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Identity issues occur when a person feels unsure about who they are. This uncertainty often centres around one or more of the many different facets that make us human, such as personality, preferences, values, culture, sexuality, gender, world beliefs or even our life purpose. Additionally, personal experiences where one’s identity has not been affirmed can contribute further to feelings of confusion about who we are.
Experiencing identity issues is quite common, and occur for many of us during changes in life stages (especially during adolescence and early adulthood), major life transitions or when facing societal or personal pressures. Factors like cultural background, the predominant societal views of those around you, your social support system and family dynamics can all influence these struggles.
Experiencing issues with identity can affect mental health by causing feelings of confusion, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
Being unsure about who you are or where you fit in can lead to stress and worry. You might also feel like you are constantly searching for answers or trying to be someone you are not, which can make it hard to feel satisfied with yourself. Identity issues might also strain your relationships with others, because you do not feel fully comfortable being “yourself” around them.
Overall, identity issues can take quite a toll on your mental wellbeing. If uncertainty about your identity has become significantly distressing, seeking support from a mental health practitioner can help you to manage these challenges.
Identity issues can be as a result of or related to mental health issues such as the experience of trauma in our childhood (complex trauma) or personality issues such as Borderline Personality Disorder.
When seeking help in dealing with identity issues, the clinicians at Cova Psychology will provide you with a warm, safe, and accepting space, and will collaborate with you in forming a treatment plan that will likely draw upon the following evidence-based therapeutic approaches for identity issues:
During sessions, your clinician will use these therapeutic modalities to guide you through exploring your own internal experiences relating to the area/s of your identity that you are unsure of. This may involve gaining a deeper understanding of your core values and identifying what the root causes of the identity issues are, through uncovering how different events and relationships have shaped your sense of self and personal life narrative. Please be assured that all clinicians at Cova Psychology aim to be identity affirming at all times, and celebrate people of all religions, ethnicities, genders and sexual identities.
Treatment for identity issues may include some of the following:
If you or a loved one are experiencing identity issues or confusion in this space, our Melbourne psychologists and trauma therapists are here to help. Get in touch with our friendly reception team to book an appointment. Contact us by:
We are available for both face to face and telehealth sessions.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Don't let your struggles hold you back. Call us.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist.
Let’s discuss your needs and match you with the right Melbourne psychologist
Acknowledgement of Country
Cova Psychology acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where our Melbourne CBD practice is located—the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong/Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation. We pay respect to their Elders, past and present, as well as the Elders of other Aboriginal communities in Melbourne and beyond.
We Welcome all People
We Work With
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the practice is located. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal Elders of other communities who may be here today.
