Understanding Gender Identity in the Jewish Community

Hello and welcome to our dedicated space for discussing and supporting gender identity within the Jewish community. Our site features a diverse range of professionals, therapists, and content focused on understanding and embracing gender identity in the Jewish community.

Unique Considerations of Gender Identity in the Jewish Community

When individuals within the Jewish community explore or affirm their gender identity, which is often shaped by distinct cultural and religious factors, it represents a specific set of considerations faced by this group. Stigma, traditional gender roles, cultural expectations, and religious interpretations can all impact the experience of gender identity in the Jewish community. Often, cultural and religious factors play a role in how gender identity is perceived and navigated. It can affect individuals' sense of self, emotional well-being, relationships, and participation in community life.

Watch the videos below to gain insights from Jewish gender identity professionals, therapists, and advocates. These resources offer extensive knowledge on supporting gender identity within the Jewish community, providing expert guidance and culturally sensitive approaches.

Professionals Who Specialize in Gender Identity Issues

Danielle Taylor, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only

Danielle Taylor, LMHC, incorporates CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy. For couples, she specializes in the Gottman Method & more to fortify relationship dynamics.


" I prioritize a holistic perspective on wellness, recognizing that true well-being encompasses a delicate balance of physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational dimensions. I understand that each individual's journey toward wellness is unique, and I tailor my approach to …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Frayde Yudkowsky

Therapist, LSW, LMSW, CTP

  • In-office Lakewood, New Jersey
  • $225 - $225 Per Session

Frayde Yudkowsky, LMSW helps her clients heal physically, spiritually, and emotionally from the grip of shame and suffering and embrace themselves.


" Inclusive, Evidence-Based Healing for Systems, LGBTQIAPD+ Folks & Complex Trauma Survivors Real tools. Deep attunement. No one-size-fits-all. At THRIVE! Mental Health, our approach is trauma-informed, intersectional, and radically client-centered. We honor the whole youβ€”your identities, your parts, your …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🎨 Creative

Yossi Strom MS, BACP

Therapist, British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy

  • In-office London, United Kingdom
  • $150 - $200 Per Session

Yossi Strom MS, BACP, is an integrative therapist who uses psychodynamic, IFS, & trauma-informed approaches to support individuals through deep healing.


" My work is grounded in several integrative and relational approaches that allow me to meet each client where they are, with flexibility and depth. I draw from Focused Psychodynamic Therapy to explore the unconscious patterns and early relational …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’ͺ Challenging
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering

Michelle Feder, PsyD

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PsyD

  • Remote only
  • $175 - $325 Per Session

Michelle Feder, PsyD, incorporates goal-oriented approaches such as ERP, ACT, & CBT infused with flexibility & compassion to help her clients evolve & grow.


" In my practice, I adopt a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework, viewing it as a dynamic and effective lens through which to engage with individuals. I firmly believe that the potency of CBT is maximized when infused with empathy, …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Talia Gutlove, LCSW, CST, C-PST

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • In-office Five Towns, New York
  • $225 - $250 Per Session

Talia Gutlove, LCSW employs a holistic, collaborative approach, customizing the therapeutic process to best suit your unique needs and goals.


" In my practice, I strive to establish a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where my clients can freely explore their emotions and embark on a journey toward positive change. I believe that each person is unique and no …

  • 🎯 Direct
  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded

Hannah Pasternak

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW and Clinical Manager

  • Remote only
  • $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

My aim is to provide a supportive environment where authenticity and compassion flourish, enabling us to work together towards your self-defined goals.


" In therapy, I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust. With a directive and strengths-based approach, I am focused on goal attainment and solutions, while creating a safe and non-judgmental space for you to navigate life's …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ’‘ Solution-oriented
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Judith Blumenthal, LMHC

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor; IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York
  • $165 - $215 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Judith Blumenthal, LMHC, specializes in CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness to support clients with relationships, emotional challenges, and more.


" My approach to counseling is straightforward: do what works best for the client. I do not rely exclusively on one or two modalities. Instead, I draw from a wide range of theories and strategies, tailoring my approach to …

  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • 🎨 Creative
  • 🧘 Calm

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky

Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC

  • Remote only
  • $165 - $165 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

Yehuda (Hudi) Kowalsky is a Frum Therapist, LMHC in New York


"

Chaya Lerner

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW

  • Remote only
  • $100 - $150 Per Session
  • I accept insurance

I strive to empower my clients to navigate their challenges, find healing, and unlock their full potential through the use of DBT and hypnotherapy.


" In my approach to therapy, I draw upon a range of techniques to help individuals create fulfilling lives. Through my extensive training and experience, I have found great success in integrating various modalities such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • 🀝 Collaborative

Yechiel Aharonof

Therapist, Sex and Pornography Addiction,

  • In-office Jackson, New Jersey
  • $250 - $250 Per Session

Yechiel Aharonof, LCSW, supports teens, adults, & families through addiction & trauma using TF-CBT, ACT, MI, & more, with deep respect for religious values.


" My main goal in therapy is to make sure you feel like a whole person, not a diagnosis, not a project, and not something that needs to be fixed. I don’t believe your struggle defines you. You are …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ‘‚ Listener
  • πŸ₯‡ Empowering
  • 🌎 Holistic

Meli Pil, MHC-LP

Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, Limited Permit: IN PERSON SESSIONS ONLY

  • In-office Brooklyn, New York
  • I accept insurance

Avrahom Pil is a therapist whose approach is rooted in collaboration & exploration, incorporating conversation & experiential exercises to help his clients heal.


" My approach to therapy is collaborative and rooted in exploration. Rather than simply identifying problems and prescribing solutions, I work with my clients to help them uncover and understand their inner worlds. Therapy, to me, is an emotional …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ’­ Open minded
  • πŸ”₯ Energetic
  • 🌎 Holistic

Eli Goldberg

Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CASAC

  • In-office Jerusalem, Israel
  • $200 - $250 Per Session

I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and psychodynamic to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs.


" My approach to therapy is based on creating a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their inner selves and find solutions to their challenges. I draw from various therapeutic modalities such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, somatic, and …

  • πŸ’™ Warm
  • πŸ˜ƒ Humorous
  • πŸ™ Spiritual
  • 🧘 Calm

1-1 Breakthrough Session

1-1 Breakthrough Session by Raina Balsam, Coach

You will be cleansed, healed, and blown away from your new insight after our session. Access a deeper level of yourself to reach incredulous joy and a satisfyingly soothing, rich,…

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Understanding and Supporting Gender Identity within the Jewish Community

Gender identity is an important aspect of human experience across various communities, including unique considerations faced within the Jewish community. While the broader understanding of gender identity exists, the intricacies of cultural norms, religious practices, and community dynamics within the Jewish community add layers of complexity. Navigating gender identity within the Jewish community can affect individuals regardless of age, background, or stage of life, highlighting the need for awareness and tailored support.

Strategies for Supporting Gender Identity in the Jewish Community

Effective support for Jewish individuals exploring or affirming their gender identity necessitates approaches that are culturally and religiously attuned. This encompasses therapy that respects religious beliefs and cultural practices, community support networks that provide a sense of belonging and understanding, and accessible resources for gender identity affirmation. Tailored programs and educational initiatives are developed to address the specific facets of gender identity within the Jewish community. It's crucial to seek professional guidance to navigate these considerations effectively, ensuring a path towards self-acceptance, well-being, and community inclusion. It's important to note that our professionals are experts in their fields, bringing both specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of cultural nuances to their work

Our directory features professionals, including Therapists & Coaches, who offer culturally sensitive support for those navigating Gender Identity Issues within the Jewish community.

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