Therapists are Organizing

The Gender Exploratory Therapy Association is being founded because we believe people who are experiencing distress regarding gender or biological sex deserve a safe place to receive therapeutic support. We support the practice of ethical, developmentally appropriate psychotherapy with these clients.

In the past decade, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young people presenting with distress about their gender. The majority of these young people are natal females, and many began experiencing gender dysphoria only during adolescence. Researchers and clinicians have noted that many of these young people also have significant mental health concerns such as autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma. Further, it appears that a disproportionate number of these young people have been adopted, are same-sex attracted, or have suffered a significant interpersonal loss.

As mental health clinicians, we value a psychotherapeutic approach that situates gender distress within the context of other biological, social, and psychological factors. We seek to advocate for an exploratory approach that compassionately affirms a young person’s worth and value while helping them to examine the potential multiple meanings of any symptom.

We founded GETA in order to create a community of therapists who use sound, time-honored psychotherapeutic approaches to help people understand and manage their distress. As a service to clinicians, we offer therapists the opportunity to connect, network, seek support, and share resources. As a service to the public, we offer a directory where patients can find exploratory therapists.

We are seeking funding to get this important new organization off the ground so that it can be a robust resource for individuals and families affected by gender dysphoria as well as for mental health providers.