Exploring Gender Identity In Therapy And How It Can Help
From the moment you’re born, gender hits you hard. On your birth certificate, there is either an M or an F indicating male or female. The doctor may have wrapped you in a pink or blue blanket. Family members may have even shown up to the hospital with balloons that read “It’s a boy!” or “It’s a girl!”. The toys you played with. The bathrooms you walked through. The clothes you wear each and every day. They’re all designed with gender in mind.
The world isn’t as black and white or cookie-cutter as some people seemed to think it was. There are a lot of areas of grey that people are working through each and every day. No matter what gender you were assigned at birth, you may feel like you were assigned the wrong gender. And you know what? That’s okay.
If you’re starting to question your gender identity, one of the best things you can do is to reach out for help. You may feel like you should ignore or hide these thoughts and feelings, but that will only make things worse over time. Let’s learn more about exploring gender identity in therapy and how it can help.
What is Gender Therapy?
Gender therapy is a form of therapy that can help individuals who may be questioning or interested in exploring their gender identity. These are some of the most common reasons to attend gender therapy:
Access to gender-affirming treatment
Address gender dysphoria
Explore body dysmorphia
Gain a better understanding of gender identity
Manage mental health concerns
Support a loved one
It’s important to know that the goal of this type of therapy is to affirm a patient’s gender identity, not try to change or repair how they perceive themselves.
How Exploring Gender Identity Can Help
The world isn’t an easy place. It can often feel like you’re on a roller coaster. For people who feel, think, or look a little differently compared to the average population, it can seem even harder. Exploring gender identity in therapy is a way for individuals to express how they’re really thinking and feeling. Plus, it’s done in a safe and secure environment. Let’s dive into some of the ways that exploring gender identity in therapy can help.
Better Understand Your Thoughts, Feelings, and Emotions
Gender therapy is a great way to explore your true thoughts, feelings, and emotions. A therapist will be able to help you work through how you’re thinking and feeling and be able to help you sort through any questions you may have regarding your gender identity.
Explore Your Gender Identity
Gender therapy provides individuals a safe space to work through and explore their gender identity. Individuals may feel that they can’t share how they’re really thinking or feeling with family or friends for fear of being scolded or trying to change them. A therapist will actually be able to allow individuals to explore these thoughts and feelings in a safe environment.
Work Through Signs and Symptoms
Individuals working through their gender identity may have signs and symptoms of mental health issues due to struggling with their thoughts and feelings. Someone may be dealing with anxiety, depression, shame, trauma, suicidal ideation, or violence. A therapist will be able to help find healthy ways for an individual to cope with these challenging times, so they’re able to feel more comfortable with who they are.
Next Steps
Navigating struggles with gender identity isn’t easy. Thankfully, you don’t have to go through this confusing time in your life all on your own. Help is available to you. Gender therapy provides a safe and secure environment for you to explore how you’re feeling in a judgment-free space. It’s time you love yourself fully for who you are, inside and out. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation.
Through Therapy Collective
Our team of culturally competent therapists is here to offer a warm and safe space to help you navigate life’s hardships with a sense of encouragement and empathy. Find out more >
