Affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy with transgender and gender nonconforming adults
Austin, A., Craig, S. L., & Alessi, E. (2017). Affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy with transgender and gender nonconforming adults. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(1), 141–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2016.10.003
Highlights
Background
This paper focuses on transgender affirmative cognitive behavior therapy
Transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals are a highly marginalized population subject to transphobia
An affirming and trauma-informed perspective recognizes that traumatic events and experiences may threaten TGNC clients’ sense of safety, power, and control over their lives
Trans-affirmative clinical practice acknowledges and counters the oppressive contexts of the lives of transgender individuals
Transgender-affirmative cognitive behavior therapy (TA-CBT) is a version of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that was adapted to ensure:
(1) An affirming stance toward gender diversity,
(2) Recognition and awareness of transgender-specific sources of stress,
(3) The delivery of CBT content within an affirming and trauma-informed framework
Key findings
Components of Transgender-Affirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(1) Assessment and case conceptualization
Understanding the clients’ presenting issues within the context of early learning experiences
(2) Self-regulation
Help clients achieve a relaxed body and mind before they begin to recount traumatic experiences
(3) Psychoeducation
Help clients understand CBT’s theoretical underpinnings
Help clients understand the potentially traumatic impact of transphobic discrimination and prejudice and their contribution to distress
(4) Modifying negative thinking
Identify and modify negative automatic thoughts, and intermediate and core beliefs, through trans-affirming contexts
(5) Behavioural activation
Help clients engage in specific activities when they feel like they cannot (e.g., go out and take a walk even when feeling unmotivated)
