Can my therapist diagnose me with gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is typically diagnosed by a therapist or other mental health professional.
How do I tell my therapist I am transgender?
Ask the therapist what they need to do in order to feel comfortable with writing a letter supporting medical gender transition. Ask if the therapist has written such a letter before. Ask the therapist if you can read the letter before they send it to your doctor.
Does psychotherapy help with gender dysphoria?
Tailored psychotherapy sessions can explore what it means to be any gender and the discomfort or unhappiness associated with gender dysphoria. The ultimate goal is to provide and promote ongoing support so that you can live out your life in your preferred gender identity.
What type of therapy is best for gender dysphoria?
Medical treatment of gender dysphoria might include:
- Hormone therapy, such as feminizing hormone therapy or masculinizing hormone therapy.
- Surgery, such as feminizing surgery or masculinizing surgery to change the breasts or chest, external genitalia, internal genitalia, facial features, and body contouring.
Do you need to see a therapist before transitioning?
Dr. Leonard conceded that current guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health do recommend that patients receive at least an assessment and one documented referral for gender-transitioning surgery from a mental health professional before undergoing a procedure.
Should men see male or female therapist?
It can be beneficial to see a therapist of opposite or differing gender identity from your own. For example, it may help to build a safe and trusting relationship with a male if you find you usually have a hard time doing so.
What should I do if I’m wondering if I am transgender?
Acknowledge that you are curious. If you are seriously wondering whether or not you might be transgender, you’re probably not fully gender conforming. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are transgender, but it could. It may also mean that you are gender variant in another way. Ask yourself why you are curious.
How do I talk to my therapist about my gender identity?
Talk with a counselor or therapist who is familiar with and trusted by the trans community. Remember to make your personal safety a priority, and only do what feels safe to you. And most importantly: you’re not the first person to ask these questions about your gender identity, and you’re not alone.
How do transgender and gender non-binary people transition?
Many transgender and gender non-binary people have questions about approaches to or components of gender transition. Gender transition is a very private, personal, and individualized process. In general the first step is to explore your gender identity.
Is it true that all transgender people transition?
No, not all transgender people transition. For those who do, not all transition in the same way. Some may transition socially and not medically. Some may transition medically by doing one or only a few of the procedures listed above.