Gender Identity Issues, Sexual Assault Counsellors

Gender Identity Issues, Sexual Assault

Gender identity issues can make a person feel that nature has played a cruel trick, leaving them living in a body and role that is contrary to what they feel inside. However, as society becomes more accepting of gay and lesbian individuals it is also becoming much easier for people to admit that they are transgender than ever before. However, therapy can help people with gender dysphoria to cope with gender identity issues.

Most people with gender dysphoria prefer the term transgender as they deal with the social expectations of living a life that is authentic to their own emotions while conforming to their birth gender.

Whether you are confused about the possibility that you might be transgender, or whether you have accepted the reality, it is a good idea to speak to a therapist. If you are considering gender reassignment surgery, therapy will help you prepare for the psychological impact of the decision.

Living in your gender of choice will take a lot of courage, as well as some experimentation. You will have to learn how to find a congruent appearance, and explore different ways for you to present your body so that it relates to your true gender.

Counselling from a therapist trained in gender identity issues will provide a nurturing and non-judgmental environment for you to explore your emotions, fears and feelings regarding what is happening for you.  Individual and group therapies are common for gender dysphoric patients, while family therapy can help foster better communication, and understanding. Family therapy can help deal with conflicts that can arise from gender dysphoria.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers gender identity counselling to address your gender dysphoria issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Sexual assault or abuse in childhood often causes psychological and emotional difficulties as the victim grows up. A child who is abused by a parent, is likely to suffer from severe anxiety, low self-esteem, uncontrollable anger, depression and intimacy issues. However, sexual assault is not limited to children, and it can harm an adult emotionally too.

Immediately after sexual assault, a person may not immediately experience pain or fear. They may even experience moments of pleasure, which can cause a lot of confusion and inner turmoil. They may feel betrayed if the abuser is a relative or acquaintance, but at the same time, feel guilty for reporting the sexual assault and getting the abuser in trouble. Abusers often lie to their victims, or reward them, and threats can deepen the emotional trauma.

A victim of sexual assault will often have trouble coping with relationships that are growing close, or with people physically touching them. When starting a relationship, memories will start to occur and they will cause trouble with intimacy in the relationship. Some people who have experienced sexual assault will become promiscuous, which can cause even more guilt.

It is essential for sexual assault survivors to receive counselling from a professional psychologist who is experienced in sexual assault. A therapist will help the victim to work through emotions and help clarify his or her choices. Working through the emotions of anger, guilt and shame will help to facilitate emotional healing. EMDR has been proven a very effective treatment for post traumatic stress disorder in sexual assault victims.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers sexual assault counselling to address your emotional healing issues you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

Maryam Goldan

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
You can heal. I can help. Feeling overwhelmed? Anxious? Isolated? Does it seem like everyone around you is finding happiness while you silently struggle? Then it’s time to break free from negative patterns... Read more

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... Read more

Elizabeth Holland

M.A., RCC
Elizabeth Holland is a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Victoria, British Columbia. With a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology (UBC), she works with adults and young adults from diverse... Read more

Amber Louie

M.Sc., RCC
As an anti-oppression psychotherapist, I value your experiences based on culture, race, indigeneity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexuality, age, disability, and spirituality. I often work with people who are... Read more

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... Read more

Sarah Anne Trivett

M.C., RCC
    • Blog on profile
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with a passion for helping individuals, couples and multi-person relationships connect to themselves and each other through a creative blend of Internal Family... Read more