An individual’s identity is deeply personal. You are you, and true joy is living at peace with you: the genuine self you love and accept and who shares that self freely with others.
Because as people we are social, we will enter situations and environments that do not always align with who we are. That can be common among all people, and it is especially so for those whose feelings and views about their gender may not fit others’ expectations.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone close to you, Eunoia Counseling offers gender-affirming care, gender therapy and gender dysphoria treatment in a safe, supportive space that nourishes personal love, acceptance and strength.
What Is Gender-Affirming Care?
The World Health Organization defines gender-affirming care a range of social, psychological, behavioral and medical interventions “designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Gender-affirming care helps individuals correlate aspects of their lives with their gender identity. As noted by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a person’s gender identity might be male, female or a non-binary alternative.
However you or your loved one might identify, gender-affirming care does not look to fix, but rather to listen and understand in an open context free of instruction and judgment. The individual can grow in confidence and insight as feelings, thoughts and concerns are explored.
What Is Gender Therapy?
Gender therapy at Eunoia Counseling centers on connecting with and affirming a person’s gender identity without looking to change or critique it.
We are not gatekeepers. We are trained, compassionate professionals who recognize your journey and care about traveling with you into a future of hope, peace and personal growth.
An individual seeking gender therapy or gender dysphoria treatment might be:
uncomfortable with aspects of their body or gender
questioning what gender really means
diagnosed with gender dysphoria
looking for gender-affirming interventions
not fully identifying with their designated birth gender
Gender therapy also can benefit those who identify as cisgender. Some individuals might:
have a family member or a friend they want to further understand and support
feel confined by prevailing cultural gender roles and definitions
want to better understand both the male and female aspects of themselves
wish to develop a deeper connection with their own body
What Might Gender Therapy Address?
Gender therapy (including gender dysphoria treatment) at Eunoia Counseling adapts to each specific person according to their distinctive personality, background, challenges and viewpoints.
While every person’s story can and often will differ, areas we might explore during gender therapy or gender dysphoria treatment might include:
mental health. Trans, non-binary and gender-fluid individuals experience disproportionately high challenges to their mental health, often due in large part to a lack of support.
trauma. Those who don’t conform with traditional gender roles and expectations frequently face hostility. Because of this, they can develop repetitive trauma, including at an early age.
shame. Having different feelings and views about one’s gender and sexuality can lead to feeling irreparably broken or flawed. This can result in shame and the problematic avoidance or self-medication of it.
self-harm. Hostility and a lack of support create high levels of both suicidal ideation and non-lethal self-harm among trans, non-binary and gender-fluid individuals.
violence. Trans, non-binary and gender-fluid people can often become targets for abuse and hate crimes.
sexuality. A person’s sexual feelings and preferences are just as personal as their identity. Gender therapy addresses the different forms sexual orientation can take and how they can be fluid during one’s life.
social acceptance. Gender therapy offers the support, techniques and tools for living authentically, managing disapproval and connecting with people and groups that do offer meaningful acceptance.
Our goal at Eunoia Counseling also is to help heal any sources of pain, trauma or self-rejection and develop healthy, loving, positive thoughts and feelings that can be nourished for a lifetime.
Individual Gender Therapy
Eunoia Counseling offers affirming support to those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, transgender or anywhere else on the spectrum of identity and orientation. We are allies on your unique path to live and love your life as your most authentic self.
When you proactively engage gender therapy, the initial sessions will typically focus on establishing trust and rapport with your gender-affirming (including transgender) therapist as you share about life events, relationships and areas of difficulty, all in your time and according to your comfort level.
We understand that there is no one else exactly like you. Depending on what will best apply to your situation, we may utilize research-based approaches from programs such as:
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
- CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy)
- trauma-informed care
- ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy)
Another perspective that can inform therapy is Stephen Porges’ polyvagal theory and its focus on the nervous system. Polyvagal theory identifies an area of the nervous system that Porges refers to as the social engagement system. This area is critical, especially for an LGBTQIA++ individual, as it helps in navigating relationships and especially developing coping mechanisms.
Bessel van der Kolk, MD, has similarly studied how children in particular adapt to trauma. He applies the latest neuroscience and attachment research to develop ways to treat children and adults who suffer from developmental trauma and traumatic stress. Van der Kolk’s teaching and writing can offer potentially useful insight for those who wish to be proactive about understanding how trauma may factor into an LGBTQIA++ individual’s life experience.
As you remain involved in your sessions, you may begin to notice achievements such as:
- increasing self-esteem and -awareness
- new insights into the past and the present
- ways to lower stress and anxiety
- command of unhealthy thought patterns
- recognizing and avoiding emotional triggers
- stronger, healthier relationships
- a fresh perspective on life
- improving physical health
Gender-Affirming Care & Gender Therapy: Contact Us Today
You are an individual with dignity, talents, agency and autonomy. Gender-affirming care and gender therapy at Eunoia Counseling support and encourage you as you continue to grow and to make decisions and choices that are right for you. To speak with a professional gender-affirming (including transgender) therapist, contact us at (630) 340-8747 or info@eunoiacounselingnaperville.com.
