Gender Identity
What Is Gender Identity Therapy?
Gender identity therapy provides a safe, affirming space to explore, understand, and express your gender in ways that feel authentic to you. Whether you are questioning your identity, beginning transition, or seeking support as a transgender, nonbinary, gender-expansive, or intersex person, therapy can help you feel seen, grounded, and empowered.
At Botaitis Therapy Group, our therapists honor each client’s lived experience and support them in aligning inner identity with outward expression. We are committed to providing gender-affirming, culturally aware care that helps clients build self-understanding and confidence in their authentic selves.
What Can Therapy Help With?
Exploring Identity: Therapy provides a supportive space to explore gender, pronouns, and self-expression at your own pace without pressure or expectation.
Coming Out and Transition Support: Whether you are exploring social, medical, or legal aspects of transition, therapy can help you navigate conversations, manage stress, and build emotional safety throughout the process.
Navigating Relationships and Family Dynamics: As relationships shift, therapy helps you set boundaries, communicate openly, and cultivate support from family, friends, and partners.
Gender Dysphoria and Self-Acceptance: Therapy offers strategies for coping with distress and developing self-compassion while affirming your identity.
Intersex and Body Autonomy Support: For intersex clients, therapy provides space to process medical experiences, explore identity, and heal from trauma related to societal or bodily expectations.
Community and Belonging: Therapy can help you build supportive networks and connect with affirming spaces where you can live openly and fully.
How Does BTG Approach Therapy for Gender Identity?
Affirming and Empowering Care: Every session centers your autonomy, identity, and goals. Our role is to support your path, not define it for you.
Culturally Sensitive and Intersectional Approach: BTG therapists understand that gender identity is shaped by culture, family, religion, and social context. We approach each client with awareness and respect for these intersecting experiences.
Collaborative Process: Therapy is tailored to you — whether your focus is transition planning, emotional well-being, or identity exploration.
Advocacy and Collaboration: When appropriate, BTG therapists provide letters of support for gender-affirming care, collaborate with healthcare providers, and help navigate systemic barriers with compassion and professionalism.
Trauma-Informed Care: Many clients face discrimination or medical trauma. Therapy integrates grounding and healing practices that restore safety and self-trust.
FAQs About Therapy for Gender Identity
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      No. Therapy is open to anyone exploring or affirming their gender, regardless of whether transition is part of your journey. 
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      Yes. Therapy offers space to reflect on your feelings, experiences, and values without pressure to reach a conclusion. 
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      Yes. BTG therapists can provide gender-affirming letters when clinically appropriate and aligned with WPATH standards of care. 
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      Yes. Our therapists provide affirming, trauma-informed care for intersex clients, supporting healing around identity, autonomy, and body image. 
Meet Our Therapists Who Specialize in Therapy for Gender Identity
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to explore therapy for gender identity, we’re here to help. Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based care in Santa Barbara and online across California. Call us at 805-636-9890 or schedule your consultation to take the first step in your journey.
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