The Experiences of Transgendered Persons in Psychotherapy: Voices and Recommendations

Abstract

This study explored the therapeutic alliance and satisfaction between transgender clients and their therapists. The design was qualitative and heuristically based. Seven transgendered participants who had lived full-time as their non-natal gender for at least three months and who had spent at least the majority of a course of therapy discussing their current gender identity were recruited. Interviews were semistructured, and each was transcribed verbatim. Three levels of coding were used for analysis: seven individual depictions in narrative form, a single composite depiction bringing together similarities between the experiences of the participants, and a single exemplary depiction of critical themes. Results suggest that the participants did not experience many of the heterosexist, sexist, and pathologizing biases described in previous studies. Rather, they described supportive and affirming relationships with their therapists. Some participants had had negative experiences with previous therapists. Participants called for further training and education for therapists and other helping professionals. Implications for theory, research, practice, and policy are explored.

Transgender Parents and Their Adult Children's Experiences of Disclosure and Transition

“…In particular, they noted that mental health professionals in general did not seem to have sufficient knowledge of transgender issues and were unable to provide resources or referrals for additional help. This is consistent with research showing the historical discrimination against transgender clients by mental health professionals (Benson, 2013) and supports the need for increased clinical practice and supervision for therapists working with the transgender community (Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling [ALGBTIC] Transgender Committee, 2010;Bess & Stabb, 2009). Presently, most mental health professionals do not receive training specific to sex and gender identity (Lev, 2004).…”

Workplace Aggression: Toward Social Justice and Advocacy in Counseling for Transgender Individuals

“…Based on previous research, many transgender employees encounter a number of workplace challenges, including harassment, employment discrimination (Broadus, 2006;Kirk & Belovics, 2008;Lombardi et al, 2001), and physical violence (Bess & Stabb, 2009;Xavier et al, 2005). Therefore, it is important that professional counselors are knowledgeable of laws that protect transgender individuals from employment discrimination.…”

“…As a result of the lack of preparation among counselors, transgender individuals are an underserved population and isolated to deal with social stigma (Bess & Stabb, 2009). Therefore, it is essential that counselors use the challenges and feelings of limitations or incompetence as opportunities to gain knowledge about transgender issues in the workplace, employment, and career development.…”

MTF Transgender Christians’ Experiences: A Qualitative Study

“…On the other hand, when doing a search for literature available to date regarding the potential interactions between one's faith or religious identity and genderidentity status, the leading databases only contain a small handful of entries. In other words, though the experiences of transgender persons have been explored to some extent (Bess & Stabb, 2009;Kirk & Belovics, 2008), and though there are resources available for counseling transgender persons (Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling [ALBGTIC], 2009;Carroll, Gilroy, & Ryan, 2002;Korell & Lorah, 2007), very few scholars have delved into the depths of what it means to be transgender and to espouse a particular religious worldview. This statement is made not to directly compare sexual identity issues with transgender concerns, as Bancroft (2008) indicated, "the interaction between gender identity and sexual orientation remains seemingly complex and ill understood" (p. 427).…”

“…Although there is no current consensus about a stage process of development among those who identify as transgender, there do appear to be certain experiences that can be anticipated-be they feelings, motivations, thoughts, actions, and so forth. Bess and Stabb (2009) detailed their qualitative investigation of the experiences of transgender individuals in the therapeutic setting. Although they quoted one of their interviewees as pointing to God for creating her the way she was, the authors failed to discuss any potential spiritual or religious implications this type of declaration could have for a client in the therapeutic process.…”