Toby B

Credentials
MSW, LCSW
States
Other Info

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Credentials: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CA #89672)

General Availability: Sundays, and Tuesday evenings

Specialties: Trans Community, more specifically mental health clearance letters for gender affirming surgery

Guiding Principle: Honesty, humility, curiosity, and warmth sit at the forefront of my practice.  As an LGBTQ-affirming therapist, I provide a shame-free space for you to explore your emotional needs and experiences.  Whether you’re recently coming to realizations about your sexuality or gender or have been out for years, it’s imperative to work with an LGBTQ-affirming therapist who can hold your story.

Additional Training or Expertise: Gender-Affirming letter writing, extensive experience in the trans and queer communities, partners of individuals who are transitioning, trauma treatment, gender-affirming surgery preparation and recovery support, recovery from relationships with narcissists, recovery from verbal and emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, intersectional feminist lens, critical race theory lens, Recovery Model Lens, EMDR 1, TRM 1, PACT 1, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Additional Professional Affiliations: EMDR International Association (EMDRIA), Word Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH), Mental Health America Los Angeles, The LA LGBT Center
Undergrad / Grad Schools: UC Santa Cruz (BA in psychology, emphasis social psychology) / CSUDH (MSW emphasis in community mental health and critical race theory)
What I’m most proud of in my work with clients:

I am by far most proud of the work I’ve gotten to do in the queer community. I have had the honor of writing thousands of mental health clearance letters for trans folks so they can access life affirming surgeries. Beyond that, I’ve also gotten to create warm, accepting spaces for clients to explore their needs and identity in ongoing therapy.

What inspires me:

My clients. Honestly, seeing so many people move through their struggles and step into their more authentic, grounded lives is moving and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

What someone would be surprised to know about me:

I have an unapologetic passion for terrible television and celebrity gossip podcasts.

Favorite movie: I’m not sure I have a single favorite movie, but I am always interested in socially-focused documentaries.
Favorite book: While I’m a huge fan of autobiographical graphic novels, the best thing I’ve read recently was Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
Where I’m from originally: Los Angeles, CA