SEXUALITY & GENDER IDENTITY
Our sexual and gender identity are core to who we are. These identities are primarily social identities. Being comfortable with and having a clear sense and acceptance of one’s emerging sexual orientation provides an important avenue to linking an individual to others in the social world. Developing a positive sense of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, or questioning (glbttq) identity is complex in a heterosexually-dominant world. There is a general lack of acknowledgement, validation, and support for glbttq individuals. Coming out then becomes a challenging process in which an individual must confront deep fears and may experience rejection and even abandonment.
Individuals who are uncomfortable with their gender may confront high levels of social stigma and fears of rejection and abandonment in their current relationships. Often they will face a deep sense of hopelessness, fear, loneliness, and isolation as they struggle toward greater gender authenticity. Gender transitioning is a complex psychological, social, and medical process that unfolds over the course of several years.
CFIR therapists are knowledgeable about the psycho-social-developmental issues associated with gender and sexual identity development and formation. We strive to support clients to live authentically and to develop a positive sense of who they are in the world. A positive sense of identity is important in sustaining an internal sense of security.
When individuals lack clarity in terms of their sexual or gender identity, they struggle with a sense of confusion, loneliness, helplessness, and isolation that compromises their well-being and mental health.
Individuals who are uncomfortable with their gender may confront high levels of social stigma and fears of rejection and abandonment in their current relationships. Often they will face a deep sense of hopelessness, fear, loneliness, and isolation as they struggle toward greater gender authenticity. Gender transitioning is a complex psychological, social, and medical process that unfolds over the course of several years.
CFIR therapists are knowledgeable about the psycho-social-developmental issues associated with gender and sexual identity development and formation. We strive to support clients to live authentically and to develop a positive sense of who they are in the world. A positive sense of identity is important in sustaining an internal sense of security.