What is Gender Dysphoria
A person who is transgender is someone whose sex assigned at birth does not match their internal sense of their gender, or their gender identity. Gender dysphoria is the distress that some transgender individuals experience because their sex assigned at birth does not match their gender identity. The experience of gender dysphoria often begins in childhood but can present in adolescence or later adulthood.
The presence of gender dysphoria, in combination with other criteria, can mean that a formal diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria, from the DSM-5, might be made by a qualified professional.
In order to alleviate significant gender dysphoria, some, but not all, individuals who are transgender will pursue gender affirmation through social, legal, medical, and/or surgical avenues.
Treatment for Gender Dysphoria
Treatment for Gender Dysphoria may include open exploration of the individual’s understanding and experience of their gender identity as well as their gender expression, without the therapist having any pre-determined opinion as to what gender identity or expression should be preferred.
Some individuals may choose to pursue additional avenues to affirm their gender, including social, medical, legal, and surgical means. For example, some individuals will use different names and/or pronouns. Some may also shift their gender expression, appearing more masculine or feminine. A change in legal documentation, such as licenses and birth certificates, may follow. Some individuals experiencing gender dysphoria may pursue medical administration of hormones or surgical intervention.
Individuals who identify as transgender are often subject to bullying, discrimination, and ridicule. As such, it is often important to find support groups or other communities of support.
Family support is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcome in transgender individuals. Thus family therapy is often incorporated.
Parents of Children and Adolescents who are Questioning Gender
Being a parent of a child who is questioning their gender, or stating that they are transgender, can be disorienting and overwhelming for a lot of parents. You may wonder if this is just a stage in their development and life. You may also fear that your child may have been influenced by peers around them, social media, or culture as a whole. You may wonder what is the best path forward for your child and your family, and what steps you could be taking to protect your child. You may even be reluctant to voice any concerns or hesitancy for fear that you could be labeled as unsupportive or transphobic.
This can be a very isolating experience and many parents benefit from therapy themselves, either individually or as a couple. Joining a support group for parents is also often beneficial, as it provides a sense of community with other parents with shared experience. Please reach out today to find out how we can help you as parents as well as your child.
Contact Us Today to Talk
We would love to find out what we can help you with. Call 203-745-0733 or email for consultation.
