Embracing Your Authentic Self: A Journey Through Trauma, Transition, and Triumph
Hello all! Today, we're diving into the deep, sometimes murky waters of trauma, gender transition, and the beautiful spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ experience. As a psychotherapist in the greater Seattle and across Washington, specializing in these topics has gifted me the privilege of walking alongside many brave souls on their paths of self-discovery and healing. So grab a cup of your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let's explore these vital themes together.
Understanding Trauma: The Unseen Wounds
Trauma is a tricky beast. It lurks in the shadows, often unnoticed by others and sometimes even by ourselves. It can stem from a single, catastrophic event or from a series of smaller, cumulative experiences that chip away at our sense of safety, trust with self or others, and at our self-worth. Trauma doesn’t discriminate—it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, economic status, or background.
In my practice, I use various therapeutic techniques to help individuals confront and process their trauma. One method I’m particularly fond of is brainspotting. This technique involves identifying points in a person’s visual field that help them access the mid and hind brain where trauma is stored in the brain. It’s like having a flashlight to guide us through a dark forest, illuminating the path to healing!
Gender Transition: The Courage to Be Yourself
Gender transition is a deeply personal and often complex journey. It’s not just about changing one's outward appearance as many may assume but taking steps to better aligning one's external reality with their internal truth. This process can be both exhilarating and daunting, filled with moments of joy and instances of profound challenge and vulnerability.
In Seattle, we’re fortunate to have a supportive community overall that understands and celebrates the diverse tapestry of gender. Whether you're just beginning to explore your gender identity or are well along on your path, remember that your journey is valid no matter what that looks like and your experiences are real.
LGBTQ+ Community: Finding Belonging
One of the most powerful aspects of the LGBTQIA+ community is the sense of belonging it offers. Finding your community—those who understand your struggles, celebrate your victories, and accept you for who you are—can be life-changing. Our community still has a lot of work to do to reduce racism, stigma, and dysfunctional group dynamics within these spaces, the rainbow community still stands as a beacon of acceptance and love for so many in a world that is often isolating, judgmental, and at times dangerous.
I often encourage clients to seek out supportive groups and safe spaces where they can connect with others who share similar experiences. Whether it’s a local support group, an online forum, or a social event, these connections can provide the strength and encouragement needed to navigate the unique challenges that come with marginalization as it relates to out intersectional identity.
Embracing Your Authentic Self
At the heart of trauma recovery, gender transition, and the LGBTQIA+ experience lies the quest to simply live in one’s authentic truth. It’s about peeling back the layers of oppressive societal expectations, personal fears, and internalized shame to reveal the your true authentic self. This process requires immense courage, patience, and self-compassion.
Therapy is a powerful tool in this journey. It provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your identity and values, process through past traumas and difficult relationships, and develop strategies for building a more rewarding life and keeping stressors at bay. It’s also a place where you can be vulnerable, knowing that you are supported and seeking to be understood, no matter how you show up each session.
A Touch of Humor: Because Play is Healthy
Let’s be real—healing is hard work. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun along the way. In fact, humor can be a fantastic coping mechanism. It helps to break down barriers to foster a sense of connection and lighten the mood when you’re needing a break.
But more importantly, its a good reminder that you’re worthy of joy no matter where you’re at in your journey! You don’t have to wait to be healed. You don’t need permission. In fact if joy wasn’t a birthright we wouldn’t have an innate biological capacity for laughter. And on top of simply being fun, its a reliable way to ensure that your healing journey doesn’t stall or become stagnant under the weight of, what can often be, intense therapeutic work.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this brief exploration of trauma, gender transition, and the LGBTQIA+ experience, remember that embracing your authentic self is like walking a path lined with both challenges and triumphs, tears and laughter… a journey, not a destination.
So, stay cozy, keep that cup of your favorite beverage close, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Don’t forget to carry a light heart when you can and remember the power of having someone you can lean on when you can’t. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper, feel free to reach out.
Your journey awaits you with open arms!
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About the Author
Sara Walter Shihdanian (she/they) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in trauma and gender + transition, providing virtual psychotherapy in Washington state. Her extensive training and unique expertise allows her to support clients who are ready for accelerated, lasting change.