Ever feel like there is a disconnect between who you feel you are inside and how the world perceives your gender? You’re not alone — many people experience this feeling, and it’s called gender dysphoria.
But what can you do to navigate these emotions and find peace within yourself?
Understanding “What is gender therapy?” can help chart a path towards feeling comfortable in your skin. This guide explores the world of gender therapy, explaining what it is and the various healing techniques available to support your self-acceptance journey.
What Is Gender Therapy?
Gender therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on exploring your gender identity in a safe and supportive space. A therapist works collaboratively with you (and your loved ones) to address your unique needs and goals. They may help you:
- Understand your feelings and experiences related to your gender
- Navigate the challenges of talking about your gender with others
- Develop coping strategies for dealing with gender dysphoria
The ultimate goal of gender therapy is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your skin. It’s about finding ways to express your authentic self and accept your gender identity, no matter whether that matches or differs from the body you were born with.
What Types of Therapy Are Used for Gender Dysphoria?
Through therapy, you can explore different options for gender-affirming care. While there’s no single best therapy for gender dysphoria, here are some popular ways to deal with related symptoms:
Gender-Affirming Therapy
Imagine having a safe space to express yourself in ways that resonate with your inner identity in order to understand yourself better. This could involve talking about how you conceptualize gender, what it means to be affirmed in your gender, and what acceptance of gender may look like in your unique situation. It may also involve specific actions, like trying new clothes, hairstyles, or even names and pronouns to see if this helps reduce symptoms of dysphoria.
In gender-affirming therapy, your therapist acts as a supportive guide on your journey toward self-discovery and acceptance. Your therapist does not have the answers for you, nor a specific destination in mind. You have the space and opportunity to explore and determine, in partnership with loved ones if you wish, how your internal gender identity corresponds with your body, gender expression, and gender designation.
As you explore different aspects of your identity, your therapist will help you deal with any challenges you might encounter. They’ll also be your cheerleader, reminding you to celebrate your progress, no matter how big or small.
The ultimate goal? To help you feel comfortable and confident expressing yourself in a way that feels authentically you.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Think of cognitive behavioral therapy as a way to retrain your brain to challenge those negative thoughts that hold you back. For instance, imagine you’re thinking, “Telling my parents about my gender questions will destroy the family.”
Through CBT, you can replace that thought with something more affirming like, “Telling my family may be difficult, but they have been supportive in the past and it isn’t likely to destroy the family.”
The goal of CBT for gender dysphoria is to help you feel more comfortable and confident in your gender identity. It can empower you to manage the challenges of gender dysphoria more effectively. This helps develop a more positive self-image and manage any related depression.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy involves working one-on-one with a trained therapist. During these therapy sessions, they’ll want to know your sentiments about your gender identity. You may discuss topics such as:
- Your gender identity development
- Coping with gender dysphoria
- Exploring options for gender affirmation
- Managing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns
The goal of individual therapy is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your gender identity and its impact on your life. Here, you can talk openly and honestly about your feelings and experiences related to gender dysphoria.
Family and Couples Therapy
Gender dysphoria can be a challenge not just for you but also for the loved ones around you. Maybe you’re worried about how your partner will react to your journey of self-discovery. Or perhaps, you’re seeking help as a parent of a child with gender dysphoria.
This is where family and couples therapy can help.
A therapist can help facilitate open and honest communication between you and your family or partner. This allows your loved ones to understand your feelings and experiences related to gender dysphoria. Family and couples therapy is a chance to:
- Answer their questions
- Address any concerns they might have
- Work together to build a more understanding and supportive relationship
This can also help everyone involved adjust to changes, whether it’s using new pronouns or exploring different ways of expressing yourself. It’s about working together to build a future where everyone feels loved and accepted.
Peer Support Groups
Sometimes navigating gender dysphoria can feel like you’re on an island alone. You might wonder if anyone else understands what you’re going through, or if you’re the only one who feels this way.
Individuals with gender dysphoria can consider joining a support group. Support groups are a great way to connect with others having similar experiences and challenges. These groups offer a safe space to:
- Share your story
- Learn from others
- Build a community of understanding
Support groups can also be a valuable source of information and resources for navigating your gender identity. This can be validating and empowering.
Mindfulness Techniques
Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help you manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions related to gender dysphoria. By focusing on your breath or the sensations in your body, you can learn to detach from those swirling thoughts and find a sense of calm.
Mindfulness won’t erase your feelings about gender dysphoria, but it can equip you with tools to manage them better. Think of it this way: you can take a step back from overwhelming emotions, find peace in the present moment, and approach challenges with a clearer head.
By learning to be present in the moment and accepting your feelings without judgment, you can cultivate greater inner peace. This can be incredibly helpful on your journey towards self-acceptance.
Get Treated for Gender Dysphoria Symptoms at Collaborative Change
Knowing the answer to “What is gender therapy?” is a crucial step in discovering and embracing your authentic self. When choosing from the various gender therapy techniques, the primary focus is on what feels right for you.
At Collaborative Change, we offer tailored, evidence-based treatment to people struggling with gender identity. We can help you individually or together with your loved ones, depending on your needs and situation.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out how we can help with your gender dysphoria.
