Sexual Identity Therapy
Those who identify as LGBTQ have a variety of issues which can be difficult to navigate, including sexuality and identity conflicts. How someone feels about his/her natural gender or what they would like it identified by, is complicated in some cases by the expectations society puts on them, this creates clinically relevant complexities for mental health professionals when working with these individuals
We are all unique and wonderful people. No two people will ever feel exactly the same way and or see life through the same lens, which is why our certified sexuality and identity counselling staff want to help you work through any gender identity issues that may be holding back your mental health!
We know how difficult these feelings can be when they’re happening inside us; but don’t worry because at our therapy sessions we’ll provide full unbiased support for anything from sexual orientation changes such as homosexuality/lesbianism or transgender transition processes into new genders – whatever brings out YOUR most authentic self without you feeling like there’s nothing left worth living for. If your family or community disagree with your chosen sex, or make you feel like an outcast because your identity doesn’t match up with what others expect from you, we are here to help.
What are the symptoms of dysphoria in teenagers and adults
Gender Dysphoria in teenagers and adults can be diagnosed with certain criteria that differ depending on your age. To meet these requirements, you must have been living with significant distress for a period of six months or more (as a teenager) AND show two or more specific symptoms from the list below – both of which need to occur constantly throughout the time period before being classified as having gender dysphoria diagnosis. These include.
- Consistently feeling like your identified sex does not match what you identify yourselves as
- The desire to get rid of your sex characteristics at birth because they are not who you are.
- Having unstoppable feelings to be addressed and treated as the other gender different from birth.
- Bearing painful conviction that you have typical characteristics of another gender OR peculiar only when opposite gender
Gender identity is a very personal and complex issue. It’s not just about what you look like, but how you identify yourself internally-and this can change from day to day or even moment by moment!
Those who experience gender identity issues may feel depressed, anxious, or even suicidal. This can be due in part to the pressure they feel from society.
It’s not uncommon for this feeling of being born in another person’s body and wanting a total change to continue into life with some people wanting an entirely different physical appearance, such as going under the knife to achieve the happiness which they seek.
What risk faces people with sexuality and identity issues?
The primary risks if you identify yourself with a sexuality orientation are associated with increased rates of;
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicide
- Mental trauma
- Self-harm
- Etc
You may experience discrimination, stigmatisation, and harassment. You could become targets for violence because your personal life is seen as an attack on what’s normal or accepted by society at large – even though this should never be acceptable!
The problem is clear: many people don’t receive equal treatment simply based on their identity – All humans deserve basic respect no matter what!
What about the consequences on young people with sexuality and identity problems?
We know that everyone is unique and has their own set of challenges. Some are verbal about who they are whilst others are not. However, they do have symptoms.
That’s why we provide private therapy sessions for everyone struggling with issues such as gender confusion or identity crisis, so they can work through their issues in a non-judgmental environment and provide them with the opportunity to feel happy again!
We have therapist trained on how best to help people like your find peace within themselves by resolving this worrying trend and give them an appropriate treatment plan that includes support groups if necessary.
Symptoms of gender dysphoria in kids and youths
The conditions that may qualify as “gender dysphoria” symptoms need six months’ worth of occurrences or more and meet five out these criteria. The feeling of being a different gender can be difficult to overcome, but there are ways for children who experience this type of distress. Symptoms may include:
- show significant emotional lability
- prefer one particular child-oriented toys over others
- express preferences towards dresses of the opposite sex
- suffer high levels of anxiety around things related with their assigned sex
- Strong preference in activities, games, toys common only with opposite genders
- They’re not comfortable in their own skin and have a strong desire for the physical features that match what they think should be their gender.
- Interested in playmates and or friends only of the opposite gender
- etc
Some kids never grow out of their desire to be different. They continue on with a lifestyle that is not conforming or only specific with the opposite gender, such as having facial hair or growing breasts regardless of age!
The distress that children may feel when their gender does not match the one, they were assigned at birth can be severe and last into adulthood. This usually happens during puberty, because hormones change in teenagers’ bodies which could lead them to develop feelings of sadness or anger about how society views femininity/masculinity, but this isn’t an issue all transgender kids struggle with.
The key thing here: we need you to be patient and calm, no panicking but appoint us to figure out what treatment will work best for your adolescent; our certified therapist have provided 100% confidentiality on referrals related to teenagers with these issues with lasting results, so please contact us right away if needed at all
How can we help you?
If you identify a sexual orientation other than straight, chances are that, at some point in your life others have treated you poorly due to your opposite sexual identity. You may suffer from a wide range of discrimination and stigma approaches – including physical or psychological abuse – but there is always help available for those who need support!
The best thing you can do as an individual combatting any of the issues associated with LGBTQ+ within your family and community is to book therapy sessions with our professionals trained specifically on how to handle identity and sexuality concerns, delicately yet effectively so you don’t continue to be worried about what others may think or say in relation to the person you have become.
After an assessment by our team, we’ll work with you on a treatment plan specific to your needs. This can involve anything from affirmation and acceptance all the way up until major surgery!
LGBTQ identity consultations can provide long-lasting relief from gender dysphoria at all levels and for all ages. While this may mean different things to everyone, it’s important that you make contact as soon as possible so we have time to prepare for your needs and get started on the journey towards understanding who YOU are inside & out!
Do I need a GP referral for a LGBTQ therapy for my teenager or myself?
If you or your child find a need to consult because of sexuality and identity issues, then it is best to see a doctor.
A referral from the GP will get you into your local gender dysphoria clinic where you will meet with specialists who are trained on children and adults’ needs and concerns regarding LQBTQ
However, you can self-refer to a GDC but it’s best if the GP refers. The doctor will have access to your detailed medical history.
Finally, if you have been diagnosed with dysphoria then it is possible to self-refer to our clinic.
However, we may request a detailed report of your diagnosis from your GP before any treatment can start in order to make sure we are aware of any secondary and developing symptoms.