Welcome to GETA

Gender Exploratory Therapy Association

A psychological approach to psychological distress.

GETA is a nonprofit organization that provides information and resources to families affected by gender dysphoria and the therapists who treat them. We are here because those who are exploring gender identity or struggling with their biological sex should have access to therapists who will provide thoughtful care without pushing an ideological or political agenda.

We believe that skilled, ethical exploratory therapy is appropriate for those with gender dysphoria, their families, and detransitioners.

The purest form of listening is to listen without memory or desire.

~Wilfred Bion

Start Here

The Gender Exploratory Therapy Association (GETA) exists because we see a great need arising from the current narrow framing of Gender and Gender Identity in the field of mental health and in the culture more broadly.

Clinicians

GETA is an association of therapists who believe that individuals experiencing gender-related concerns ought to be treated using a whole person approach.

Clients & Families

If you or someone you care about is suffering from gender-related distress, we offer compassionate and evidence-based resources.

Detransitioners

We offer resources and information for those who have reversed a social or medical gender transition, including referrals for therapists experienced in working with detransitioners.

Join GETA

Membership of GETA doesn’t just give you the opportunity to be listed as a gender exploratory therapist.

It also allows you to join our community of practitioners, where you can share resources, exchange ideas and build relationships.

Featured Webinar

Detransition: An introduction for therapists.

Stefan de Villiers

Friday 22nd September, 3pm EDT

This workshop provides an entry point for therapists who are interested in supporting clients who are either considering or in the process of detransitioning. Drawing on clinical practice, academic research, and personal experience, Stefan presents an overview of the social context within which detransitioners are emerging, with a special focus on a Canadian context. Stefan shares an overview of the latest research, history, key terms, themes, and controversies in gender-related healthcare, as well as a selection of mental health needs and challenges often reported among detransitioners. Also provided are recommendations for therapists on how to best support clients who are in the process of detransitioning. The workshop will be followed by a Q&A period.

Stefan is a mental health practitioner, a Registered Social Worker and holds a Master’s degree in Social Work (clinical specialization) from the University of Calgary, Canada, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies through the US-based Trauma Research Foundation. Stefan is a Certified Grief Educator and recently completed a 100-hour training in hypnosis and strategic therapy. 

Since 2018, Stefan has worked in community mental health, as well as running a small private practice alongside his wife. A trans man himself who transitioned nearly 20 years ago, Stefan has a particular interest in gender and sexuality issues. He is currently working on developing services for detransitioning adults, as well as adults who feel they were harmed by gender-related medicalization.

Please note: To preserve and protect intellectual property rights and confidentiality, outside recording of the seminar is not permitted. However, a recording will be made available to GETA members.

GETA provides a range of trainings for mental health clinicians working with young people who are questioning their identity. 

Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul. Not theories, but your own creative individuality alone must decide.

~C. G. Jung

Latest Articles

Embracing an Exploratory Approach to Gender Distress

by F. R. Garinson The first time a patient told me he was questioning his gender, I was caught like a deer in the headlights. I’d seen this patient, an adolescent, for a few sessions at that point, and he was what is known as a “tooth puller;” we hadn’t been able to...

read more

Find a Therapist

Our goal is to help prospective clients connect with therapists who agree with the tenets of the GETA membership statement.

You can find out more about individual practices by clicking on the profile.

Latest podcast from GENDER: A WIDER LENS

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