Meet Caroline

The Transgender Institute serves the gender-variant, transgender, gender questioning and transsexual patient. Our gender therapist, Caroline Gibbs, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor, widely-recognized within the Midwest and beyond as an educator, advocate and provider for this population.

Working with this clientele requires specialization, comprising in part, an awareness of the impact of stress on gender dysphoria and the non-pathologizing of stress-related symptoms, and additionally, a particular knowledge of grief and bereavement as they manifest during the transgender client’s and his or her family’s journey.

Caroline brings a deep respect for, and sensitivity to, the needs of families of origin, partners, children and friends, a familiarity with the diversity of gender expression and the transgender liberation movement, and an in-depth knowledge of mental health issues and psychotherapeutic techniques. She also has the ability to assess for mental illness, addictions, and trauma-related conditions.

Caroline can provide referrals to psychiatrists, endocrinologists, physicians familiar with prescribing hormone therapy, and surgeons, along with recommendations for internet sites, films, and books. She understands the current DSM-IV TR diagnosis of Gender Identity Disorder and differentiates among sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

She follows the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care (formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Association) and complies with the HIPAA Privacy Practices. Caroline is a member of WPATH; the International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE); and the American Educational Gender Information Services (AEGIS).

For counseling, coaching or consultation call Caroline at 816.305.0943 or e-mail her at caroline@transinstitute.org. You may also e-mail directly from this site.

A Note from Caroline:  “My chief asset, apart from my clinical skill, is my ability to be accepting and tolerant of all individuals, regardless of where they find themselves in life, and whatever emotional or psychological burdens they may be carrying. I do not shy away from anyone or any issue, and carry no fear or judgment into my work.”