Gender &
Sexuality
My Position
Here I offer a concise overview of what psychotherapy can look like when it engages sensitively with the aspects of gender and sexuality. I strive to work in a manner that is as guideline-based, scientific, informed, responsible, and open as possible. I continually seek further training and engage with current discourses in order to critically reflect on and improve my work. I benefit greatly from exchanges with my private and professional community, including a Working Group for Gender-Sensitive Counseling and Therapy, which I founded and have led with colleagues since 2023 (www.agbt.work) as well as through my membership in the Association of Queer People in Psychology (www.vlsp.de). I understand why there may be private or political interest in my own gender or sexual identity. However, I share such information only autonomously in private contexts or when relevant to the therapeutic process.
How do I understand gender and sexuality?
I view gender and sexuality as a spectrum of many “normal” human variations and advocate for their equal recognition and appreciation. I support the concept of “doing gender” and understand gender and sexual identity as socially constructed, performative, multifactorial, and fluid. I believe that only individuals themselves can speak to their own gender and sexual identity — it cannot and should not be defined externally. I critically question the gendering of physical traits, emotions, and behaviors, as such gendering can restrict natural forms of expression and the processing of psychological or interpersonal experiences, which I consider morally questionable and potentially harmful.
Who is gender-sensitive psychotherapy for, and who can benefit from it?
Due to minority stress, discriminated or marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA* individuals are particularly vulnerable in terms of mental health, and I consider gender-sensitive psychotherapy essential for them. However, I am also convinced that people with “traditional” / norm-conforming identities can equally benefit from the diversity of perspectives available in current discourse.
Examples of possible concerns or topics
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Generally
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Difficulties identifying with or positioning oneself regarding gender or sexual identity
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Difficulties related to how one’s gender/sexual identity is perceived by others, what stereotypes are associated with it, and what reactions it elicits
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e.g., as a man/male-passing person, feeling shame about privilege; not wanting to be associated with threat
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e.g., as a woman/female-passing person, being sexualized or pushed into submissive roles
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Processing biographical shame, grief, fear, or anger related to one’s sexual identity
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Processing experiences of discrimination, gender-specific trauma, and (sexual) violence
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Endo-/Cis-/Heterosexual individuals with non-normative gender expression
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Identifying as a soft/emotional man* or as a strong/desiring woman*
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As a woman*, not wanting to have children or not wanting to live monogamously
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As a woman*, experiencing intimidation, disadvantage, or (sexualized) violence
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As a man*, feeling forbidden from being afraid or from crying
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As a man*, feeling obligated to avoid asking for help, to appear strong, and to assert oneself
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LSBTQIA*/GSM (gender and sexual minorities)
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Exploring one’s gender and/or sexual identity and preferences
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Reflecting on inviting-in/coming-out processes in family or work contexts
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Trying out “new” gendered ways of experiencing and behaving
(e.g., a man* wearing makeup for the first time; a trans* person going on their first date) -
Support during transition processes (including hormone treatment and gender-affirming procedures), including preparation of referral/assessment letters if needed
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Improving body image and body experience
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Learning self-care, emotion regulation strategies, and strengthening self-esteem