Assessment and Treatment for Gender
Non-Conforming Identities
The goal of the assessment and treatment process is to ensure the provision of high quality, non-judgmental, and supportive counseling services for patients, their families and/or significant others; to ensure effective interdisciplinary communication and teamwork with other providers whom the client wishes to see; and to identify supports and barriers to positive healthcare outcomes.
Some individuals may only want to participate in Gender Assessment for the purpose of pursuing gender affirming procedures. Other individuals may be looking for supportive counseling during the process of questioning gender identity or affirming their identity. Some may want a combination of these two separate services. We will work with you to identify and meet your individual needs and goals.
Gender Assessment
The purpose of the gender assessment process includes the following six factors:
1. To facilitate the well-being, empowerment, and support of the individual
2. To highlight the experience of gender dysphoria as defined by WPATH
3. To facilitate appropriate referrals for behavioral health, psychiatric, medical and/or surgical interventions as indicated, and if the patient is seeking medical intervention(s), to make an assessment of the patient’s behavioral health and psychosocial readiness for these medical intervention(s);
4. To clarify the presence of psychiatric or psychosocial stressors which could interfere with the individual’s well-being;
5. To identify with the individual any issues which they may chose to address in on-going behavioral health treatment;
6. To confirm the individual’s ability to make informed decisions about their care.
Every evaluation is done on a case-by-case basis. These assessments include exploration of the history and current experience of gender dysphoria; relationships and sexuality relevant to gender/gender dysphoria; any psychiatric and/or reported medical co-morbidities; social transition; safety assessment; support system; future goals; further gender-affirming surgical options; and provision of information.
Additional Services
We provide additional supports to assist gender non-conforming individuals find and build community,
access services, and affirm their bodies and identities.
Physical Wellness
Meet up with other trans* identifying individuals to exercise and engage in other wellness activities
Mentoring
Get connected with trans* mentors for additional insight into the transition journey
Support Groups
Build a community of support with others navigating the questioning and transition process
Resources
Find out more information regarding gender affirming procedures and services available to you
Therapy for Gender Dysphoria Frequently Asked Questions
What is Therapy for Gender Dysphoria?
Therapy for gender dysphoria, or gender identity therapy, typically focuses on helping clients better understand the meaning of gender in relation to themselves and society as well as a sense of stability and security in their own gender. In the context of family, therapy for gender dysphoria also includes determining what steps, if any, the family will take to facilitate the development of greater understanding of gender or addressing any social or physical changes.
How does Therapy for Gender Dysphoria work?
A careful history is gathered that includes the trajectory of gender-related feelings so that the current experience of gender can be understood in context. Then an increased understanding of gender is encouraged through conversation and sometimes exercises completed in between sessions.
When is Therapy for Gender Dysphoria needed?
Therapy for Gender Dysphoria may be helpful when you are questioning your gender identity and having difficulty navigating the question on your own. An experienced provider can affirm you where you are and help you as you attempt to gain more clarity and direction.
How long does the Therapy for Gender Dysphoria process take?
Therapy can vary in length from a few sessions to a few months or years if you want support over a longer period of time.
How do I know if Therapy for Gender Dysphoria is right for me?
If you are looking for a safe, non-judgemental place to support you as you consider your gender identity, or how to manage gender dysphoria, then therapy for gender dysphoria could be helpful for you. As a parent, if you are unsure what to do and/or have questions and concerns regarding your child and their gender, then therapy for gender dysphoria could be helpful for you. Our goal is to help each individual and family reach a place of calm regarding how to move forward individually and/or as a family unit.
Learn More About Therapy for Gender Dysphoria in Connecticut. 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.
