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.