Counseling For Gender Dysphoria

Few things can be as stressful as feeling that there is a mismatch between the gender you were born as and the gender you feel you are. For example, many people do not feel like they have the binary gender of “male” or “female” and make the use of other terms to express their gender. Sometimes, a person born with male genitals may feel like a female, and vice versa. Regardless of what kind of a mismatch it is, there are two main issues that occur: body dysphoria and social dysphoria. 

The body could be a constant reminder that things are not well. Body parts confirming to a gender you feel you are, can be very invalidating. There is so little that can be done to change the body, unless one goes for hormone therapy and sex change surgery. Social dysphoria is due to lack of acceptance of our gender because of the people around. This can also cause anxiety, depression, stress and suicidal ideation. 

Counselors and therapists can help in gender dysphoria, first by providing a venting space. Secondly, they would help you to reflect on your expectations and gently bring you to terms with the way the world is. By being supportive and non-judgemental, they can help you to recognize and give up self defeating patterns. Further, you could then focus on what direction you would like your life to take and productive steps to gain happiness. 

When individuals with gender dysphoria also experience depression, anxiety, or other concerns, a therapist will treat these also. Some individuals may be referred to a psychiatrist for medication to treat these conditions, or they may continue in therapy for treatment of other concerns even if they do not continue to experience gender dysphoria. 

Many individuals who experience gender dysphoria do not have access to any sort of counseling or medical care. Every person should have access to care and all treatment options, whether they choose to pursue any manner of treatment or not. Increased awareness of transgender and non-binary identities, people who are intersex, and the challenges they may face is likely to be a helpful step in greater recognition of gender dysphoria and an increase in access to compassionate medical and mental health care. More information on counseling for gender dysphoria visit here.

Counselling for Body Image Issues

What do you understand by a body image? Is it just relevant to your body or is there something more to it?

Body image involves two key elements: a mental picture of one’s physical body and one’s attitude toward the physical self. Body image changes as we grow because of the environmental influences, culture. A lot of people might have a distorted perception of their bodies. A negative or an unhealthy body image can contribute to low self esteem, low self confidence and severe mood fluctuations which causes a lot of distress in a person and hampers his ability to function effectively.

What is negative or unhealthy body image?

People who have what can be considered a negative or unhealthy body image, tend to become preoccupied with what they feel to be bodily flaws and may have a distorted perception of physical features. They may feel uncomfortable in their own bodies; find it difficult to accept the way they look; or experience discomfort, dissatisfaction, shame, or even disgust in relation to their appearance.

Our perceptions are highly influenced by the media. We often want to become like the actors and actresses shown in the media. Media places more emphasis on “ideal body images” and to achieve that, people might go to the extend of abusing their bodies.

Can counselling help??

Concerns related to one's body image can often be explored in therapy. One of the therapies that is widely used is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT seems to be effective at treating concerns related to a body image that may be having a negative impact on an individual's well-being. 

Therapy aims to reduce the preoccupation with the body. The person tries to see a lot of flaws in himself which causes discomfort. CBT helps in making the person have more realistic and positive perception of the body. It also helps the person to get aware of the negative thoughts. By the means of cognitive restructuring, a therapist can help in modifying thoughts, feelings and behaviors that are unhealthy.

Group therapy and family therapy is also used for people who have issues with the body image. More information visit here https://www.typeathought.com