The importance of trans and nonbinary affirming therapy

Working with LGBTQIA+ identities is a key component of my practice. I work hard to create a safe place for transgender and gender non-conforming clients, to explore and celebrate their identities.

It can be challenging living within the gender binary. It can be challenging living outside it.

More and more people are finding the curiosity to explore and express their own relationship to gender, and this is reflected by an increase in representation from trans and gender non-conforming people such as Alok, Jonathan van Ness and Kate Bornstein. 

As therapists, it’s vital that we embrace and celebrate our clients in their journeys, including their explorations of gender.

I work to create a space in which gender identity, gender confusion, gender dysphoria and gender euphoria can be explored. I also create a safe space for trans people who don’t want to discuss gender - there are so many other reasons a person may seek therapy, and I work with what matters to you.

Gender can stay constant, or it can change over time. It can be reflected by external changes, medical transitions and clothing choices - or it can be solely internal, a journey of realisation and identification from the individual. 

Challenges faced by transgender and gender non-conforming clients include criticism and social exclusion from family, friends and workplaces, job and housing insecurity, internalised self-criticism and low self esteem, discrimination and bullying, and stress from reading judgement in the media. For people with multiple marginalised identities, there may be additional intersectional challenges, as identities may influence our experience of the world. That’s on top of all the other life challenges that a person might face. 

I provide gender affirming care because I believe that it is everyone’s right to be themselves, to be supported and affirmed in their identities. I am passionate about LGBTQIA+ counselling, and I work hard to increase my knowledge so that clients can feel well supported. I have undergone additional training and I read a lot to enhance my knowledge of queer issues and intersectionality, as well as listening to experience from queer clients. I work with whatever you bring, and what matters to you - whether that’s gender related or not. 

So if you’d like to talk things through, feel free to drop me a line at cosytherapy@gmail.com,  or book a free 15 minute chat to see if I’m the right fit for you. 

Warmth and wishes,

✨ April ✨

Cosy Therapy