Exploring identity can be a difficult experience, especially when you feel like you have to figure it out alone. More specifically, exploring gender identity can be a difficult experience to navigate. The process can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, anxiety and shutting down, or low self-worth and depression. For most people, gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth, but for others it can be confusing and even scary when you feel like your mind and experiences don’t fit the body you are in. 

Gender identity is one’s internal sense of self and their gender, and is not outwardly visible to others. Therapy provides a judgement free space to talk about and explore gender experiences, identity and expression. These conversations can lead to recognizing what aspects of gender expression feel best. Gender expression is how a person presents gender outwardly, through pronouns, behavior/mannerisms, clothing, or other perceived characteristics. 

Some people might experience gender dysphoria, a substantial distress associated with a mismatch between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity. This can lead to emotions that feel really big and difficult to manage. Having a space to talk about it and practice coping skills is crucial. Not everyone who has a gender identity different from sex assigned at birth experiences dysphoria. 

Sexuality is also part of identity, but is different from gender identity. Sexuality is who you are attracted to emotionally, romantically and/or physically, and is separate from gender identity. Learning more about your sexuality can be confusing and isolating at times, therapy provides a safe space to reflect on experiences with sexuality and learn more about labels than can be validating.