Transgender Counseling
Transgender counseling can be essential to having a normal, well-adjusted life, regardless of whether you are considering a full transition. Because transgender is a much-misunderstood term, transgendered individuals often find themselves objects of speculation and ridicule. In addition, the road to self-acceptance and understanding can be a difficult and even bewildering experience for many transgendered individuals. Unfortunately, not every counselor who claims to work with the transgendered population actually provides help, making it necessary to know what to look for when choosing a therapist.
Transgender therapy is not simply an extension of basic counseling, although there are counselors who claim to serve the transgendered population and work under that assumption. There are similarities between transgender counseling and other basic types of therapy, however. Both should offer a safe, secure, confidential place to talk, allowing you to discuss your feelings, thoughts and fears without reprisal, embarrassment or having your words made public. In addition, counselors should be supportive, helping you work toward self-awareness and self-acceptance, without being manipulative or abusive.
There are several things to look for in transgender counseling. Experienced counselors can differentiate between transgender and gender identity disorder, which may seem similar but are actually very different. Further, the counselor should not attempt to fix you, cure you, or impose moral judgment. Instead, a counselor helps you to develop an understanding and appreciation of who you are, while also helping you to explore all of your options. In addition, a good transgender counselor offers referrals, or assistance in locating help with medical, legal and financial issues. Transgender therapy can include couples and family therapies, helping those around you understand transgender issues. Experienced counselors can also help you find transgender groups that support transgender individuals and/or families.
The ultimate goal of transgender counseling is to help the transgendered individual accept their uniqueness, rather than hiding it away in shame or confusion. While it is easy for transgendered people to become isolated, often due to denial and withdrawal, counselors can help you fully integrate in all areas of society, including the home, workplace and places of worship. Although there are counselors who will manipulate or in some way abuse the transgendered client, knowing what to look for and what to avoid will help you find the best counselor for you.
By Health Editor
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That’s Revolting!: Queer Strategies for Resisting Assimilation As the growing gay mainstream prioritizes the attainment of straight privilege over all else, it drains queer identity of any meaning, relevance, or cultural value. What’s more, queers remain under attack: Gay youth shelters can be vetoed because they might reduce property values. Trannies are out because they might offend straights. That’s Revolting! offers a bracing tonic to these trends. Edited by Mattilda Bernstein Sycamore, That’s Revolting! collects timely essays such as "Dr. Laura, Sit on My Face," "Gay Art Guerrillas," and "Queer Parents: An Oxymoron Or Just Plain Moronic?" by unrepentant activists like Patrick Califia, Kate Bornstein, and Carol Queen. This updated edition contains seven new selections that cover everything from rural, working-class youth in Massachusetts to gay life in New Orleans to the infamous Drop the Debt/Stop AIDS action in New York. This lively composite portrait of cutting-edge queer activism is a clarion call for anyone who questions the value of becoming the Stepford Homosexual. |
