Affirmative Counseling and Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients

Book excerpt: This clinical guide reviews theory-based strategies for affirmative, competent practice with transgender and gender nonconforming clients of different ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religious backgrounds. Readers will learn how to develop collaborative, client-driven partnerships to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Less than 30% of psychologists report familiarity with transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) clients' needs. The clients, in turn, report a lack of support in their gender journeys. There is clearly a large gap in knowledge, skill, and competence in this area of practice. This clinical guide aims to fill that gap by providing mental health practitioners with an affirmative approach that emphasizes a collaborative partnership guided by client-driven goals. An expert panel of contributors teaches readers strategies for working with a diverse array of TGNC clients, including adolescents, older adults, parents, and people of color. Client factors, including sexual orientation, religious and spiritual beliefs, and traumatic experiences, are also given special attention. Readers will learn how to address the impact of the injustices TGNC people face in everyday life, work with clients' strengths to enhance their resilience and coping skills, and advocate for their rights to obtain mental and physical health services. Readers will also learn how to negotiate complex issues, such as interdisciplinary care, ethical and legal obligations, and gender-affirming surgeries and medications. Contributors draw from evidence-based theories and APA's Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People to help readers meet the latest standards of care.