Gender Identity Therapy
Gender-Informed Therapy
Gender affirming therapy focuses on affirming an individual’s gender identity; to provide support and not try to “repair” or “fix” their identity. Our goal is to counter negative societal messages and behaviors that discourage and are hostile to gender diversity.
Core themes of treatment may include:
- Trauma – repeated exposure to negative messages creates physical and emotional trauma response
- Shame – feeling different and not accepted creates avoidance and anxiety
- Depression – lack of societal support and repeated trauma leads to higher levels of depression
- Self-harm – repressed anger and lack of support leads to higher levels of self-harming behaviors and suicide
- Violence – lack of acceptance and understanding leads to higher rates of victimization and hate crimes
- Sexuality – those who live on a more diverse gender spectrum are often misunderstood and experience relationship stress and anxiety
- Medical Treatment – understanding the spectrum of medical treatment options and resources is important in supporting the process
- Societal Stigma – navigating an often-transphobic world can create difficulty in finding social support and families of choice
Our treatment team provides interventions such as:
- Gender affirmation
- Space for processing and understanding
- Linking to social supports, legal services, and health care providers
- Creating a safe zone
- Allowing for diversity
- Reflection and empathy
