Gender Identity Therapy and Counselling in Ireland
The term gender dysphoria refers to the stress a person goes through when the gender they were assigned at birth does not correlate with how they identify or feel when expressing their sense of gender. While this is certainly not a mental health disorder, people going through gender dysphoria may benefit from a safe, supportive, non-judgmental counselling environment in which they can discuss and explore any issues they’re struggling with.
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What Is Gender Identity Therapy?
Gender identity refers to how an individual perceives themselves in terms of gender, for instance, if they identify as a man, as a woman, as both, or as neither. This is distinct from the gender you were assigned at birth. Most people are originally assigned male or female; however, just because you were assigned as female doesn’t mean that you may feel a sense of being male, or vice versa, for example.
Gender identity therapy helps individuals explore and affirm their identity in a safe environment, along with its implications. Gender identity therapists help you to evaluate steps you may be considering taking in your journey, and guide you towards helpful resources. All of this is regardless of whether they choose to transition. Indeed, the counsellor is not there to decide a gender for you; rather, they are there to assist you in discussing issues surrounding dysphoria that may be causing you distress. For example, family pressure, social judgment, bullying, discrimination, etc. It is inclusive of binary, non-binary, trans, gender fluid and questioning individuals.
How Therapy Can Help You
If you are going through gender dysphoria, then there are several ways in which gender identity therapy can help you. Benefits include:
- Coping with external stigma or discrimination
- Developing self-understanding and acceptance
- Discuss your feelings (and struggles) around gender in a judgement-free, compassionate environment
- Finding your own pace (no pressure to transition or label)
- Help you prepare to come out to family, friends, classmates or colleagues
- Reducing anxiety, depression, or isolation
- Understand the relationship between your body and your sense of gender
- Safe space for self-expression
Therapy That Respects Your Identity—Schedule a Session Today.
Online Gender Identity Counselling in Ireland
Aspen operates an in-person therapy clinic in Lucan, Co. Dublin. However, if you can’t make it there, for whatever reason, that’s ok. We also operate online gender identity counselling services across Ireland. We use secure platforms, and you can be assured of the same professionalism, compassion and confidentiality that you would receive in an in-person therapy session.
Aspen’s Therapeutic Approach
Aspen prides itself on offering a modern approach to gender affirming therapy that’s tailored to each client’s needs.
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Frequently Asked Question
No diagnosis needed – you can start Gender Identity Therapy without one.
Gender Identity Therapy is not just for people who want to transition – this area of therapy also supports exploration, coping, and self-understanding.
It’s your choice, but yes, if you want, a therapist can help you with coming out.
Yes, of course, uncertainty is welcome—you don’t need to have your identity figured out to start.
Our therapists offer safe, LGBTQ+-affirming spaces and respect confidentiality.