Transgender people feel a mismatch between their internal sense of gender and the sex of their body
Gender can be described as our sense of maleness or femaleness, or we may not feel particularly aligned with either.
Trans people sometimes sometimes struggle with being treated as a different gender to the one they know they are. This can be extremely confusing and distressing, particularly in children who don’t yet have the knowledge or language to make sense of what they are experiencing.
Gender identity is separate from sexual orientation.
Living as a trans person
Living as a transgender person can be challenging. Before coming out they may experience:
- confusion
- hatred of their appearance
- self-disgust
- particular distress around bodily changes in puberty.
Coming out as trans may be a relief, but it also opens them up to:
- bullying and abuse
- discrimination at work
- rejection by family or friends.
Some transgender people use hormones or surgery to alter their bodies to match their gender. Some do not, and some choose to change some parts of their bodies but not others. This is a personal choice.
For those who do wish to transition, the process can be long and distressing. Before being offered surgery, trans people are required to live as their true gender. NHS waiting lists for medical treatment are very long.
Counselling needs to be trans-aware
Awareness of trans issues in society is fairly low; many people don’t understand what’s involved or what language is appropriate. Understandably, many trans clients don’t want to spend their therapy sessions educating their therapist; they want to work with therapists who already understand trans issues.
Many of our therapists are experienced in this area, and we have held internal training on working with trans clients.
We also understand that trans people aren’t just trans! The issues that you bring to therapy may have nothing to do with being trans.
It shouldn’t need saying, but no therapist should ever try to change a trans client’s gender identity. None of ours would.
Getting started with trans counselling
Your first appointment will provide an opportunity to speak with a therapist about your concerns. Your therapist will help determine how we might best support you and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
If you are looking for a therapist experienced in working with trans clients, take a look through our profiles or contact us.
Appointments are usually available within one week of your initial contact.
Meet our therapists working with gender matters
