What is Gender Identity Therapy?
Many people struggle with their gender identity. They may feel trapped in a body or confined by society to a gender that doesn’t match their true self. For many of these people, gender therapy can be a lifesaving treatment.
Gender identity therapy is a type of counseling that helps people explore their gender identity and come to a better understanding of themselves. The goal of therapy is not to change someone’s gender identity but to help them accept themselves for who they are.
Through therapy, people can learn to express their true selves and live happier, more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with their gender identity, please don’t hesitate to seek therapy from one of our qualified mental health professionals.
The Benefits of Gender Identity Therapy
Gender identity therapy can be beneficial for many different reasons. For some people, it can help them come to a better understanding of themselves. For others, it can help them to accept themselves for who they are.
Still, others may find that therapy helps them express their true selves in a way they never thought possible. For this reason, gender therapy can be a lifesaving treatment for many people struggling with their gender identity.
What is Gender Expression
Gender expression is the way someone expresses their gender identity. This can be through their behavior, clothing, hairstyle, voice, or other ways. It is important to remember that not everyone expresses their gender in the same way. There is no “correct” way to express your gender, and people should feel free to express themselves in whatever way feels most comfortable.
Gender expression is often confused with sexual orientation (or sexual identity), but they are two completely different things. Sexual orientation is to whom someone is attracted. Whereas gender expression is how someone chooses to convey their gender identity to others and has nothing to do with someone else.
What is Gender Dysphoria
At its simplest, gender dysphoria is the experience of inner turmoil or discomfort with one’s outward appearance and assigned sex do not match up with their inner identity.
When we talk about gender, we’re talking about our mental and emotional characteristics of ourselves guided by the societal constructs and cultural associations with being male or female. So when someone experiences gender dysphoria, they are saying that the way they feel on the inside does not match what society’s expectations are for them, based on their appearance and assigned sex.
If you are experiencing gender dysphoria, please know that you are not alone and that support services are available.
Why is Gender Identity Important?
Gender identity is important because it is a big part of our lives and how we think and feel about ourselves. It is a core part of our identity and helps to shape our sense of Self. For many people, their gender identity is something they have known since they were very young. However, you may be here on this page because how you have felt from an early age hasn’t always been honored within yourself or by others.
For others, their true gender identity may be something they realize later in life. Either way, it is an important part of who we are. We should all feel free to express our gender identity in whatever way feels most comfortable.
Do I have Gender Dysphoria?Â
It’s no secret that society has placed much emphasis on particular gender roles. For years, people have been told that there are certain things that men should do, and therefore women should not do. Likewise, society has said there are certain things that women should do that man shouldn’t. But what happens when someone doesn’t feel like they fit into either category or they fit into both?Â
Figuring out how you fit into these two binary categories can be confusing and difficult for someone, but help is available. Our mental health professionals will work with you to explore your feelings and innate drives and figure out who you are outside of societal and familial pressures to be something specific. Gender therapy can help people understand their feelings, explore their desired roles, and make decisions about their lives.
Gender therapy can be a very beneficial process for someone struggling with their identity or gender questions. It can help them to feel more comfortable in their skin and make choices about their future.
Talking to others about Gender Identity
Gender identity can be a difficult topic to bring up with others. In some parts of the country, how one expresses themselves and identifies makes others uncomfortable. You may find yourself shying away from conversations based on fear of others’ responses. You might feel like you’re the only one going through this. While it is true that no one is experiencing exactly what you’re experiencing, there are others who are going through something similar to you. Many people struggle with their gender identity; they all deserve to be heard.
If you’re considering starting therapy, finding someone you can trust is important. You need a space where you don’t have to worry about how your presence will affect the other person. In fact, quite the opposite, you want someone who will worry about how you will be affected by them. Will you feel safe? Will you feel empowered? Will you feel emotionally nourished? If you have supportive friends and family, it may be helpful to discuss with them your hopes for finding a therapist.Â
If you are questioning your identity or curious about how to move forward after accepting who. you are, gender therapy can be extremely beneficial. Do not wait to seek professional help if this is something you or someone close to you is struggling with.
Coping and Support
It’s been said that the two most important days in a person’s life are the day we are born, and the day we figure out why we’re alive. For many people, figuring out their gender identity is a pivotal moment in their lives and may relate to their purpose in life.
Living with a gender identity that doesn’t match the one you were assigned at birth can be difficult. You may feel like you’re living in a body that isn’t yours and the people around you might not respect your gender identity. These experiences may cause you to suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
If you’re struggling to cope with your gender identity or any mental health issues, please reach out for help. There are organizations and support groups specifically for people coping with gender identity issues, and they can provide valuable resources and advice. You can learn to accept yourself and live a happy, fulfilling life with the right support.
We Are Here For You
Here at The Better You Institute, our mental health professionals provide a confidential and safe environment to help you. Exploring, identifying, and accepting your gender identity can be challenging. We will support you throughout your gender identity journey making sure your mental health stays stable.
Please contact us today if you’re ready to start exploring your gender identity through therapy. We have therapists who specialize in gender identity who would be more than happy to answer any questions or schedule an appointment for you. Let us help you on your journey to self-discovery and acceptance.
