.
LGBTQ+ Events Near Philadelphia: April 2025
Here are some upcoming queer events to check out in April 2025.
From Therapy Hurdles to Community SupportāNavigating the Early Days of Transition
Immediately After Disclosure to Mother at Age 23
Now what?! The next day I headed off to a medical library open to the public in a local hospital. The medical librarian printed three of the most recent studies about transgender people from scientific publication subscriptions paid for by the hospital.
Letās Make Democracy WERK: Fighting Back Against Anti-Trans Attacks
Trans rights are under attack. Learn how Trumpās executive orders are harming trans people and how you can take action to protect trans rights today.
āMom, Iām a GirlāāA Motherās First Steps Toward Supporting Her Trans Daughter
āMom, Iām a girl.ā
One day, at the age of 23, my daughter sat me down and simply said: āMom, Iām a girl.ā Within a fraction of a second I replied: āOh, what do we need to do about that?ā She knew enough about the subject to say she needed to start by seeing a therapist.
LGBTQ+ Events Near Philadelphia: March 2025
Here are some upcoming queer events to check out in March 2025.
Erasing Existence: The Trump Administrationās Definition of Gender and Its Consequences
Forced Back into the Closet: How Trump's Policies Are Silencing the LGBTQ+ Community
How to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally in Philadelphia This Year
As we head into a new year, there are many meaningful ways to show support and be an active ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Hereās how you can make a difference, with suggestions for resources local to the Greater Philadelphia area.
LGBTQ+ Events Near Philadelphia: February 2025
Here are some upcoming queer events to check out in February 2025.
LGBTQ+ Events Near Philadelphia: January 2025
Here are some upcoming queer events that weāre excited about in January 2025.
Happy new year!
How to Survive the Holidays (As a Queer Person)
The holiday season can be a mixed bag for queer people. Between family gatherings, nostalgic traditions, and potential challenges in environments that may not fully embrace who you are, itās easy to feel overwhelmed.
Hereās your ultimate guide to navigating the holidays as a queer person, filled with practical tips to protect your peace and prioritize your well-being.
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: