Gay and Lesbian Issues

Most gay clients seek counseling for problems that do not have to do with their sexual orientation, yet being gay may have a large impact on the “mainstream” life issues they are facing. For example, deciding whether and when to start a family is a dilemma many couples (and singles) face; yet the issues involved in having children are obviously much more complex for gay and lesbian clients. Sexuality may also influence problems all people share, like depression or anxiety, in specific ways--dealing with prejudice, coming out to one's family, and sorting out an “authentic” sense-of-self in the face of social expectations and pressures. It is important to find a therapist that understands and is comfortable with dealing with such issues.

Transgender

The concept of the two-gender system is confining and simplistic and many individuals fall somewhere in between the polarities. Many therapists have been trained to believe that anyone who exhibits mixed feelings about their gender identity is either transexual or transvestite and that these two types of “disorders” never overlap. It does not consider the genetic male who decides to take hormones and live with a female identity but does not want gender reassignment surgery. Or the genetic female who wants to dress and live as a male without medical intervention at all. 

Many transgender clients come for counseling to determine their own thoughts and feelings about their gender. Dr. Haddox has experience in helping clients untangle the complex factors that go into determining where they may be at any point on the gender continuum. For clients who do want to transition, Dr. Haddox works within the Harry Benjamin ethical guidelines and with other medical professionals to help them move forward in their journey.