Cisgender Professional Counselors’ Experiences with Trans* Clients

Supporting young people to manage gender-related distress using third-wave cognitive behavioural theory, ideas and practice

“…Research literature suggests that mental health professionals working with gender diverse individuals may worry about ‘getting it wrong’, for example saying the wrong thing about gender to clients or colleagues (e.g. Canvin, 2020; Salpietro et al, 2019). Given the current socio-political context around gender care for young people, and the long waiting times for support from our service (Gender Identity Development Service, 2021), we can understand why CAMHS clinicians may worry about ‘getting it wrong’.…”

Mental health practitioners’ narratives about gender transition and the role of diagnosis: A qualitative study in the Italian context

“…These actions could help promote a new image of the mental health practitioner dealing with gender transition: A practitioner who is able to fulfil a function other than the classification and decision‐making involved in the medicalisation process (Bryant, 2006). Such a practitioner would be a promoter of change and recognition of the identity the trans person desires to affirm, capable of recognising and empowering others as experts in their own history and biography, and able to accept with confidence the value of professional and personal responsibility (ACA, 2010; Faccio et al., 2020; Iudici et al., 2017; Lev, 2004; Neri et al., 2020; Salpietro et al., 2019; Vitelli & Riccardi, 2010).…”

“…Several studies have focused on the diagnostic process involved in gender transition, but there is little research on how trans people and mental health practitioners deal with gender dysphoria in the clinical setting. Some scholars have investigated trans people's negative feelings regarding the psychological pathway or consultation, and practitioners’ attitude to the experience they narrate (Benson, 2013; Bettergarcia & Israel, 2018; Goldberg et al., 2019; Moe & Sparkman, 2015; Salpietro et al., 2019; Shipherd et al., 2010). Others have explored how the practitioner is represented as a ‘gatekeeper’ and the consultation as a hurdle to be overcome to access health services (Budge, 2015; Grant et al., 2010; Whitehead et al., 2012).…”

Deconstructing cissexism: The journey of becoming an affirmative family therapist for transgender and nonbinary clients

“…The second step of this critical self‐exploration process involves acknowledging that cisgender privilege and binary advantage not only exist but also shape experiences of everyday life and society at large. Cisgender family therapists need to then move beyond mere acknowledgment of the existence of privilege to recognizing the substantial benefits they personally receive from living in a cissexist society (Salpietro et al, 2019). This step is essential because, as with all types of oppression, the discrimination experienced by transgender and nonbinary communities is inherently linked to and amplified by the advantages granted to cisgender persons by a cissexist society (McGeorge & Carlson, 2011).…”

“…Personal actions could further include seeking information and engaging in self-education about the lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary individuals as well as the current diagnostic standards that limit access to gender affirmation medical procedures (e.g., surgeries to align one's body with their gender identity, hormonal therapies, etc. ; Salpietro et al, 2019). Although it is important to acknowledge that many members of transgender and nonbinary communities do not seek to engage in medical transitions (Austin et al, 2017), for those who do, therapists are frequently the gatekeepers to medical services (Coolhart et al, 2013;.…”