G&STC Blog Roundup: 9 Blogs to Read if You're Thinking About Starting Therapy
Starting therapy can be a daunting task. There are so many obstacles–from financial obstacles, to social stigma or internalized shame, or the difficulty of finding an affirming, supportive therapist. But while those things can feel insurmountable, we want you to know therapy is still an option for you. Whether you need help getting to the root of your shame before reaching out, or just need the assurance that overcoming that shame is possible, we’ve got you covered. We also have practical information including choosing a modality, how to find an affirming therapist, and what you should do to prepare for your first therapy session–whether in person or virtual.
So if you’re thinking about getting started with therapy, here are 9 blogs to help support you as you start this process:
“Therapists have different kinds of training, and they also have adopted different modalities. If you’re just starting out in therapy, you may not know what resonates with you best. If you’ve worked with clinicians in the past, you might have noticed that some approaches have proven validating and helpful, while others have felt off-putting or even delegitimizing.”
So You Wanna Find a Therapist: Choosing a Trans-Affirming Provider
“Most therapists are willing to do phone consults so you can get a sense of their theoretical approach and experience. Have they, now or in the past, sought out specialized supervision or consultation related to working with trans and gender-diverse clients? Do they currently have any trans/GNC/non-binary clients?”
No More Shame: Addressing Stigma as a Barrier to Therapy
“It takes a lot of courage to admit or accept your suffering stems from mental illness, an emotional issue, emotional instability, or psychological disorder. Seeking professional help doesn’t mean you’re “losing the battle” — in fact, it means that you’re building up the strength to manage your mental health head-on. That’s bravery. New clients who seek therapy often display remarkable resilience through the process by maintaining jobs, raising families, even starting new relationships despite their struggles with anxiety, depression and trauma. Therapists are here to support and cultivate that strength, not get you to admit to any weakness.”
If Fetish Shame Keeping You From Therapy?
“You may be thinking, “enjoy my fetish? I can’t even tell my partner or friends about my fetish!” You’re not the first person to think that, but that’s what a therapist is for. One of the great things about therapists is that, whatever it is, you're feeling embarassed to tell them? They’ve almost definitely heard it before.”
A Guide to Trauma-Informed Somatic Healing
“As more collective knowledge is built around the profound impact of trauma on our lives, more healing practitioners are centering a trauma-informed approach to their work. However, there is a lack of clarity about what exactly that means. An overarching understanding of being trauma-informed works from the assumption that we are interacting with traumatized people daily. While mainstream culture may work from the understanding that trauma is a rare occurrence, being trauma-informed acknowledges the breadth of what is considered traumatic.”
What is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
“Trauma triggers thoughts, desires, behaviors, emotions that are impossible to understand without a full grasp of how trauma plays a role. Trauma-informed therapists do understand the large role trauma plays in the daily lives of their clients. Going to therapy after suffering and surviving trauma requires trauma-informed care to get the best available treatment because trauma often has widespread effects that are more pervasive than many people understand.”
When to Start Relationship Therapy?
“Relationship therapy is one of the kindest gifts you can give to your relationship. Relationships require care and nurturing, and seeking therapy with your partner(s) can be an incredibly helpful way to ensure the longevity and happiness of your relationship. Many partnerships wait until their relationship is "no longer working" or filled with resentment, hostility, contempt and conflict.”
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
“This may be a bit surprising if you’re anticipating exploring some deep emotions about yourself, but in many cases, at the beginning of the first session, the therapist will want to walk you through some basic administrative points to make sure you’re on the same page and to reduce any unnecessary surprises about the nuts and bolts of the therapeutic relationship.”
“Are you able to establish a “going to therapy” routine? For many people, sitting in a waiting room or commuting to the office helps to shift their mindset and get them into “therapy mode.” If you’re working from home and are planning on doing a video session, you might think it makes sense to just do it from your desk. But that can leave you feeling like you’re in “work mode” still (like you’re on an oddly personal business call). Instead, decide where your safe therapy space is, and give yourself a few minutes to settle into it, letting yourself switch gears before your session.”
BLOG AUTHORS ALL HOLD POSITIONS AT THE GENDER & SEXUALITY THERAPY CENTER (G&STC). FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR THERAPISTS AND SERVICES PLEASE CONTACT US.