Hi there, I’m Dr Z

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with a sole focus on Gender Dysphoria and Gender Identity. Having trained in various modalities, I work using a humanistic approach, catering to your unique therapeutic needs.

I’m here to help you overcome challenges and provide you with the tools to live a meaningful, ever-evolving life. Each client is unique, and I approach each individual within their personal context and circumstance.

“The more aware you are of your emotions, the less they will control you.”

- GABOR MATE

My Specialties

  • I have in-depth two decades of experience working with individuals struggling with various forms of Gender Dysphoria and helping them figure out what steps, if any, to take. Currently, the bulk of my work is focused primarily on trans women/femme-identified clients.

  • I have two in-depth decades of experience working with individuals of various gender-diverse experiences and helping people clarify and decide what steps, if any, to take to feel more aligned.

  • I offer couples therapy to individuals who are exploring their gender identity and/or transitioning within their relationship. I additionally offer individual therapy to partners of gender-diverse folks.

  • I work with individuals to help them clarify if their feminizing behavior is solely a cross-dressing activity or has ties to transgender identity.

  • I am in the process of setting up online group membership support for trans-women individuals. If interested, please let me know via emailing info@drzphd.com

My Story

I have always possessed a natural ability to listen, really listen, to people's stories of struggle and pain. Many have called me an ‘old soul’ when I was young, recognizing my gift of seeing clarity and wisdom when a person is struggling at a crossroads.

To this day, many transgender and nonbinary folks wonder how I possess the capacity for an in-depth understanding of their challenges when I myself am a cis woman.

I have long stopped wondering “how” and instead focused on ways I can help, guide, and support and have come to recognize my work as my life and soul calling.

  • “I will never be able to repay you fully for the help you provided, and more than anything, you set me free from the burdens of the world.”

    Client Review

  • “I am embarrassed to admit I learned more in a shorter period of time with Dr. Z than in my 3 years of therapy.”

    Client Review

  • “Dr. Z is a kind and caring listener which helped untangle the feelings in my head that I could never fully understand and also helped push me outside my comfort zone so I could grow as a woman. I was able to make great improvements with my physical appearance but as or more importantly I was able to build my confidence so I could live and thrive in the world.

    Client Review

Dr Z Logistics

PROFESSIONAL LICENSING

Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva, known as Dr. Z, holds a Doctor of Clinical Psychology Degree and active licenses in California (PSY28888), New York (024701), Texas (#39338), and Florida out-of-state telehealth provider (#197).

RECOGNIZED NATIONAL SPEAKER

Dr. Z is also a national speaker on gender issues and transgender care and has been featured as an expert on numerous platforms: Google Trans Conference, Forbes Health, BuzzFeed News, Los Angeles County Psychological Association, and Authority Magazine.

PUBLISHED AUTHOR

Dr. Z’s first book, On Your Terms: Gender Transition Redefined for Adults, aimed to empower transgender and nonbinary adults to take steps toward their authentic identity, reached Amazon Best Seller and #1 New Release in its category within one week of publication.

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