Gender Diversity
Gender diversity is a huge topic, with no two people having the same story or the same reasons to explore the subject.
Therapy and Explorations of Gender
Spiraling Arrows, Louise Bourgeois, 2004
Personal therapy can be a wonderful tool and support for exploring and learning more about the expression of your gender, and the meaning of gender in your life.
We see each person as a masterpiece, and the complexity of each individual is what makes them shine.
If you would like to explore more about what it is that is you, and how to be authentic in your experience and expression of life, it can be well worth the time in reflection and conversation with an unbiased and confidential support.
A Neutral Place to Explore Gender Diversity and Sexuality
Sadly for some, stigma is still encountered around gender and sexuality. Therapy can be a great place to explore what gender and sexuality are to you and in your life.
In therapy there is support to find ways of being completely yourself, and allowing all of you to become active in your life – rather than trying to partition off parts that you imagine to be unacceptable to others.
Transgender and Transitioning
Support for Those Who Have Transitioned or Are Considering Transitioning
Deciding to transition is a big step in anyone’s life. There can be huge implications in one’s own life and in the lives of those with which one has close relationships. Often a person may wish to have a safe place to explore what life might look like after transition.
Some people even wonder if it is really necessary to transition to be happy. Therapy can be a very helpful place to explore the thoughts and feelings around this complex topic.
Support for Couples where Gender Identity is a Factor
When a person starts to express themselves in a non-gender-stereotypical way, this can cause some conflict or concern in a relationship. Whether a person is dressing differently, acting differently or considering transition, this can put strain on a partnership.
When any part of a relationship changes and the status quo is disrupted, therapy can be of assistance.
Some of the topics couples may bring to therapy are:
- Using the therapy room as the chosen place in which to come out.
- Navigating the complexities of the relationship, if the couple are choosing to stay together.
- If the couple are deciding to split, how to do this amicably and without causing damage.
- How to deal with impacts on children.
Looking At What is Required to Transition
When one is considering transition there are usually many questions about what the steps are to achieve that goal.
It can be helpful to talk through the different options, and consider carefully how far one wishes to go in their transitioning.
Coming Out
Coming out may be one of the most challenging things to consider. Some of the challenges may be:
- Presenting differently in public.
- Telling friends, family, and workmates that you are transgender.
- Becoming part of the LGBTQIA community.
The process of coming out can be explored in the safe space of the therapy room.
Support with the Complexities of Social Interactions for Those Transitioning
For those transitioning, social environments can be complex spaces to navigate. Some of these topics may need to be considered:
- Managing and dealing with people’s reactions to coming out.
- The complexities of negotiation with family, partners and children.
- Reactions of friends and workmates.
- Considering new groups of friends.
- Exploring how to socialise as the new gender.
- Exploring new voice, mannerisms and social etiquette.
- Managing the reactions of strangers in social settings.
Gender Dysphoria
For some people, a transition results from a very painful experience of feeling themselves to be not ok. They do not feel right, or experience themselves as not looking like a true reflection of how they feel on the inside.
This can lead to depression, suicidal thoughts and a feeling of deep isolation. These feelings are important and need to be dealt with so that the person can lead a full and engaged life.
- See also: Personal Therapy.