Gender Affirming Therapy: Challenging Norms and Fostering Authenticity
In today’s society, gender identity is a complex and deeply personal aspect of human existence. For individuals who identify as transgender or gender diverse, embracing their authentic selves is crucial for their mental health and overall well-being. Gender affirming therapy provides a supportive and empowering space where individuals can explore their gender identities without judgment or gatekeeping. By understanding the principles and benefits of gender affirming therapy, we can foster inclusivity and acceptance for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
Gender affirming therapy is important because many transgender and non-binary people face discrimination, stigma, and violence because of their gender identity. They also have higher rates of mental health conditions than the general population. According to a 2018 paper, transgender people can have a nearly **4-fold increased risk of depression**. A 2015 study notes that transgender youth have a **two- to three-fold increased risk** of mental health outcomes, such as depression. The U.S. Transgender Survey reveals that **39%** of respondents report serious psychological distress, compared to just **5%** of the general U.S. population. Furthermore, **40%** of respondents noted that they had attempted suicide in their lifetime, which is nearly **nine times** the attempted suicide rate in the U.S. Gender affirming therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for people to express themselves authentically and receive validation and acceptance.
Furthermore, research suggests that individuals may have a sense of their gender as early as 18 months old (source:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747736/). Even our government recognizes the benefits and justifications for
gender affirming care, providing a simple PDF that outlines the reversibility of social affirmation, puberty blockers, and hormone
therapy, while acknowledging that gender affirming surgery is the only irreversible aspect . I am happy to write letters needed for you to receive gender affirming surgery. The clients I have helped have reported positive outcomes with both hormone therapy and gender affirming surgery.
In my practice, I use a client-centered and collaborative approach to gender affirming therapy. I respect each person’s unique journey and goals, and I tailor my interventions to their needs and preferences. I do not impose any labels or expectations on my clients, nor do I gatekeep their access to medical care or legal documents. I work with them to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors related to their gender identity, and I help them develop coping skills, self-esteem, and resilience.
Understanding the Importance of Gender Affirming Therapy for Diverse Gender Identities
Gender affirming therapy recognizes that being transgender or gender diverse is not a pathology or something in need of correction. It acknowledges that each individual’s journey of self-discovery is unique and should be respected without preconceived notions of what constitutes a “healthy” gender identity. This therapeutic approach aims to alleviate the distress and dysphoria experienced by transgender individuals by providing validation, support, and appropriate interventions tailored to their specific needs. By understanding the importance of gender affirming therapy, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The Role of Therapists in Supporting Gender Affirming Care: Breaking Barriers and Embracing Autonomy
Therapists play a vital role in supporting gender affirming care by breaking down barriers and empowering individuals to embrace their gender identities. It is essential for therapists to understand the impact their interventions can have on clients and to approach therapy from a place of empathy, respect, and cultural competence. By taking a non-directive stance, therapists can counteract the historical pathologization of transgender identities and reduce the potential for gatekeeping or unnecessary interventions. I encourage my therapist colleagues to refer their clients out to more competent and trained clinicians who practice gender affirming care. If a therapist doesn’t have the training to help, then they should refer out. If you’re a client of a therapist who you feel isn’t competent, you have the right to choose another therapist who is competent in these matters.
Gender affirming therapists prioritize the autonomy and well-being of their clients, ensuring they have the freedom to explore and express their gender identity authentically.
Exploring the Validity of Gender Identity: Comparing Gender Affirming Care to Conversion Therapy
In contrast to gender affirming therapy, conversion therapy perpetuates harmful and discredited practices that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Gender affirming therapy respects and validates a person’s gender identity, recognizing it as inherently valid and deserving of acceptance. It rejects the notion that being transgender or gender diverse is a problem to be fixed and emphasizes the importance of affirming care that supports individuals in embracing their true selves. By understanding this distinction, we can ensure that therapeutic interventions align with ethical and evidence-based practices.
Issues arise when therapists act as gatekeepers, question their clients, and hinder their decisions. It is comparable to a woman seeking an abortion, only to face additional obstacles when her decision is scrutinized by a pastor or another party that acts as an unnecessary barrier.
A quick search will reveal that the number of people who regret transitioning is approximately 1%. Studies reviewing nearly 8,000 teens and adults who underwent transgender surgeries across various countries found that, on average, 1% expressed regret. While some experienced temporary regret, only a small number pursued detransitioning or reversal surgeries, as mentioned in a 2021 review.
Furthermore, research suggests that individuals may have a sense of their gender as early as 18 months old (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3747736/). Personally, I have always had a firm understanding of my own gender. A person’s gender identity only becomes questioned when it deviates from societal norms.
Considering the small percentage of individuals who regret transitioning within the transgender population, therapists become obstructive gatekeepers to their clients’ mental well-being by subjecting them to unnecessary scrutiny. Even our government recognizes the benefits and justifications for gender affirming care, providing a simple PDF that outlines the reversibility of social affirmation, puberty blockers, and hormone therapy, while acknowledging that gender affirming surgery is the only irreversible aspect (source: https://opa.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/gender-affirming-care-young-people-march-2022.pdf).
