Identity Exploration
Jamie** (he/him), has always assumed he was straight—it’s what was expected, and it seemed to fit well enough. But over the past year, he has started to feel a pull he can’t ignore. Crushes on his guy friends, an unexplainable fascination with queer stories, and a lingering curiosity have left Jamie questioning everything he thought he knew about himself.
While part of him feels excited to explore this side of his identity, another part feels terrified. He catches himself thinking: What if it’s just a phase? What will my family and friends think? What does this mean for my future? Jamie feels like he’s stuck in limbo, unsure how to navigate these questions or where to start.
Therapy can offer Jamie a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore his feelings, untangle the fear and shame, and gain confidence in his journey of self-discovery. Together with his therapist, he can begin to understand his identity and what it means for him, at his own pace.
Abigail** (she/her) is a software developer who’s always felt like something in her life didn’t quite fit. A few months ago, she discovered a video from a trans woman sharing her journey, and it felt like a revelation—finally, words for what Abigail had been feeling. Since then, she’s tried using she/her pronouns and it feels right. But the idea of transitioning brings intense fear: What if I’m wrong? What if I regret it? What if I’m not trans enough? She worries about how her religious family will react, whether her friends will understand, and if the changes will meet her expectations.
Abigail constantly questions herself, overanalyzing every decision to avoid making a mistake. The fear of rejection and failure is paralyzing, and every time she considers taking the next step, guilt takes over. She struggles with perfectionism, and staying in limbo feels safer than facing the uncertainty of transitioning.
After a close friend suggested therapy, Abigail decided to give it a try. She hopes it will help her work through the anxiety, guilt, and confusion, and bring clarity to her decision about whether transitioning is the right path for her.
Discover who you are in a safe, affirming space—book a therapy session today.
** These vignettes are inspired by real experiences but are fictional composites, ensuring confidentiality while reflecting common themes faced by the LGBTQIA+ community.
