Your child has shared an incredibly personal truth about themselves: Their gender identity is something other than what you thought. Your lives changed the moment you heard the words, read the letter, or saw the post. Now what? You may have jumped into support mode, hurriedly digesting information on how to parent a gender-diverse child. Or maybe not. Maybe you feel uncertain about where to turn or what to do about the painfully distressing feelings you are experiencing. Wherever you are on your journey, there is hope and there is help. Because so much focus is placed on supporting your child, your own experience is often overlooked or minimized, which complicates and negatively compounds your ability to be an affirming ally for your child.
As a psychotherapist, PFLAG support group facilitator, professor, and speaker, I’ve talked with hundreds of parents with gender-diverse kids. Those conversations illuminated the exceedingly difficult and painful journey that defines what I refer to as a “parent’s emotional transition.” It is a process that will progress alongside your child’s gender transition.
I went through a similar transformation myself when my son came out, and I know how hard it can be. I’ve created resources and offerings that will help you navigate the journey ahead so you can shed your pain and step into your pride!
How to Work with Linda K.
My coaching programs are a lifeline to compassionate understanding and advice during your most difficult moments. We will work to validate your painful emotions, deepen your understanding of gender, navigate changes and difficult decisions, and prepare you on how to support your child’s gender journey. I offer individual, couples, and group packages.
Let’s take a deep dive into your emotional world. If you are beating yourself up for not knowing sooner, are struggling with overwhelming emotions, wrestling with deeply held religious beliefs, feel uncertain about how to support your child, are in a relationship with a non-supportive partner, or are grieving the loss of a child you thought you knew, I can help.
Parent Retreat
The Parent Retreat offers a holistic therapeutic approach for parents and caregivers to evolve their beliefs and work through the difficult emotions they encounter when embracing their child’s gender-diverse identity. This is an intensive and immersive experience that offers respite and connection with other parents moving through a similar emotional journey.
My coaching programs are a lifeline to compassionate understanding and advice during your most difficult moments. We will work to validate your painful emotions, deepen your understanding of gender, navigate changes and difficult decisions, and prepare you on how to support your child’s gender journey. I offer individual, couples, and group packages.
Let’s take a deep dive into your emotional world. If you are beating yourself up for not knowing sooner, are struggling with overwhelming emotions, wrestling with deeply held religious beliefs, feel uncertain about how to support your child, are in a relationship with a non-supportive partner, or are grieving the loss of a child you thought you knew, I can help.
Parent Retreat
The Parent Retreat offers a holistic therapeutic approach for parents and caregivers to evolve their beliefs and work through the difficult emotions they encounter when embracing their child’s gender-diverse identity. This is an intensive and immersive experience that offers respite and connection with other parents moving through a similar emotional journey.
Express and explore your emotions without criticism or judgment. Feel equipped to better support your child with education and resources.
Gain insights about the origins of your emotions and beliefs, and how they are impacting you, and your relationship with your child, spouse, partner, other family members, friends and colleagues.
Deepen your understanding about gender identity and the developmental challenges your child faces, so you can feel confident about how to best support your loved one.
Release the shame and step into your pride feeling comfortable that you can be the affirming parent your child needs in order to thrive.
A list of websites, organizations, and other resources that provide information about and for
LGBTQ-identified people and those who love them.
Linda K. Reeves is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California, license #100195. Linda is also a World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Certified Gender Specialist (GEI). Copyright © 2023 Linda K. Reeves Privacy Policy
Let’s keep in touch! Get my latest tips, resources, retreat dates, and news.
Linda K. Reeves is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California, license #100195. Linda is also a World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Certified Gender Specialist (GEI). Copyright © 2023 Linda K. Reeves Privacy Policy
Let’s keep in touch! Get my latest tips, resources, retreat dates, and news.