What is Gender-Affirming Care In Therapy & Why is it Important?

Gender-affirming care encompasses all healthcare services (social, medical, psychological, etc.) that support your gender while meeting your health needs. Gender-affirming therapy is a facet of gender-affirming care, where the therapist respects your gender and is knowledgeable in caring for the mental health of gender diverse clients.

There are many ways a therapist can use gender-affirming care in their practice! Therapists providing gender-affirming care can use your chosen name and pronouns. The therapist will also be aware that their trans clients may require unique care that their cisgender clients would not need. Therapists will take a person-centred approach and be aware your needs won’t look the same as their other trans clients.

Additionally, your needs may change as your transition journey progresses. Gender-affirming therapy identifies how mental health and identity interact. Some studies have found for the Trans community, the risk of self-harm, substance abuse, suicide, depression, trauma, and violence increases. Gender-affirming therapy will acknowledge that these risks, or any other issues you are dealing with, are frequently brought on by discrimination, not your gender. A gender-affirming therapist will be aware of how gender is influenced by other identities, such as age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation . They will also be able to help you integrate any of these identities, if you feel they are conflicting with your gender.

Gender-affirming therapy is so important because it takes into consideration the unique experiences of trans people and provides knowledgeable support in services that frequently dismisses us. Many trans people are aware that it is hard to find a knowledgeable clinician, as most clinicians do not receive any training in caring for trans clients.

Many trans people seek therapy for mental health and transition related reasons. When clinicians do not receive adequate training, we are left with poor care or avoiding care altogether. When gender-affirming therapy is used and trans clients feel supported, we are more likely to continue seeking help.

For a population that is more likely to experience mental health issues and will need to interact with therapeutic services to access transition-related care, it is essential to be in a supportive environment where our genders are respected.

If you or someone you know may benefit from Gender-Affirming Therapy, Reach out to info@rainbowcounselling.ca for more information on our therapist's availability, or meet our team!

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