SALLY WALL COUNSELLING

What is transgender?

A much easier question to ask than answer! Transgenderism involves everything from wearing clothing of the opposite sex to seeking full gender reassignment. People might choose to identify as "transsexual", "transvestite", "cross-dresser" or simply refer to themselves to their gender. Sadly, the stigma of many things transgender involves a mental health diagnoses (it is impossible to seek physical change without first being diagnosed as “gender dysphoric”). Something as simple as using the toilets, common banter, identifying with a sexuality or redefining with friends, lovers or family  can involve a great deal of complication and negotiation. Religion or culture can also have an effect on how transgenderism is experienced.

There are still too many places where those of us who are transgender feel excluded. Separation from families is particularly painful and discussion through counselling may help the expression of deeply felt grief. Transphobia and other hate crime can also be a problem, and talking through counselling can help alleviate guilt and shift the burden from the sufferer to the perpetrator through exploring different options. 

There is no ‘right’ way to be transgender. Just as we come in different sizes and shapes, so we also come in different shades of gender. My belief is that we are how we identify which is something counselling can help explore.