Therapeutic Support During Transitioning

In celebration of transgender awarness week

Counselling can be a crucial source of support for transgender individuals during the transitioning process. Transitioning is a deeply personal and often challenging journey, with transgender individuals experiencing shockingly high rates of suicide, anxiety and depression. The path to self-acceptance, authenticity and empowerment involves navigating the complex emotional, social and psychological challenges that arise. Working with a supportive and affirming therapist who can provide validation, guidance and coping strategies throughout the process can greatly assist.

Unicorn Care is a committed ally of the transgender community and welcomes transgender clients. We are well placed to support transgender individuals at any stage of the transitioning process. Well aware of the financial burden of the transitioning process, Unicorn Care provides a year-round discount for transgender clients. Additionally, we are well placed to assist and support family members and friends of individuals who are transitioning or questioning their gender identity.

Here are just some of the ways of the ways our counselling practice can help transgender clients to navigate the complexities of transitioning with greater confidence, resilience and self-acceptance.

Emotion Support and Validation

Transitioning often involves a wide range of emotions, including joy, relief, anxiety and grief. Most transgender individuals experience a significant emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. We guarantee a non-judgmental space where clients can process these emotions, receive validation and express their feelings freely.

Affirming a client’s gender identity is critical for safeguarding mental health, especially when many will be facing rejection or misunderstanding from others. Unicorn Care is well placed to advise on additional community resources including transgender support groups in Bangkok.

Managing Gender Dysphoria

Many transgender individuals experience a deep sense of distress caused by the mismatch between their gender assigned at birth and their actual gender identity. Counselling can help manage the emotional and psychological effects of gender dysphoria. This may include helping change negative thought patterns and helping clients to remain grounded and manage intense emotions.

Navigating Social Challenges and Relationships

Social transitioning, changing one’s name or pronouns, undergoing surgical or hormonal changes can all impact relationships with family, friends, colleagues and romantic partners.

Unicorn Care can help clients to prepare for coming out, including empowering clients to develop the confidence and language to assert their gender identity. Throughout the transitioning process, individuals will often have to deal with different reactions and process both acceptance and rejection, and all the shades in between. We are here to help you at every stage of your journey.

Coping with Discrimination and Stigma

Unfortunately, discrimination and prejudice can arise on a day-to-day basis, causing feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety. By providing emotional support and equipping individuals with strategies to cope with these challenges, Unicorn Care can assist transgender clients build resilience and develop greater confidence in asserting their identity and establishing boundaries with others. Some transgender individuals also struggle with internalized transphobia, unpacking and challenging these internalized societal prejudices fosters a more positive sense of self.

Support with Mental Health Conditions

As mentioned, there is a significantly higher risk that transgender individuals will experience mental health conditions such as depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety. Unicorn Care offers a safe affirming space to address these mental health concerns by providing therapeutic interventions to help improve mood and develop coping strategies.

Support with Identity Exploration

The transition process is often a time of self-discovery and identity exploration. Exploring gender identity more deeply in a supportive and affirming environment can assist with transitioning as clients reflect on their feelings, preferences for gender expression and the social aspects of gender. Validation and support, including for those who do not fit into the binary gender system (such as fluid or non-binary identities) enables transgender individuals to embrace their authentic self. This is particularly important as many are navigating a world that does not always understand or respect their identity.

Building Self- Esteem and Self-Acceptance

Transitioning can be a period of intense self-reflection, and many transgender individuals struggle with self-esteem, particularly if they are facing rejection or societal stigma. Counselling supports individuals in developing a positive sense of self, cultivating self-acceptance and building confidence in their gender identity. Unicorn Care is well placed to advise on self-compassion practices and build body positivity, whether or not the client chooses to undergo medical procedures.

Please do reach out to Unicorn Care today if you need support in your transitioning journey!