Counselling for Brighton's transgender community

Counselling for Brighton’s transgender community

Transgender people feel their gender to be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Being trans is experienced differently by each individual.

Some trans people struggle with complex and/or difficult emotions as they come to understand their feelings and personal sense of who they are. Other trans people more easily accept, embrace and celebrate their authentic gender identity.

What is gender identity?

Gender identity is a person’s inner sense of their own gender. This may be female, male, or one of many other gender identities. Some people identify within the female/male binary identities, while others do not. Those who do not identify within the binary model may say they are non-binary and/or trans, or use another gender identity, such as genderqueer, genderfluid or agender, or perhaps not assign themselves a gender identity.

There is also a difference between someone’s gender identity and their sexual orientation. Trans people may identify as, for example, heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, demisexual, asexual, and so on.

There is a great deal of discrimination against trans people. However, the good news is, things are changing, as society comes to understand and embrace myriad gender identities, and more people accept a person’s gender is not always defined by the female/male binary.

Counselling can be a way forward

Therapy can be invaluable to people experiencing gender identity issues. An experienced therapist can assist with the many challenges that trans people face. Discussing feelings in therapy can help make sense of gender issues and help with difficult transitions.

We have helped many trans people work through their own process of personal understanding, acceptance and expression.

And of course, like everyone else, the issues that trans people bring to therapy can be about anything, not necessarily their gender identity.

Getting started with gender-related support in Brighton

Your first meeting will provide an opportunity to speak with a therapist about your feelings or concerns. This initial appointment usually lasts about one hour. Your therapist will help determine how we might best support you, and you will have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about counselling for gender-related issues.

We have helped many people explore their gender identity. One of our therapists may be able to provide help. We use a number of different counselling approaches to support you along the way.

It all starts with a click here.