Chicago, known for its vibrant cultural diversity and progressive values, is generally a supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community. However, this support is not universal, and many trans and non-binary individuals still encounter significant resistance and hostility. Despite advancements in societal acceptance, the world continues to grapple with fully embracing and validating trans and non-binary identities.

Trans and non-binary people face a myriad of challenges, including stigma, invalidation, ostracism, microaggressions, oppression, and minority stress. These experiences contribute to disproportionately high levels of trauma, depression, self-harm, and even suicide attempts among this population.

Compounding these issues is the fact that mental health and medical care are often provided by individuals who harbor their prejudices, leading to further trauma and distress for trans and non-binary individuals.

In light of these challenges, gender affirming mental therapy has emerged as a critical component of support and empowerment for trans and non-binary people.

Gender Affirming Therapy

Gender affirming therapy goes beyond mere tolerance or celebration of queer and trans identities; it actively centers these identities, providing a therapeutic space that is validating, supportive, and empowering.

This type of therapy is not about diagnosing, treating, or assigning gender identities. Instead, it focuses on supporting the client’s perspective, providing information, and helping them connect with themselves mentally, emotionally, socially, and physically.

One of the core principles of gender-affirming therapy is the consistent effort by therapists to divest themselves of the notion that cis-heteronormative culture is the default or the basis on which truth is measured.

This means therapists strive to avoid imposing mainstream cultural norms and expectations on their clients, recognizing that these norms can often be harmful or irrelevant to the lived experiences of trans and non-binary people.

In practice, gender-affirming therapists work to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and validated. This involves actively listening to clients’ experiences and needs, using affirming language, and being mindful of the unique challenges that trans and non-binary people face.

By centering the client’s perspective, gender affirming therapists help clients explore their identities, navigate challenges, and work towards greater self-understanding and well-being.

Benefits of Gender Affirming Therapy – Gender Related and Beyond!

Common concerns for people who are trans and non-binary do involve gender, such as:

1. Questioning Gender Identity – Therapy provides a supportive space for people to explore or question their gender identities. This can be a crucial process for those who are in the early stages of understanding their gender, but also for people for whom gender identity continues to evolve.

 

2. Addressing and Healing Gender Dysphoria – For people experiencing gender dysphoria, therapy can offer strategies and support to manage and alleviate distress. This can include exploring coping mechanisms, discussing potential gender affirming interventions, and providing emotional support.

 

3. Support for Medically Affirming Interventions – Undergoing gender affirming surgery or hormone therapy can be a complex and challenging process. Therapy provides support and guidance throughout this journey, helping clients manage expectations, address concerns, and navigate the medical system.

In addition to these specific benefits, gender affirming therapy addresses broader mental health concerns that are often intertwined with gender identity.

Trans and non-binary people are more than their gender! Other common issues that clients may focus on in therapy include:

• Internalized Shame – Life in a world that is often rejecting, stigmatizing, and invalidating can lead to great shame. Therapy can help clients work through these feelings and develop a stronger sense of self-acceptance, build resilience, and enhance pride.

 

• Depression and Anxiety – The high levels of stigma and discrimination faced by trans and non-binary individuals can contribute to depression and anxiety. Gender-affirming therapy offers strategies to manage these conditions and improve overall mental health.

 

• Trauma and Violence – Tragically trauma is often part of the lived experience for trans and non-binary people, whether related to their gender identity or other aspects of their lives. Therapy can provide a safe space to process and heal from these experiences.

 

• Relationship Challenges – Navigating relationships can be particularly complex for trans and non-binary individuals, who have been indoctrinated in a cis-het-normative world. Therapy can help clients build healthy, supportive relationships.

Additionally, gender affirming therapy specifically addresses issues like homophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, and cissexism. By acknowledging and confronting these forms of discrimination, therapy empowers clients to advocate for themselves and build a more affirming and inclusive world.

Responsibilities of Gender Affirming Therapists

Being a gender affirming therapist is more than a shallow title. Let’s consider a few characteristics you should expect of your therapist!

They approach your work with an open mindset! Having an open mindset is crucial at the onset of therapy. It involves resisting the urge to make assumptions or reach premature conclusions. This openness is vital, especially when addressing the diverse and unique experiences of trans and nonbinary clients.

Therapists should focus on understanding what specific words and concepts mean to you personally, rather than imposing generic definitions. By engaging clients in conversations about their individual experiences, therapists can avoid the pitfall of expecting clients to educate them about broader community experiences.

They commit to self-reflection! Self-examination and humility are integral to effective gender-affirming therapy. No matter how extensive a therapist’s training or lived experience may be, there is always room for growth. Therapists must continually check their biases and expectations, understanding that personal knowledge cannot encompass every individual’s experience. Engaging in non-defensive self-examination allows therapists to uncover and challenge hidden assumptions.

By constructively reflecting on their own perspectives, therapists can bring a more open and supportive energy to their sessions. This ongoing process of self-examination not only benefits the therapist but also enhances the therapeutic relationship with you by fostering a more empathetic and understanding environment.

They prioritize empowering you! Empowering clients to determine their own pace and direction is a cornerstone of gender affirming therapy.

Therapists must set aside their timelines and respect the client’s individual process. This includes recognizing when frustration or impatience arises, as these feelings often indicate the therapist’s own issues rather than the client’s needs.

Balancing guidance with encouragement is key. While therapists can provide valuable insights and support, it is crucial they allow you to take the lead. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, helping you navigate your journey with confidence and autonomy.

They consistently question gender norms and roles! Exploring and challenging gender norms is an essential part of gender affirming therapy. Therapists must separate their personal experiences of gender from those of their clients, helping clients articulate their gender narratives.

They don’t expect “passing” is a goal! The concept of “passing” can be significant for some trans people, but it is not the ultimate goal for everyone. Therapists must understand that each client’s journey is unique, and the desire to “pass” varies widely.

Treating transition as a linear process with a fixed endpoint can be harmful, as it overlooks the individual nuances of each client’s experience.

They are advocates! Gender affirming therapists play a crucial role as advocates for trans and nonbinary communities. This involves being aware of barriers to resources, mindful of gatekeeping, and willing to advocate for clients both within and outside the therapeutic setting.

Advocacy goes beyond individual sessions; it requires therapists to actively support and fight for the rights of the broader community.

Gender affirming therapy is a vital resource for trans and non-binary individuals, offering a supportive and empowering space to explore identity, navigate challenges, and achieve greater well-being.

As a community, it is crucial that we continue to advocate for and support gender affirming mental health care to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to live authentically and thrive.

If you or someone you know is seeking gender affirming therapy, Tandem Psychology in Chicago is here to help! Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, affirming care that centers your unique experiences and needs. Together, we can create a healthier and more empowered version of you!

This blog is made for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. The information in this blog is not intended to (1) replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified licensed health care provider, (2) create or establish a provider-patient relationship, or (3) create a duty for us to follow up with you.