Gender Dysphoria: A Therapeutic Model for Working with Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

The number of children and young people who identify as gender dysphoric, or trans, is increasing rapidly. This book provides a psychoanalytic framework to help clinicians understand, assess, and treat gender dysphoria, with clinical examples and an overview of the political, social, and clinical environments that impact clinical care. It is intended for clinicians, parents, other professionals, and potentially the gender dysphoric person.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 May 2021
Publisher: Phoenix Publishing House

In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the number of children and young individuals who self-identify as gender dysphoric or trans. This trend is observed not only in the UK but also globally. When these individuals express confusion or distress regarding their biological sex or gender identity, they are increasingly referred to specialist gender services. Due to the growing demand and pressures on the system, patients are being offered life-altering medication and surgical treatments, often without thorough exploration of their emotional well-being.

Given the limited knowledge and understanding of this increase in gender incongruent patients, it is premature to proceed with physical treatments before conducting comprehensive assessment work. Many individuals who present as gender dysphoric have complex needs, including comorbid conditions such as autism, histories of abuse or trauma, social phobias, depression, eating disorders, and other mental health symptoms. Therefore, a holistic and comprehensive approach is essential to address all aspects of their lives.

This book is designed primarily for clinicians working in the field of gender dysphoria. It aims to provide a comprehensive model for understanding, assessing, and treating gender dysphoria. The model utilizes a psychoanalytic framework to explore disturbed states of mind and how psychic defenses can be unconsciously employed to mitigate overwhelming psychic pain. This approach offers professionals a way to engage with and offer understanding to their trans-identifying clients. Clinical examples are provided to illustrate these processes and enhance the understanding of transgender children, adolescents, and young individuals and their internal worlds, thinking, and interpersonal relationships.

In addition to clinical exploration and understanding, the book also includes an extensive bibliography that provides further resources for professionals and researchers interested in this field. It serves as a valuable tool for those seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in working with gender dysphoric individuals.

Overall, this book aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge and understanding of gender dysphoria, providing a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and individuals seeking to better support and advocate for transgender children, adolescents, and young people.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912691784