Top-Rated Trans-Friendly Therapy in Austin, Texas
Affirming therapy to explore & embrace yourself
You deserve a space that celebrates you.
Living in a world that often doesn’t fully understand or embrace trans and gender-nonconforming identities can feel isolating and overwhelming. Whether you’re exploring your gender identity, navigating family or societal expectations, or seeking ways to feel more connected to yourself and others, you deserve therapy that honors your story.
At Willow Tree Collective, we believe that you are already a complete and whole person. Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about working together to help you find deeper connection with yourself, your truth, and your own desires. This means creating a space where you can safely explore your identity, work through trauma, and get the support you need to thrive. We are here to meet you exactly where you are, without judgment.
Meet our team
2 trans-friendly therapists in Austin
1. Meg Mattingly, LPC
Meg is a queer, neurodivergent therapist who's passionate about the outdoors and community engagement. Her path to becoming a therapist has been winding and unexpected, yet those experiences have shaped her into the clinician she is today.
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Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: Masters Degree from Seminary of the Southwest
Specialties: LGBTQIA+ Mental Health, Life Transitions, Identity Exploration, Late Bloomers, Climate Grief & Anxiety, Religious Deconstruction & Spiritual Work, Older Adults 60+
Availability: In-person, online, and outdoor therapy
2. Bird Caviel, LPC Associate
Bird believes deeply in liberation. As a Black woman at the intersection of several different identities, she isn't here to pathologize you. Instead, she wants to help you break patterns that aren't serving you and explore where you want to go next.
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Credentials: Associate Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: Masters Degree from Seminary of the Southwest
Specialties: Chronic Illness & Pain, Grief & Loss, Religious Trauma & Spirituality, Highly Sensitive People, Post-Traumatic Growth, Racialized Trauma, Dissociative & Antisocial Disorders
Availability: In-person, online, and outdoor therapy
Why choose Willow Tree Collective for trans-affirming therapy?
At Willow Tree Collective, our goal is to collaborate with you on your healing journey. We provide an open, affirming environment where you can explore your gender identity, challenge narratives that no longer serve you, and find freedom in living your truth.
Here are a few reasons why our clients choose us.
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We recognize that the world doesn't always make it easy to be you. We're committed to providing a trauma-informed approach that goes at your pace and emphasizes safety and support.
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While we don't identify as transgender ourselves, some of our team members have lived experience as members of the queer community. Each person's journey is unique, but connecting with others who understand what it's like to be part of a marginalized group can be helpful.
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Trans-affirmative therapy doesn't have to focus solely on transgender "issues." We're here to help you explore other parts of your experience as well, including climate anxiety, religious trauma, relationship issues, and more.
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We firmly believe that connection is healing. Our approach to therapy centers around a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship. You deserve to feel seen and supported exactly as you are.
Still not sure whether we're the right fit? Reach out today to request a free consultation.
Additional services
FAQs about transgender counseling in Austin
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A transgender therapist is a mental health professional who specializes in working with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. While some transgender therapists are themselves transgender, this isn't always the case.
At Willow Tree Collective, we are cisgender therapists with specialized training and experience in supporting transgender clients. The most important aspect of being a transgender therapist is having the knowledge, empathy, and skills to effectively support individuals throughout their gender journey.
If you're not sure whether our practice is the right fit for you, please reach out for a free, no-pressure consultation. You can also find some referrals for trusted colleagues here.
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Yes, therapy can be incredibly helpful for gender identity issues like gender dysphoria. Affirmative therapy can provide valuable tools and support to:
Explore and understand your gender identity
Develop coping strategies for dealing with dysphoria
Work through internalized transphobia or negative self-perceptions
Navigate social and medical transition options, if desired
Build resilience and self-acceptance
Address co-occurring mental health concerns that may exacerbate dysphoria
Therapy can help you develop a more positive relationship with your body and identity, which can significantly reduce the distress that gender dysphoria may cause.
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Choosing a therapist is highly personal, and there's no right or wrong answer. It depends on your individual preferences, needs, and logistical factors like availability.
While some people feel more comfortable with a therapist who shares their gender identity, others find that the therapist's expertise, approach, and ability to create a safe, affirming space are more important factors.
At Willow Tree Collective, we believe that the most crucial aspects of the therapeutic relationship are trust, understanding, and the therapist's ability to provide competent, affirming care. As cisgender therapists who specialize in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your identity freely.
Ultimately, the best therapist for you is one with whom you feel comfortable, understood, and supported, regardless of their gender identity.
If you have any other questions or concerns about finding the right therapist for your needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you.
Get started
Whether you're struggling with self-esteem issues, the effects of social and cultural trauma, or mental health issues like anxiety and depression, we're here to help.
Our practice is open to individuals, regardless of gender identity, or sexual orientation. We're dedicated to helping people discover and embrace their authentic selves because you shouldn't have to do this work alone.
Navigating your gender identity (and life in general!) can be an overwhelming and emotional process. Join us in this safe space to get the support you need to live a happy, healthy, fully expressed life.