We recently connected with Finn Ward and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Finn, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I could have taken as an out BIPOC transgender man was to be a safe haven for trans youth with the state of politics today and I couldn’t be more grateful I did. This all started back in 2017 when I came out as trans. I was born female and transitioned to male at the age of 18. I started testosterone a year later and got top surgery two years after coming out. If it wasn’t for my therapist at the time supporting me through my journey it probably would have been way harder. When I came out, I had just started my first year of college. I got a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminology with minors in Forensic Psychology and Social Work. While getting my BS, I got my first internship working at a courthouse in VA where I grew up. I witnessed some social workers do their jobs terribly, shaming the people they were supposed to be helping. It made me angry and I immediately knew I could do better than them. I decided to move out to West Chester with my best friend who I’ve known since first grade to purse my MSW. While in my second year at WCU, I lost my original internship doing school social work and landed at the current private practice I work at. I started doing therapy with transgender and gender diverse youth. I get to create a safe space for kids who don’t have one right now in our society. It was such a rewarding risk because now I get to work with such amazingly awesome kids and teens who are their authentically, beautiful selves. I couldn’t be more honored and proud to watch them grow into the people they want to become. I would do it ten times over because everyone deserves a place to be their whole selves. Especially, children and adolescents. Even more so in mental health.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a BIPOC trans man who loves music, art, and playing sports. I am engaged to my beautiful and amazing partner who blesses me everyday with her support and love. We have two dogs: a one eyed pitbull named Akeel and a golden retriever named Maggie.

I became a therapist because I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger. There isn’t enough queer and trans representation in mental health and I wanted to help bridge the gap. I think lived experience and representation are essential in mental health.

I acquired my Bachelor of Science in Criminology with minors in Forensic Psychology and Social Work from George Mason University. I graduated from West Chester University with my Masters in Social Work. While there, I was recognized for my advocacy work by being awarded the 2023 MSW Human Rights Award. I also hold my LMSW and I am working towards my LCSW at a private practice in Delaware. I have experience working with ages 4 to 50 but I am currently only accepting trans youth.

I like to offer a safe space built on the sanctuary model that welcomes anyone and everyone. I utilize alternative creative interventions like therapeutic art, play, and sand tray because I believe everyone heals and copes differently which means they may need alternative methods. I also use a combination of other modalities like EMDR, CBT, Mindfulness Based, Narrative, and more. I strive to give my clients their power back in their healing journey. I strive to be compassionate and provide clients a space that helps them become their most happy and healthy selves.

I also co-facilitate trainings and education on many SOGIE (Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Expression) topics focusing primarily on trans folx, queer youth, allyship, intersectionality, and best practices when supporting trans folx across the lifespan in mental health, schools, and other settings.

I lean into creative expression with my clients because art and play are amazing ways to express yourself when you can’t find the words to. I love doing my own expressive arts and it has been so vital in my own healing journey. Finding avenues that don’t require words to speak your truth is immensely powerful.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Lived experience is essential for working in mental health as well as having shared identities. When clients know you genuinely understand their experience because you made it through similar situations it’s a whole different vibe. The conversation is easier, there’s less shame, and they aren’t afraid to be themselves. It creates opportunities for growth through community and connection which is something everyone can use in their life. When we as therapists bring our authentic selves to session our clients can too, and that’s where the real healing happens.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I represent the population I serve, and when your demographic is underrepresented that is a huge thing. So, my authenticity when talking about my life and my journey is what draws most people in. I’m not shy about being transgender and I am very willing to talk about my transition journey. I also don’t shy away about discussing the hard parts of my life, trauma, and mental health. My reputation is built on my lived experience and those I work with find it refreshing that I’m as human as possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://transitionsde.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transitionsde?igsh=MTJmNG9iNXpkbjRxcQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransitionsDE
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/transitions-delaware/