Therian Identity Support
You are welcome here
A nonjudgmental, affirming space for therians and the people who love them. Come as you are, at your own pace.
Request a ConsultationUnderstanding
Who we welcome
Therians identify as one or more nonhuman animals, partially or entirely, on a personal level. Many describe this as a long-standing, internal part of who they are.
Self-reflection
Questions to sit with
If you are wondering whether the word therian fits you, these questions may help you notice what feels true. Take your time.
- Do you feel that you are an animal on the inside, not only that you love or relate to one?
- Have you noticed times when your thoughts, senses, or feelings shift toward an animal’s, or felt sensations like a tail, ears, or claws that are not physically there?
- When you look in the mirror, does your body sometimes feel like the wrong species?
- Is there a natural place, like a forest, ocean, or marsh, where you feel more at home than anywhere else?
- Do you have a sense that you have been this animal before, or that this connection has always been part of you?
- Do you feel most like yourself when you wear something connected to your animal, like ears or a tail, or keep objects like fur, stones, or leaves close?
- Do you feel calmer, safer, or more alert when you are around animals of a certain species?
This is not a test. There is no score and no right answer, and only you can name your identity. If any of these experiences feel confusing, distressing, or hard to manage, talking with a clinician can help you sort through them at your own pace.
Good to know
Understanding therian identity
Identifying as, not only with
Loving an animal, or relating to one, is different from feeling that you are that animal. Therians describe their animal identity as part of who they are, not something they choose.
Not a costume or a character
Furries often create animal characters or costumes. Therians describe their animal identity as a core part of themselves, with or without a costume. Some people are both, and the terms are not interchangeable.
Not a spirit animal
A spirit animal is a separate, symbolic guide. A therian’s animal identity is not separate from them. The term spirit animal is tied to Native American traditions, so we use it with care.
Words you may hear
A short glossary
- Theriotype
- The animal, or animals, a therian identifies as.
- Shift
- A change in thoughts, senses, or feelings toward one’s animal identity. Some people describe sensing a tail, ears, or paws that are not physically there.
- Species dysphoria
- A feeling that one’s body is the wrong species, which can bring sadness or distress.
- Polytherian
- Someone who identifies as more than one, unrelated animal.
- Cladotherian
- Someone who identifies as a whole group of related animals.
- Paleotherian
- Someone whose theriotype is an extinct animal.
- Otherkin
- A separate community of people who identify as mythical or fictional beings.
How we can help
What we support
Your identity is not something we try to change. We focus on what you want support with.
Identity Exploration
Room to explore and understand your identity, and to grow in self-acceptance.
Stigma & Bullying
Support in navigating stigma, judgment, or bullying from others.
Family Communication
Help with conversations at home, for therians and for the family members who want to understand.
Stress & Anxiety
Support with the stress or anxiety that can come along the way.
For parents, families & providers
Supporting someone you care about
If you are concerned, or simply want to understand your loved one better, reach out to us. We can help you understand their needs and how to best support them.
We do not “fix” identity
We do not see therian identity as a problem, and we do not try to change it or take it away from the individual.
We support daily life
Our support helps the individual function in their day to day without issues.
Support looks many ways
Every person and family is different, so support can look many different ways.
Getting started
How it works
Reach Out
Request a consultation and share as much or as little as you are comfortable with.
Talk With Us
We talk through what you are looking for and answer your questions.
Begin
Start working with a clinician at a pace that feels right for you.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency. Our forms are not monitored for emergencies.
Questions
Common questions
What is Therian Identity Support at The Gentle Paw?
Therian Identity Support is a nonjudgmental, affirming space for therians and the people who love them. You can come as you are and move at your own pace.
Will a clinician try to change my identity?
No. Your identity is not something we try to change. We focus on what you want support with.
What can therians get support with?
Support can include identity exploration and self-acceptance, navigating stigma or bullying, communication with family, and the stress or anxiety that can come along the way.
Can family members of therians get support?
Yes. Parents, families, and providers can reach out if they are concerned or want to understand their loved one better. We help you understand their needs and how to best support them. We do not try to fix therian identity or see it as a problem.
Is a therian the same as a furry?
No. Furries often create animal characters or costumes. Therians describe their animal identity as a core part of who they are. Some people are both, but the terms are not interchangeable.
How do I get started?
Request a consultation and share as much or as little as you are comfortable with. We talk through what you are looking for, answer your questions, and you begin working with a clinician at a pace that feels right for you.
Ready when you are
Reach out to start a conversation. There is no pressure and no judgment.
Request a Consultation