Grace O’Connor, MA, LMFT (She/Her)
Everyone exploring their gender identity deserves a safe + empathetic space
I have struggled to embrace my authentic self, but report coming out the other side, a happier and more prosperous version of myself than ever. The effects of growing up in a heteronormative, binary culture were destructive for me. I didn’t see people like me reflected in the culture, which created feelings of shame and alienation. It took time to work through my internalized transphobia and come to terms with my true identity. It was not easy! The first step is often the hardest. I believe there is real value in what I have learned in my own experience being transgender-identified, and bringing it into my relationship with clients to build bonds of trust, security, and ultimately, healing.
Prior to working at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, I worked as a Primary Therapist & Group Facilitator at Pride Recovery LA, Core Melrose, and Westwind Recovery where I was able to apply over 30 years of 12-step recovery to LGBTQ+ people struggling with the disease of addiction and mental health challenges. I have my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, completed my training at the Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center and am an active member of CAMFT and WPATH.
Working in dual diagnosis treatment, I use a combination of styles including: 12 step, Mindfulness/Meditation, LGBTQ+ Affirmative, Relational, Somatic, CBT and Internal Family Systems. When working with Transgender and Non-binary populations, I approach things a little differently. Deconstructing systems of marginalization and oppression, including the gender binary, externalizing feelings of shame related to gender expansiveness, individuation through the lens of Family Systems Theory, Multiculturalism, Intersectionality, and Patient Education on Trans and Non-binary identity, and providing Gender-Affirming resources are a few of the approaches I utilize with clients.
I can’t wait to see if we are a good match!
—Grace O’Connor
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” —Anais Nin
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Grace O’Connor, MA, LMFT
“EVERYONE EXPLORING THEIR GENDER IDENTITY DESERVES A SAFE, EMPATHETIC SPACE”
Iam a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in working with Transgender and Non-binary populations and I’m pleased to be an ongoing part of the team at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles.
I have struggled to embrace my authentic self and can report having come out the other side, happier and more prosperous than ever. The effects of growing up in a heteronormative, binary culture were destructive for me. I didn’t see people like me reflected in the culture and I took from that feelings of shame and alienation. It took time to work through my internalized transphobia and come to terms with my true identity. It was not easy! The first step is often the hardest. I believe there is real value in taking what I have learned in my own experience being transgender-identified, and bringing it into my relationship with clients to build bonds of trust, security and ultimately healing.
Prior to working at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, I worked as a Primary Therapist/Group Facilitator at Pride Recovery LA, Core Melrose and Westwind Recovery where I was able to apply my over 30 years of 12-step recovery helping LGBTQ+ people struggling with the disease of addiction and mental health challenges. I have my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, completed my training at the Colors LGBTQ Youth Counseling Center and am an active member of CAMFT and WPATH.
Working in dual diagnosis treatment I used a combination of styles including 12 step, Mindfulness/Meditation, LGBTQ+ Affirmative, Relational, Somatic, CBT and Internal Family Systems to name a few.
When working with Transgender and Non-binary populations, I approach things a little differently. Deconstructing systems of marginalization and oppression, including the gender binary, externalizing feelings of shame related to gender expansiveness, individuation through the lens of Family Systems Theory, Multiculturalism, Intersectionality, and Patient Education on Trans and Non-binary identity and the providing of resources are a few of the approaches I use.
I can’t wait to see if we’re a good match. Be well!
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“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” —Anais Nin