Gender Identity

Your gender identity is who you know yourself to be, regardless of your gender assigned at birth. In mental health, the goal is to support you in living authentically without unnecessary distress. At Community Counseling Services in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, licensed drug and alcohol counselor James Adams, MS, LADC-I, offers gender identity counseling to help you discover who you truly are and thrive. Schedule an appointment by phone or online today.

What is gender identity?

Gender identity refers to a deeply felt internal sense of your gender, such as being male, female, or another identity. It’s about how you experience yourself, which may or may not match the gender you were assigned at birth. Counseling sessions with James can help you discover your true gender and cope with gender dysphoria in a healthy, nonjudgmental atmosphere. 

What is gender dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a condition in which the gender you identify with doesn’t match the gender you were assigned at birth. If you fall into this category, you’re not alone, as about 1.4 million Americans identify as transgender. 

The good news is that with the right mindset, you can overcome mental health barriers linked to gender dysphoria. 

Which mental health conditions may stem from gender identity concerns?

Examples of conditions that could stem from gender dysphoria as part of a dual diagnosis may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Substance use disorder
• Stress
• Suicidal ideation 

You might not experience any co-existing conditions, despite having risk factors. Undergoing a mental health evaluation at Community Counseling Services helps determine which concerns you may struggle with.

James discusses your thoughts, moods, emotions, and more during a psychiatric evaluation to learn the type of counseling that’s the most appropriate for your needs. 

Which therapies may help with gender identity concerns?

The following therapies are available at Community Counseling Services:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Drama therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Group therapy
• Humanistic therapy
• Integrative therapy
• Motivational interviewing
• Person-centered therapy
• Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)
• Schema therapy
• Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT)
• Strength-based therapy 
• Addiction treatment
• Coping skills
• Stress management
• Anger management 
• Mindfulness 
• Spirituality 

James can meet with you weekly or as needed to help you overcome mental health conditions related to gender identity concerns.  

Am I a candidate for gender affirming care?

Gender-affirming mental health care at Community Counseling Services involves counseling to help you discover peace of mind with your outward gender and your gender identity. With James supporting you, you can decide if you’re a candidate for medical treatments that help you match your outward appearance with the gender you identify with. 

Schedule a gender identity evaluation at Community Counseling Services by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.