Discovering who you truly are takes bravery and courage, especially when it comes to understanding your gender identity. Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your authentic self and find acceptance. In this blog post, we’ll explore how therapy can help you on your journey of self-discovery, empowering you to embrace your true identity. Let’s uncover the transformative power of gender identity therapy and the potential it holds for your personal growth.
Therapy with individuals exploring their gender identity involves creating a safe and supportive space where clients can openly express their thoughts, feelings, and questions. Through active listening, empathy, and validation, therapists help clients navigate their unique experiences and provide psychoeducation to enhance their understanding of gender identity. Collaboratively setting goals and respecting the client’s autonomy, therapy aims to support self-exploration, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Working with humans exploring gender identity requires creating a safe space where they feel they are able to be their true authentic selves. Therapy requires allowing that person to express all the feelings they are unable to share with others.
Also, I believe the therapeutic process includes some level of education and exploration of what exactly gender identity means to them. I explore how they want to share that with the world when they’re ready. Therapy with humans exploring gender identity includes some level of metamorphosis. It requires shedding the identity you were given at birth to find what makes you feel most comfortable.
The teen client population I work with navigates a host of challenging experiences. When those challenges are complicated by gender identity questions, sometimes the therapy space is the only place where the client feels safe to explore and express themselves.
A strong and trusting therapeutic relationship between the client and the therapist is the foundation for open discussion and exploration. Supporting the client, validating their feelings, and asking questions that demonstrate interest and concern for the client are all ways I have found success in partnering with the client on their journey. I support them as they chart new territory. When working with this population with gender identity questions, being honest about my own questions has also helped build the relationship with the client. This has encouraged authenticity and honesty from the client.
It can be scary to talk about gender identity, especially if you don’t feel safe in your current environment. Let our incredible clinicians help you create that safe space. Stay tuned to hear what the rest of our team has to say. Until next time, Be Wise!
“Oh my gosh, my daughter just thinks Grace is amazing and I am so glad that she has someone to talk to that isn’t me! She is so happy after her sessions! Thank you.”
— Mom of 15 year old client“Thank you so much for all you do and care for me. And all the work you do for my family. I {heart} you.”
— 10-year-old coaching client“Our clinician has been a tremendous help with family issues and getting our children organized for success in life. Highly recommend her.”
— Mom of three young adults ages 20 – 24
