For those who are in the process of transitioning or beginning to question their gender identity, therapy can provide a safe space to discuss your thoughts and feelings and get answers to questions. Assessment with a psychologist may also be required prior to receiving gender-affirming medical treatments. On this page, we’ll discuss the importance of therapy for transgender and gender-expansive individuals and the general benefits of affirming therapy for the gender diverse community.

Why Seek Gender Affirming Therapy or Assessment?

As an affirming therapy practice, we seek to support clients and affirm their gender identity. We will never seek to “repair.” You are not broken! Your gender identity will be upheld and valued in our office whether you’re seeking therapy or assessment. Assessments are usually provided at the behest of a medical professional or insurance agency. These assessments are designed to ensure clients safely move forward with gender affirming medical treatment without risking their overall wellbeing.

In addition to these assessments, we also work with trans and nonbinary clients as therapists. Gender affirming therapy sessions may be scheduled for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Managing emotional wellness and relationships – learning to cope with and improve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and other common emotional health concerns.

• Healing following trauma – after traumatic experiences, including those directly related to transphobia and hateful behaviors, it’s important to understand how these experiences impact you and work to heal and process trauma. 

• Overcoming self-esteem concerns – shame, doubt, worry, embarrassment, fear – these are all emotions that trans and gender nonconforming clients have expressed as they discuss the process of establishing their gender identity with friends and loved ones. There shouldn’t be anything to worry about or feel embarrassed of because all emotions are natural and healthy. How we respond to and process emotions may not be the healthiest. Therapy allows you to navigate challenging feelings, increase self-confidence, and develop a greater sense of authenticity. 

• Self-harm and suicidal ideation – gender diverse individuals are at much greater risk for self-harm and suicidal ideation. According to an annual study conducted by the Trevor Project, 48% of transgender women, 56% of transgender men, and 48% of gender nonconforming individuals considered suicide in 2023. Therapy can help you understand the origins of these thoughts and develop better coping skills to manage suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. 

• Exploring sexuality – gender diversity has many complications, and sexual orientation can be one of the most complex things for transgender and nonconforming people to navigate. It is
  

What Happens During Therapy?

Therapy sessions can be a safe space to discuss your worries, explore new coping skills, and work through any concerns. We may help you to develop new techniques to manage strong emotions, improve relationships, and create a greater sense of security, safety, and satisfaction in your daily life. As therapists, we do our best to provide:

• A safe space to explore and process.

• A nonjudgmental, understanding person to talk to.

• An affirming presence in your life who is willing to see you for who you are.

• An empathetic person who understands the challenge of finding your place. 

• A professional who can help you access medical, legal, social, and other support resources.
  

What Happens During Assessment?

While therapy is designed to be flexible and dynamic, assessment needs to be a little more structured. In many cases, assessment is required by medical professionals, hospitals, or insurers before gender-affirming medical treatment can be provided. It’s important to ensure that you can safely move forward with any gender-affirming medical treatments you are seeking, and that you have the resources you need for a positive recovery experience.

At Emerging Insights, we follow the guidelines set forth by the World Professional Organization for Transgender Health (WPATH) in their Standards of Care (8th edition). Typically, we ask about:

• your current and past experiences of gender dysphoria or incongruence

• steps you have already taken towards your transition

• your mental health, including safety concerns

• your understanding of the procedures/treatments you are seeking, including risks, benefits, and the recovery process.

Reach Out Today

If you’re interested in gender-affirming therapy or looking for an assessment as part of your transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Emerging Insights team looks forward to speaking with you soon. We’ll do our utmost to make it simple to work with us. You can email drbrooke@emerginginsightspsych.com, call (415) 794-4377, or complete our online contact form