therapy for gender identity exploration

 You woke up this morning and realized you can’t go on like this anymore. You’re tired of being beaten down by society or hiding your true self. Your friends call you by your chosen name and pronouns but your family has no idea who you really are. Your terrified that if you come out to them, they will shoot you down and say things like “it’s just a phase” or “we gave you that name for a reason” or “you’ll always be our ____________(daughter/son).” You then start to question yourself asking “am I trans enough?” The doubts start to creep in more and more until you realize the system is rigged against you. The constant hate and discrimination you face in your every day is really starting to affect you. 

At work they constantly give you more work with no recognition and now they tell you that you have to remove your pronouns from your email signature. They call you by your dead name over and over no matter how many times you correct them. Your work environment is toxic but trying to find the time to look for a better job feels impossible and even if you did find a new job there’s no guarantee that that environment won’t be worse than what you’re already dealing with now. 

On top of everything else, state and federal politicians are targeting you and you feel like things are just getting worse and all this hurt, anger, and rage is building up inside you ready to explode like a volcano. It feels like every day there is new legislation being passed or proposed that limits or straight up denies you the medical and mental health care you deserve. Bills that make it so you can’t play sports or can’t use the bathroom without fear of being verbally or physically assaulted or even arrested. 

It’s gotten to the point where the constant misgendering and lack of support at home and work have taken a serious toll on your mental health. You’ve been feeling really depressed and anxious because it’s like you’re constantly being told that who you are isn’t valid. You may feel disconnected from your feelings, thoughts, memories, or sense of identity. Or you have masked for so long you don’t know the real you anymore and it’s hard to be genuine and authentic in your relationships with others. 

That’s where I come in.

During our work together, I’ll gently challenge any unhelpful thought patterns or behaviors that might be hindering your exploration of your gender identity. 

We’ll explore how your identity and sense of self are shifting and evolving as you confront your fears and doubts about your gender identity and start to embrace the real you, finally. 

As we do this, you’ll keep the genuine parts you like about yourself and want to maintain. You’ll also feel the freedom of self-discovery, introspection, self-care, and self-love. 

Through our work together, you can learn to:

• Be your most authentic self.
• Develop empathy and compassion for yourself.
• Connect with the queer and trans community.
• Unmask with trusted family and friends.
• Advocate for equity in your workplace and life. 
• Set boundaries at work or home with others around your gender identity.
• Start hormones or start preparation for gender affirming surgery.
• Go by your chosen name and change your legal name.

Also if you are exploring you sexual identity you may be interested in therapy for that as well. Click here to read more on sexual identity exploration.