Identity Issues

It is theorized that social stigma based on gender nonconformity plays a big role in the stigma surrounding transgender individuals. Stigma expressed as discrimination, harassment, and ... Read More

Last night, near the end of my first session with “Jose,” I found him looking up and penetrating me with just the question I had been anticipating: “So, how long do you think this ... Read More

People get stuck in behavior patterns that might seem to pay off, at least in the short run, except they don’t. Therapy is one way to recognize repetitive behaviors and change them. Problems ... Read More

Adolescents are vulnerable to peer pressures, social norms, and judgments by those in their social network. At a time when these individuals are trying to develop their own identities, ... Read More

Adolescents experience unique stressors. In addition to facing stress associated with family issues, childhood experiences, and academic concerns, they also face stress related to peer ... Read More

“The greatest hazard of all, losing one’s self, can occur very quietly in the world, as if it were nothing at all. No other loss can occur so quietly; any other loss—an arm, a leg, ... Read More

We live in a culture that prioritizes and glamorizes monogamy. This is most clearly visible in the importance that we give to marriage. Not only is it expected to be a lifetime goal, but ... Read More

The depth of your frustration and the anguish that you are experiencing comes through loud and clear even in your brief note. To be completely honest, I was not terribly familiar with BIID ... Read More

I was talking recently with a friend about surviving the “terrible twos” and she made a joking comment about how she couldn’t wait to do it again in the teen years. That got me thinking ... Read More

“I just got a promotion to be a supervisor,” Janet told me as soon as she sat down in my therapy office. “I know I should be thrilled, but I’ve never been in charge before. I’m ... Read More

The state of Washington has been working for several years to change the language in its laws to gender-neutral terms. If legislation passes as expected, no longer will there be penmanship, ... Read More

In a world saturated with sexual imagery, appeals to the effects of sexual attraction, and arguments about the way sex affects society, it is difficult for some people to believe that not ... Read More