MK Counseling Services | Pittsburgh, PA
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IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT

Oppositional Defiance In Children

Identity Development

Being a boy or a girl, for most children, is something that feels very natural. At birth, babies are assigned male or female based on physical characteristics. When children are able to express themselves, they will declare themselves to be a boy or a girl (or sometimes something in between); this is their "gender identity." Most children's gender identity aligns with their biological sex. However, for some children, the match between biological sex and gender identity is not so clear.

Symptoms Of Identity Development

  • When your child discloses his or her identity to you, respond in an affirming, supportive way. Understand that although gender identity and sexuality are not able to be changed, the way people identify their sexual orientation or gender identity may change over time as they discover more about themselves.
  • Accept and love your child as they are. They will need your support and validation to develop into healthy teens and adults. 
  • Stand up for your child when he or she is mistreated. Do not minimize the social pressure or bullying your child may be facing. See How You Can Help Your Child Avoid & Address Bullying.  
  • Make it clear that slurs or jokes based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not tolerated. Express your disapproval of these types of jokes or slurs when you encounter them in the community or media. 
  • Connect your child with LGBTQ organizations, resources, and events. It is important for them to know they are not alone.
  • Support your child's self-expression through choices of clothing, jewelry, hairstyle, friends, and room decoration.

"Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened."

- DR. SEUSS

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MK Counseling Services
​135 Cumberland Rd.
Suite 102
​Pittsburgh, PA 15237
​
(412) 999-2244

Helpful Links For Identity Development

  • ​HealthyChildren.org - Specializes in the health of children and includes gender non-conforming & transgender children​
  • The Family Acceptance Project™ - A research, intervention, education and policy initiative that works to prevent health and mental health risks for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) children and youth
  • PFLAG.org - PFLAG is a branch of LGBT that provides support, information, tools, and resources to parents.

Resources

We provide great information and resources to help meet your needs.
What To Expect From Counselling

What To Expect

Great for first time patients and parents.
Psychological Intake Form

Printable Forms

Save time by filling out forms in advance
Mental Health Questions and Answers

Common Questions

Answers to question or concerns you may have.

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MK Counseling Services
135 Cumberland Rd
Suite 102
​Pittsburgh, PA 15237

(412) 999-2244

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  • Home
  • About The Practice
    • About The Counselors
    • Rates
    • Privacy Policy
  • Mental Health
    • Depression
    • Gambling Addiction
    • Bipolar Disorders
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
    • Panic Disorders
    • Phobias
    • Borderline Personality
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Eating Disorders
    • Anorexia & Bulimia
    • Therapy Specialties >
      • Family Counseling
      • Personal Growth >
        • Self Esteem
        • Children & Adolescents >
          • Anxiety Disorders
          • Mood Disorders
          • Identity Development
          • ADHD
          • Separation Anxiety Disorder
          • Depression
        • Life Transitions
        • Social Skills
        • Stress Management
        • Body Image
      • Coping Skills >
        • Grief Counseling
        • Self-Harming
        • Chronic Impulsivity
        • Somatic Complaints
        • Anger Management
  • Resources
    • What To Expect
    • Helpful Links
    • Common Questions
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Book Appointment