If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and you're interested in working through some of your struggles, then you'll want to look for a gender-affirming therapist. Therapists who identify as gender-affirming will not try to modify or change your gender identity, and they won't see your gender as something that needs fixing. They'll affirm your identity, which will allow you to be seen and understood for who you really are. But what kinds of struggles can a gender-affirming therapist help you work through? Here are some common themes that come up during this sort of therapy.

Trauma

Many people in the LGBTQ community have faced trauma as they've grown up. It can be traumatic for others around you to misgender you, make wrong assumptions about your gender, or even blatantly refuse to acknowledge you because of your gender. This trauma can manifest in all different ways. For some, it leads to depression or anxiety. For others, it leads to trouble communicating in relationships. A gender-affirming therapist can help you work through the trauma you've experienced related to gender and minimize the negative impacts that trauma has on your future life.

Shame

Have you ever felt flawed, or like something was wrong with you even if deep down you knew nothing was? These feelings of shame don't just occur in LGBTQ people, but they do tend to be common in those in the community. You don't deserve to feel ashamed of yourself; you deserve to feel whole and empowered. A therapist can help you work through your shame and come to a place of true self-confidence. Even simply working with someone who affirms your gender can go a long way in this regard.

Identity Questioning

Some people know they are not heterosexual or cisgender, but they are not yet sure how they identify. If this is the point you're at, talking to a gender-affirming therapist can be really helpful. They won't tell you how you should identify, but they can walk you through the questions you need to be asking yourself to find the answer. They can also offer emotional support as you come out to friends and family members, which is invaluable.

Gender-affirming therapists are becoming easier and easier to find. If you've ever struggled with matters relating to your gender identity or the way people perceive you because of your gender, look for a gender-affirming therapist in your area.