Transgender Teen Therapy
Do You Feel Your body Doesn’t Go With The Gender You Feel Inside?
Does your reflection in the mirror conflict with the gender you feel inside? Do you find yourself confused by your feelings and uncertain how to get help and support? Are you worried that you will lose friends or your family will be unsupportive if you tell them you think you are transgender? Being a teenager is challenging enough but when you don’t feel comfortable with the gender you were born with, it can be an isolating experience. You may have difficulty deciding how to present yourself at school, with your friends, or at home with your family for fear of being laughed at, humiliated or bullied.
You may have difficulty concentrating on school work and outside activities because you are struggling with who you are and why you are having these feelings. You may have self-doubt, or wish your penis or breasts would just disappear. When you don’t feel you can talk to your family or friends about your concerns, and you are uncertain who can help you, you may begin to think something is wrong with you. Do you wish you could feel loved and accepted by yourself and others for who you really are?
Gender dysphoria is an issue with self-identification, not a mental illness. Perhaps you don’t understand these feelings or what they may mean or your natural body just doesn’t feel like it belongs to the gender you feel on the inside. There is nothing wrong with who you are, but the fear, discomfort with your body, and aloneness can be causing anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. You may doubt if it’s possible to feel at ease and happy with yourself and how you present to the world.
Transgender Teens Feel Confused And Isolated
Even though gender dysphoria is an issue teens have faced for centuries, awareness, activism and resources are still limited to support those concerns. There are still challenges ahead for the transgender community as they continue to struggle for acceptance even among the straight, bisexual, gay and lesbian communities. Transgender teens often find themselves coping with confusing or painful emotions and unable to make significant life decisions without family support.
But the thought of talking to them about their concerns may cause discomfort and shame and feelinge more isolated. Many have difficulty being themselves and finding a group where they feel accepted and supported for who they truly are.
But there is hope! With transgender teen counseling, you can learn to understand your feelings and concerns, get encouragement and guidance on how to emerge into your authentic self, and help your family and friends support you on your journey.
Transgender Teen Therapy Can Support You On Your Journey
Once you begin to understand, love, and be your true self, you can begin to set goals and experience greater joy in all aspects of your life. I will provide support to you and your family as your journey progresses, and I can help you develop good coping and life skills for challenges that may present along the way. I offer a safe place where you can feel comfortable, supported, and understood. I provide compassion and empathy as well as specialized training in relationship, family and transgender issues.
You may not feel comfortable discussing being transgender with family or friends, so it can be very helpful talking to someone with training and experience to help you with the beginning process. During our transgender teen therapy sessions you will be heard, respected and safe from judgment. When you are able to develop healthy self-esteem and love yourself for who you truly are, I will provide resources for medical professionals and services for you and your family to help you make an informed decision on the best and healthiest way for you to live your preferred gender. I can also link you with blogs, support groups and lectures to help you and your family embrace your true self.
I use a solution-focused approach to transgender teen counseling, helping you address challenges and achieve your goals with practical resources and proven therapy methods. Using EMDR therapy, I can help you identify and reprocess any early childhood trauma you may have experienced that may be causing additional stress and depressive feelings aside from gender dysphoria. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you recognize and replace harmful thoughts or behaviors with more positive, healthier ones supportive of your authentic self. Additionally, I will work with you and your family to address better ways for you to communicate, love and support each other as you emerge into your preferred gender.
As a provider of transgender teen counseling in Boca Raton, my training and experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Board-Certified Sex Therapist, and extensive training in transgender care, I can help you understand and deal with any personal, relationship, and family challenges that may co-occur with being transgender. In addition to my training, I also regularly attend and facilitate transgender support groups, workshops and transgender health conferences in South Florida to be apprised of the latest medical updates and psychoeducation. With transgender teen counseling, you can learn to love who you are and become comfortable with your authentic self.
But you may still have questions or concerns about transgender teen therapy…
I’m worried my family will not be able to accept me as transgender.
Most families want the best for each other and do not want their child or sibling to be in pain or distress.
Part of the process of transgender teen therapy, is to strengthen your family as a whole by improving how you relate to one another or communicate. In our sessions, I will give your family members a safe place to share their feelings, voice any concerns, fears, or preferences. I will provide empathy and understanding as they process their own issues regarding your emergence into your preferred gender as well as resources for medical professionals and community support. This will help them work toward acceptance and learn how to support and love you for who you are.
I don’t have the time or money for therapy.
While transgender teen therapy will take time and money, the benefits it provides are invaluable for you and your family. In addition to investing in your own happiness, you can feel understood and supported as you find resources and communities that truly accept you.
I’ve tried transgender teen counseling before and it didn’t help.
Effective transgender therapy is about building a healthy relationship with your therapist, and you may not have felt the connection you needed to be completely open and honest. You may have worked with someone who didn’t understand your needs or whose strong conservative values were clear in their treatment views. Few psychotherapists are trained in transgender issues and sex therapy in addition to their chosen field of psychology. I have extensive training in sex therapy and transgender care, have worked with many teens and their families, and understand the unique challenges associated with gender dysphoria. I regularly attend and have facilitated transgender support groups in the community as well as transgender health conferences to be apprised of the latest medical updates and psychoeducation.
You Can Be Your Authentic Self
If you need support as you work to understand who you are and how you can be true to yourself, or if you have additional questions, I encourage you to contact me or call (561) 213-6327 for a free 15 minute phone consultation.