Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation and How Is It Affecting Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
Gender identity and sexual orientation are core parts of who a person is—how they see themselves and who they’re attracted to. For teens and young adults, this can be a time of exploration, questioning, or self-discovery. Parents play a huge role in whether this process feels safe and supportive, or stressful and isolating.
Here’s how it can impact teens and young adults:
- Emotional well-being: Worrying about acceptance can lead to anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
- Identity exploration: Some young people may feel uncertain, while others know exactly who they are from an early age.
- Social pressures: Fear of teasing, rejection, or bullying may cause withdrawal or secrecy.
- Family connection: Supportive parents can make a huge difference, helping children feel loved and valued for who they are.
- Resilience & strength: With acceptance, many young people thrive, developing confidence and empathy.
It’s important to remember that identity and orientation aren’t “phases” or problems to solve—they’re natural aspects of growing up. By offering open conversations, unconditional love, and a safe space, parents can help their children navigate this journey with confidence and pride.
Our Approach to Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation in Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists provide affirming, nonjudgmental spaces where teens and young adults explore identity and orientation safely. Practices emphasize self-acceptance, coping with stigma, and building support systems. Family therapy may also be included to strengthen understanding, communication, and acceptance within the home environment.
A typical case could include one or more of the following approaches:
"I can’t believe how much my son has opened up since starting therapy. He used to shut down whenever we tried to talk, but now he actually starts conversations. This practice has been a lifeline for our family.”
Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation: Myth Vs. Fact
Myth: Teens are too young to really know who they are.
Fact: Many teens and young adults have a strong sense of identity early, and dismissing it can cause harm.
Myth: It’s “just a phase” they will outgrow.
Fact: Identity exploration is healthy and normal—not something to be ignored or minimized.
Myth: Talking about gender or sexuality will confuse them.
Fact: Open, honest conversations create safety and understanding.
Myth: Acceptance means agreeing with everything right away.
Fact: Acceptance means showing love and respect, even while learning alongside your child.
Myth: If they are not talking about it, it’s not an issue.
Fact: Silence can come from fear of judgment—they may need reassurance before opening up.
Parents Guide: How to Be an Ally at Home
Supporting your child as they explore gender identity or sexual orientation starts with creating a safe, affirming home. Teens in this stage may feel pressure to “have it all figured out” or fear judgment, so your role as a parent is crucial.
Listen more than you speak, and let them share at their own pace without pressing for details. Small gestures—using correct names or pronouns, respecting privacy, and showing interest in his experiences—go a long way. Avoid dismissing what they share as “a phase” and instead acknowledge their feelings as real and valid. Keep communication open, and don’t be afraid to admit if you’re still learning. Modeling respect, compassion, and curiosity shows them they’re not alone.
Above all, remind them that home is a place of unconditional love and acceptance—a safe base to grow, question, and thrive.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.