Citation

Austin A, Craig SL. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 2015; 46(1): 21-29.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/a0038642

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Transgender individuals report pervasive discrimination, microaggressions, and victimization across the life span, contributing to disparate rates of suicide, anxiety, and depression. Clinical interventions must be empirically supported and affirming, competently and sensitively attending to the effect of transphobic discrimination on the lives and experiences of transgender people. Transgender affirmative clinical practice acknowledges and counters the oppressive contexts in which transgender clients often experience health and mental health care. The primary aim of this article is to introduce a transgender-affirming adaptation of a cognitive behavior therapy intervention (TA-CBT) for use with transgender individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and/or suicidality. Clinical considerations such as the historical context of transgender issues in mental health care, the minority stress framework, current mental health disparities, and resilience will be explored. Transgender-affirming practice applications focused on psychoeducation, modifying problematic thinking styles, enhancing social support, and preventing suicidality will be provided. © 2015 American Psychological Association.

Language: en

Keywords

Transgender; Cognitive behavior therapy; Gender identity; Affirmative practice