This empowering self-help guide provides advice and strategies for trans and/or non-binary people on a range of common mental health issues including anxiety, depression, body image, trauma, suicidal thoughts and dissociation. It provides advice on neutralising negative thoughts, coping with transphobia, coming out, dealing with imposter syndrome, and implementing achievable self-care strategies and mindfulness techniques. Whether you are in a crisis or just looking for ways to improve your life, this reassuring guide is there for you to use in the way that helps you the most, regardless of where you are in your transition, or if you decide not to transition in conventional ways. Combining therapeutic expertise alongside first-hand experience, the book also highlights the importance of understanding and being proud of who you are, to help you live life to the fullest.
Katy Lees is a non-binary, person-centred therapist and writer. They have worked in adult mental health services throughout their adult life in various positions, and are now in their own private psychotherapy practice.
1. Hello, You! 2. A Bit About Me 3. Self-Care 4. Trauma 5. Depression 6. Anxiety 7. Self-Harm 8. Body Image 9. Dissociation 10. When You Can't Go On 11. There's Help Out There 12. Further Reading
An empowering self-help guide for trans and/or non-binary people setting out advice and strategies on a range of common mental health issues
Katy Lees has produced an excellent book to assist trans people with their mental health. Their easy to read guide includes straightforward information about various theoretical models and approaches, with useful strategies, tips and techniques to aid readers to manage challenges such as self-harm, shame, depression, trauma and much more. -- Dr Jos Twist, Clinical Psychologist We're living through a tough time indeed - particularly for trans folk - and most of us are feeling the toll it's taking on our mental health. Katy Lees provides just the kind of friendly voice, and helping hand, we need at such times, reminding us why we're struggling, and helping us to find what will work for get us through the hardest moments, whatever form those take. With plenty of practical suggestions and a lot of kindness, this book is just the resource trans people need right now. -- Meg-John Barker, author of Hell Yeah Self-Care. I wish someone had handed me this book ten years ago. In compassionate, accessible language Lees sets down what it takes many trans people decades to find out: that we are unique, valuable and loved, and it does get better. I can already tell that this book's lucid, practical advice is going to help so many people - I can't wait to recommend it to everyone I know! -- Eris Young, author of They/Them/Their This is such a useful book, looking at the mental health struggles of trans people in both a systemic and a personal way, with flexible and creative approaches to self-care and a very community-based conceptualisation of healing. The book doesn't flinch away from how hard it is being trans in the UK right now, and looking closely at the ways in which our mental health can be impacted. I appreciated that it doesn't give easy answers but still creates a wealth of resources. The self disclosure of the author also humanised the book and gave it a vibe of "we are all struggling with this, here's a few things that can help", which made it affirming and encouraging without being patronising. There is also an incredible resource list at the end of the book and a practical guide to seeking therapy and other forms of help. -- Sam Hope, author of Person-Centred Counselling for Trans and Gender Diverse People This straightforward, accessible book is a great guide to techniques that you can use to improve your mental health even if you don't have access to counselling or support. It addresses key issues facing trans and non-binary people with clarity and understanding, explaining how common they are and what you can do to feel better. Do try this at home. -- Jennie Kermode, author
