BCBS of Michigan

Transgender Awareness Week: Honoring Identity, Building Compassion, and Affirming Every Journey

LGBTQ+ affirming therapists in Michigan

What Transgender Awareness Week Means

Each November, Transgender Awareness Week offers an opportunity to honor the resilience, creativity, and humanity of transgender and nonbinary individuals. It’s a time to elevate voices, celebrate diversity, and reflect on the power of visibility.

For many trans folks, this week is both an act of courage and an act of healing. It reminds us that gender diversity isn’t something to be fixed or feared—it’s a natural, beautiful expression of human identity.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, we recognize that this visibility can bring both pride and vulnerability. As therapists, we see the emotional weight of navigating a world that doesn’t always affirm or understand. That’s why our mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces where every identity is met with compassion and respect.

The Emotional Landscape of Being Seen

Transgender Awareness Week can stir up a mix of emotions—joy, pride, grief, anger, or even exhaustion. For those who are out, the increased visibility may bring a sense of celebration and community connection. For others, it might surface anxiety, fear, or reminders of painful experiences.

Therapy offers a grounding place to hold all of these truths. Our LGBTQ+ affirming therapists don’t just provide tools and coping skills—they offer deep listening and affirmation. They understand that identity is multifaceted, that healing is nonlinear, and that everyone’s story deserves space to unfold authentically.

Meet Some of Our LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists

We’re proud to highlight three of our incredible clinicians at Inspired Healing Therapy who embody what affirming care truly means—Dalia, Maggie, and Jessi.

gender affirming therapist Royal Oak

Dalia (she/her) – Centering Connection and Courage

Visit Dalia’s Page »

Dalia’s work is grounded in empathy, intersectionality, and deep respect for identity. She understands that healing often begins with being seen and heard exactly as you are. Dalia creates a space where trans and nonbinary clients can explore their experiences without fear of judgment.

Her approach weaves together mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and identity affirmation—helping clients reconnect to their inner strength, even when the world feels uncertain.

“My ultimate aim is to empower you to live authentically and flourish.” — Dalia

LGBTQ+ affirming therapist in Royal Oak

Maggie (she/her) – Empowerment Through Authenticity

Visit Maggie’s Page »

Maggie believes in the power of authenticity to transform lives. Her approach is collaborative and compassionate, emphasizing emotional safety and self-compassion.

Working with Maggie means partnering with a therapist who truly listens. She supports clients in navigating transitions, relationships, self-esteem, and the complex layers of gender identity—all while celebrating each step of growth.

Maggie sees herself as a collaborator in the therapeutic process—someone who walks alongside her clients, holding space for exploration, healing, growth, and transformation.

Jessi (she/they) – Advocacy, Affirmation, and Healing

Visit Jessi’s Page »

Jessi approaches therapy through the lens of advocacy and authenticity. They believe healing happens not only within the therapy room but also in how we show up in the world.

For Jessi, affirming therapy means honoring each person’s lived experience, using language and practices that empower rather than pathologize. Their sessions are safe spaces where laughter, tears, and transformation can coexist.

“I am committed to helping individuals grow through and learn from the many challenges that life often throws at us.” — Jessi

Why Affirming Therapy Matters

Affirming therapy isn’t about teaching someone how to be—it’s about validating who they already are.

For transgender and nonbinary individuals, access to affirming therapy can be life-changing. It helps reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms while fostering resilience, self-acceptance, and a stronger sense of belonging.

At Inspired Healing Therapy, our clinicians are committed to:

  • Using gender-affirming language and practices.

  • Acknowledging the intersection of identity, culture, and lived experience.

  • Creating a nonjudgmental space for exploration, grief, joy, and self-discovery.

  • Supporting families and partners in understanding and affirming their loved ones.

When clients feel truly seen and supported, healing expands beyond the therapy session—it ripples into every part of life.

couple being supported by an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist

How Allies Can Show Up This Week (and Every Week)

If you’re an ally or loved one wanting to support the trans community this Transgender Awareness Week, here are some simple yet powerful ways to start:

  1. Listen to trans voices — Follow and share stories from transgender creators, advocates, and community leaders.

  2. Use affirming language — Respect names, pronouns, and identities.

  3. Educate yourself — Learn about gender diversity, systemic barriers, and mental health disparities.

  4. Advocate for access — Support organizations that fight for trans rights, healthcare, and equality.

  5. Check in with loved ones — Sometimes, just saying “I see you” makes all the difference.

Every act of compassion matters. Change starts with awareness, and awareness begins with empathy.

Resources for the Transgender Community

If you or someone you know is seeking support or affirmation, these organizations offer trusted resources:

An Invitation to Connect

At Inspired Healing Therapy, we’re here to walk beside you—whether you’re exploring your gender identity, navigating relationships, or simply seeking a space that feels safe and affirming.

This Transgender Awareness Week, and every week, we celebrate the courage it takes to live authentically.
If you’re looking for compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming therapy, our doors (and hearts) are open.

🌿 Meet our therapists and schedule a session today.

The NEW new! Curious but not ready to commit to therapy today? Check out our Take a Moment Printable Guided Journal for Mindfulness, Reflection & Gratitude that I created for you! The digital version is on sale this month, so head on over to our Therapy Shop for more.

FAQs

Q: What makes a therapist LGBTQ+ affirming?
An affirming therapist understands and respects diverse gender and sexual identities. They use inclusive language, challenge bias, and create an environment of acceptance rather than judgment.

Q: Can therapy help with gender dysphoria or coming-out anxiety?
Yes. Affirming therapy can help individuals process emotions, explore identity safely, and develop coping strategies that reduce distress and strengthen self-acceptance.

Q: How can I support a transgender loved one?
Listen without assumptions, respect their identity, use their chosen name and pronouns, and show consistent emotional support.

Reflect and Reaffirm

Transgender Awareness Week reminds us that visibility, compassion, and healing are interconnected. When we honor each other’s identities with empathy, we not only affirm individuals—we uplift our entire community.

To our trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients and friends: You are seen, you are valued, and you belong.