Gender Identity

For many people the terms ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ are used interchangeably, however the concepts of sex and gender are not quite that straightforward. Sex is a biological term whereas gender is a psychological and culture expression. Modern society views sex and gender in binary terms, and the majority of people are sexed male or female at birth and culturally assigned the gender masculine or feminine.

Gender is a complex interrelationship between one’s biological sex, internal sense of self as male, female, both or neither (gender identity) and one’s outward presentation and behaviour (gender expression). From the moment we are born gender expectations surround us, colours – blue for a boy, pink for a girl, toys, clothes and behaviour. Social gender roles and expectations are so ingrained within society that the majority of people do not question them, however, for some individuals this binary model does not represent their experiences of their gender. A ‘Gender Spectrum’ represents a more nuanced model where gender exists beyond a simple male/female binary model but instead exists on a continuum that can move more fluidly between masculine and feminine allowing people to identify with a more authentic model of their gender.

LGBT Sexuality

Psychotherapy can support transgender clients in many ways. These supports include providing the client with a greater understanding of the meaning they afford to gender, as a construct in relation to themselves and society. Another valuable element of support, is to enable the client to attain stability and acceptance of their gender role which may or may not, correlate with their biological sex and may or may not, fit within the binary framework of gender. Transgender clients seek therapy for a variety of both general and gender specific reasons, including self-exploration, help with specific mental health symptoms, coping with life stressors, gender distress, and support in transitioning to one’s self-identified gender.

How do I Arrange An Appointment to Work on this Issue?

You can select a therapist below or contact our centres directly for assistance in making an appointment.

  • Anna Williams

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Online Therapies

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  • Paul Price

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 4

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  • Ger Dunne

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 14

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  • Farah Saeed

    Location:
    Dublin 14

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  • Sharon Sweeney

    Location:
    Dublin 14

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  • Owen Smith (he/him/his)

    Location:
    Dublin 2,Dublin 4

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  • Olga Salodini

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Online Therapies

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  • Amanda Watson

    Location:
    Online Therapies

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  • Farah Saeed

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Online Therapies

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  • Ruth Culhane

    Location:
    Online Therapies

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  • Craig McCullough

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 2

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  • Eve O’Kelly

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 14

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  • Natalya Price

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 4

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  • Andrew McLellan

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 2

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  • Dermot Kelly (He/Him)

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 14

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  • Ana Saval-Badia

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    27 Woodquay

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  • Rachel Forrester

    Fully Booked

    Location:
    Dublin 4

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  • Stephen Vaughan

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    Location:
    Dublin 2,Dublin 14

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