Is affirmation acceptance? A person-centered look at gender-affirming therapy

Abstract

Person-centered therapists and scholars can benefit from consideration of the growing visibility of, interest in, and need for understanding trans identities, trans experiences, and gender-affirming therapy. Use of terminology and perceptions are fast changing and affected by one’s generation. Recommendations for person-centered practices often emerge from qualitative research with experts who work with trans persons. Literature on working with trans persons has been increasing within the person-centered approach, and suggests a central role for sincere understanding and accepting the unique phenomenology of trans persons, but also for affirming their identities. This manuscript reviews this literature and encourages person-centered therapists and scholars to focus on unconditional positive regard, the as-if aspect of empathy, and emphasis on self-awareness and extensionality to balance the literature’s call for agreement, immersion, and self-disclosure. Trans and cis persons may particularly benefit from the empowerment of person-centered therapy, not just affirmation or person-centered components diluted by agreements.

Department(s)

School of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1080/14779757.2023.2273992

Keywords

gender-affirming, person-centered therapy, Trans, transgender

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Journal Title

Person Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies

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