Based on my experience as a clinician and the positive feedback from my clients who have undergone gender affirming surgery and hormone therapy, my bias is in favor of a stance that supports their choices. Consider the analogy of abortion: If the regret rate for abortions is also 1%, would you impose the same scrutiny and barriers based on that 1%? It would seem safer and more rational to prioritize the voices of the 99% who assert the necessity of these decisions.
Sexuality and gender identity variation is a natural and healthy part of human diversity. Native American cultures have long embraced the concept of “two-spirit” individuals to describe those who are gender nonbinary. Asian cultures, such as the Philippines, also historically accepted LGBTQ cultures, recognizing lesbians as having a closer spiritual connection to their higher power. However, these cultures faced cultural genocide with the colonization of Western powers, which imposed their beliefs about what is considered right or wrong regarding religion, social identity, and language.
When discussing societal influence, it is crucial to remember the brutal history of colonization, which outlawed, killed, and sought to erase indigenous and “natural” cultures that existed before Western empires arrived. The eradication of these alternative views and cultures, especially those that deviated from heteronormative and cisgender values, is precisely what we are addressing. Understanding this historical context is important when considering what is considered “normal.” Some individuals fear that by embracing diverse gender identities, we are straying from our true selves when, in fact, we are returning to our natural state.
Therefore, when a client tells me their gender identity, I accept it as is. I take it at face value because, to them, it just is. This approach aligns with my principles of unconditionally respecting, accepting, and believing in the client.
Promoting Inclusivity: Recognizing Privilege and Understanding the Impact on Clients’ Mental Well-being
As therapists, it is crucial to recognize the privilege that cisgender individuals have in not having their gender identity questioned or scrutinized. For transgender and gender diverse individuals, the constant need to justify or explain their gender identity can be draining, invalidating, and even traumatic. Gender affirming therapy seeks to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals are seen and respected for who they are. By acknowledging privilege and understanding its impact, therapists can provide more compassionate and effective care, promoting the mental well-being of their clients.
The Benefits of Gender Affirming Therapy: Empowering Clients and Fostering Personal Growth
Gender affirming therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals navigating their gender identities. By providing a safe and supportive space, this therapeutic approach allows clients to engage in self-exploration, question societal norms, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves. Through the therapeutic process, individuals can gain a sense of agency, self-awareness, and authenticity, leading to more fulfilling and meaningful lives. Gender affirming therapy empowers clients to embrace their gender identity, promotes personal growth, and fosters a positive sense of self.
Recognizing Historical and Cultural Context: Embracing Natural Diversity in Gender Identity
The concept of gender diversity is not a new phenomenon. Many cultures throughout history have recognized and embraced diverse gender identities. For example, Native American cultures use the term “two-spirit” to describe individuals who are gender nonbinary, and pre-colonial Asian cultures celebrated LGBTQ cultures. However, the brutal history of colonization imposed Western beliefs and norms, suppressing and eradicating these indigenous and natural cultures. By understanding the historical and cultural context, we can challenge societal biases and promote the acceptance of diverse gender identities as natural and healthy.
Carl Rogers’ Non-directive Approach: Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment for Self-Exploration
A non-directive approach, inspired by the principles of Carl Rogers, can create a safe and supportive environment for individuals, particularly adolescents, to engage in self-exploration. This approach encourages clients to question societal norms and expectations, fostering a sense of agency and self-awareness. By respecting and accepting clients unconditionally, therapists can establish a therapeutic alliance built on trust and empathy. This approach in gender affirming therapy allows individuals to navigate their gender identities without feeling pressured to conform to societal expectations, promoting a more inclusive and accepting society.
Addressing Power Dynamics: Respecting Clients’ Gender Identity and Avoiding Harassment
In the therapist-client relationship, a power dynamic exists that requires careful navigation. Questioning a person’s gender identity without their consent or in a manner that feels interrogatory can be experienced as harassment by the client. Gender affirming therapists understand the importance of respecting clients’ gender identities and avoiding actions that perpetuate harm. By creating a safe and supportive environment, therapists can foster trust, facilitate open communication, and ensure that clients’ well-being remains the central focus of therapy.
Challenging Biases in Mental Health: Embracing Gender Affirming Therapy for Inclusive Well-being
The field of mental health has historically perpetuated societal biases and norms, often marginalizing transgender and gender diverse individuals. Gender affirming therapy aims to challenge these biases and contribute to the destigmatization and normalization of diverse gender identities. By adopting an inclusive and affirming approach, therapists can support clients in exploring their identities without judgment or pressure to conform. This fosters a more inclusive and accepting society where individuals can embrace their gender identity and live authentically.
Gender Affirming Therapy: Celebrating Identity, Promoting Growth, and Fostering Inclusivity
Gender affirming therapy is a powerful and necessary approach in supporting individuals on their journey of self-discovery and embracing their authentic gender identities. By understanding the principles and benefits of gender affirming therapy, therapists can create a safe and empowering space for clients. Through validation, respect, and cultural competence, we can contribute to a more inclusive society that celebrates diversity and fosters the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
If you are interested in gender affirming therapy or have any questions about it, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation. I would love to hear from you and see how I can support you on your journey.
