Gender Dysphoria

Gender identity is normally established by about the age of 18 months and is biologically influenced as well as strongly reinforced by the parents and by society in general. If there had been a faulty assignment at birth, this establishment of gender identity on the ascribed sex overrides the biological sex. This core gender identity becomes the private view of own gender, that an individual retains throughout life. The individual then has a complex task of working out what the gender role is within a social milieu and the public aspect of gender. For example, a male person with masculine gender identity may play a female gender role either consistently or occasionally. Gender role is developed on the basis of gender identity but is not fixed like gender identity. Sexual behaviour, which lies dormant until puberty, is related to gender identity and gender role but is not wholly dependent on these for its orientation. The pattern of sexual behaviour that becomes established is dictated by the fantasy life based on his previous memories, by the availability of sexual outlets and proximate environmental sources of stimulation. Transsexualism is much more common in biological males than in females, but it occurs in both sexes. In the development of the condition, a mutually over-dependent relationship with the mother, dependence of a dominant mother, parental wish, or a preference for a child of the opposite gender and an absent or weak father has often been described.

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can assist the individual in the understanding of their identity and goals, the surrounding factors that played a role in its formation, deal with the intense feelings about their own body and feelings towards others of the same or different gender identity. Psychotherapy is there to assist with gender transition. You will be able to rely on your therapist for gentle and honest feedback that can help you effectively adjust to social life.

Disorders associated with sexual development and orientation

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is designed to explore a variety of sexual deviations, such as fetishism, fetishistic transvestism, exhibitionism, voyeurism, sadomasochism, frotteurism, and other disorders of sexual preference. Psychotherapy will assist you in exploring the origins and triggers of your preferences, the ways those influence your life, how to control your urges, and any other specific difficulties you might have. Psychoanalytic psychotherapy can help you deal with feelings about oneself, such as guilt, shame, disgust, and problems with relationships and connecting to others.

Psychosexual dysfunction

Symptoms associated with “normal” heterosexual intercourse are extremely frequent and may be associated with the functions of the genital organs during intercourse, inability to relax, lack of interest in sex, distaste or revulsion, with the subjective feelings during intercourse or around intimacy and with the sexual relationship.

Both psychoanalytic psychotherapy and relationship psychotherapy can assist you in understanding your difficulties, considering the characteristics, attitudes, and expectations of your partner. If one partner is experiencing either symptoms or dissatisfaction in the sexual relationship, the other is likely also to be dissatisfied. You may choose to involve your partner in therapy if you feel comfortable sharing and exploring the difficulties together. Sexual difficulties often reflect deeper emotional difficulties, such as previous trauma, trust issues, or body image that you may prefer to explore without your partner. Your therapist will be attentive to your wishes, needs, and help you understand what may work better for you.