Discovering Authenticity: Therapy’s Role in Gender Identity Exploration

Having a discussion about gender identity can be a bit complicated. In recent years, more of a spotlight has been placed on this idea. There have been steps forward and steps backward where society is concerned.

Perhaps you’ve found yourself questioning your own identity and would like to explore further. Maybe you’ve always felt like things didn’t match up for you. If you’re currently finding yourself confused, working with a therapist can be a great resource for discovering authenticity and gaining some answers.

A Safe Space for Exploration

Therapy often gets a reputation for being negative, sad, and serious. However, there is the option for it to be quite the opposite. Therapy can be a space where you get to play and explore.

Your therapist serves in a role to guide you through your journey in a way other people in your support system can’t. You can use this time to role-play with different gender identities, try different pronouns, and see what feels best.

Tools for Looking Back

From the time we’re born, or often while we’re still in the womb, society defines what our gender role is going to be. Sometimes these roles fit; other times, they’re not ideal. When the gender role is incorrect, you may not have fully understood it, but you knew something was off.

During therapy sessions, you can work with a therapist to dive into your past memories and see where the disconnect happened. They can give you the tools to trace back the roots of where your feelings first started to surface, identify the problem, and process it.

Support for Coming Out

When you realize that your gender identity is not aligned with the role you were assigned at birth, you may find yourself at a crossroads. Do you continue to roll with it and feel like you’re living in someone else’s skin? Or do you come out? And do you do so in a time that is so heavily charged with chaotic energy?

Working with a therapist, you’ll find support in your coming-out process. They can role-play with you and practice ways to present your new self to your loved ones.

Guidance for Transitions

Gender identities mean different things to each of us. There isn’t one set path for gender identity exploration. When you’re going through the process and find that your identity doesn’t match your assigned role, there are different options to take.

Working with a therapist can provide guidance on making a transition. Just like anything else, there are pros and cons to be argued. Your therapist can work through each of these with you to make the best-informed decisions about small transitions up to more significant medical procedures.

Identifying Possible Problems

While on your exploration journey, you may find that gender identity wasn't the main problem. What if you’re comfortable with yourself and your identity, but you have more of an issue with societal expectations?

A therapist can help you work through that inner turmoil and establish healthy coping strategies. With their help, you can explore your own strengths, break down expectations, and reduce reliance on other people’s approval for your own happiness.

A Compassionate, Judgment-Free Ear

Exploring gender identity can be a difficult topic to discuss. It can be a source of stress and discomfort for many. It’s also not something you need to do alone.

A therapist will have specialized training in how to handle sensitive topics just like this one. They have additional tools that the average person doesn’t. Additionally, since they’re not your friend or family member, they will be able to provide you with an unbiased and nonjudgmental listening ear.

Are you finding it difficult to have the discussion about gender identity? Reach out to schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you.