Gender Affirming Therapy.
“Often, It's not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don't know how to be.”
— Heath L. Buckmaster
Gender identity is usually taken for granted
In the past you've thought "It's not a good time to pursue this." Now you find yourself wondering, “If not now, when?” Maybe you've tried to push the feelings down, but they never truly go away. And you feel trapped and worn out from the energy it takes to play a role that doesn’t seem to fit. It can feel soul crushing to live a life that feels so inauthentic.
Many people feel unsure of where to begin or where the road may lead them. That’s absolutely normal. Wherever you may be on your personal path, my goal is to support you, be it through gender questioning and exploration, a social and/or physical transition, or even a decision not to transition. We can work together to discover whatever is right for you, at whatever pace feels right.
Even if you want to take transition steps hormonally or surgically and have some anxieties and doubts surrounding this decision, that is completely NORMAL. If you need to come to therapy to explore your gender further or talk about transition-related concerns before deciding your next step, I would be happy to work with you- even if you ultimately decide to not pursue hormone therapy or any types of surgery.
In addition
While our gender identity is a part of who we are, we are complex and diverse. With this in mind, I strive to create a safe and affirming space to explore whatever aspects of their lives may need attention. This could include:
anxiety and stress management
depression
navigating relationships and improving communication
setting appropriate boundaries
grief and loss
trauma
life transitions and aging
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
— Anaïs Nin
Assessment & Referral Letters
There is no minimum number of sessions required to complete an assessment. I won't be able to determine how many sessions we will need to complete the assessment until we meet and start the process. But keep in mind that I don't gatekeep and I want you to get what you need as soon as possible.
The assessment will focus on topics such as your gender history, gender identity, gender goals, present and past mental and physical health, support system, understanding of the transition process, readiness to pursue HRT/surgery, and other important points that may come up. Some of these questions may bring up difficult or painful memories or emotions. You always have the right to ask to stop talking about these things and to return to them when you are ready.
When you decide the time is right for you and once I have performed the necessary assessment to determine if WPATH* criteria are met, I will be able to write a referral letter to the medical provider or surgeon of your choosing so that you can obtain the medical treatment you need to treat gender dysphoria.
You can also be non-binary and be referred for gender affirming hormone therapy and/or surgery. You can also inquire about microdosing HRT when you meet with your medical provider. Your needs and wants should dictate your care, NOT what a medical provider deems "appropriate" based on their assumptions about what trans and/or non-binary people need.
You are entitled to bodily autonomy and can decide what kind of hormonal and/or surgical interventions feel appropriate for you, if any. Just tell me what your needs and wishes are, and I will respect them-even if they change.
*I follow the WPATH Standards of Care, Version 7 (WPATH SOC 7), which you can view/download for free HERE