The writer is concerned that analysts and therapists are becoming “cheerleaders for transition”, “discarding basic principles of psychotherapeutic care… validating the self-diagnosis of transgender after a handful of therapy sessions, without any exploration of prior mental health issues, trauma, sexual orientation, or history of gender nonconforming behavior”.
“When a trans-identified person is asked how they know they are transgender, they are usually unable to answer the questions without reference to sex role stereotypes.” But exploring this, or other issues surrounding transitioning, will probably get the therapist labelled as a bigot.
Lisa Marchiano, LCSW, is a Jungian analyst. She blogs at theJungSoul.com (Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/thejungsoul), and can also be found on Twitter @LisaMarchiano.
Lisa’s thoughtful essay stands in stark contrast to the simplistic advice we see from self-declared gender therapists like this one. For the perspective of another therapist skeptical of the “gender affirmative” approach, see this post by Lane Anderson, a former therapist for trans-identified teens who quit her joblast year due to ethical concerns.
Lisa would like to thank Miranda Yardley, ThirdWayTrans, and Carey Callahan for their contributions to this post. Though these three individuals were generous in sharing their time and expertise, the views expressed here are Lisa’s own.
Lisa is available to respond to your remarks and questions in the comments section of this post.
by Lisa Marchiano
As a social worker and a Jungian analyst, I have become increasingly concerned about the…
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