Transgender affirmative cognitive behavioural therapy: Clinical considerations and applications

AFFIRM
Written By INQYR

Austin, A., & Craig, S. L. (2015). Transgender* affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: Clinical considerations and applications. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0038642

Highlights

Background

  • Transgender individuals report pervasive discrimination, microaggressions, and victimization across the lifespan, 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

Study Description

This article introduces a transgender-affirming adaptation of a cognitive behaviour therapy intervention (TA-CBT) for use with transgender individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, and/or suicidality.

Key findings

Clinical considerations include:

  • Creating a trans-affirmative culture (e.g., using gender-neutral language and/or preferred terminology)

  • Understanding the effect of transphobic discrimination on mental health

  • Acknowledging mental health disparities for transgender populations

  • Recognizing resilience among transgender individuals and heterogeneity within transgender community

 TA-CBT applications include:

  • Psychoeducation

  • Modifying problematic thinking styles

  • Preventing hopelessness and suicidality

  • Enhancing social support and connectedness

 
INQYR
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