Many people with trans loved ones aren’t sure how to help them when it comes to getting them mental health care. They may not be familiar with the needs of a trans person. Luckily, therapeutic interventions exist that help trans individuals feel comfortable throughout the treatment process. In order to help your trans loved one, we’ll discuss the healthcare barriers that exist as well as psychotherapy approaches to consider.
Healthcare Struggles for Trans Individuals
According to the 2015 Report of the Transgender Survey put out by the National Center for Transgender Equality, trans people face many barriers to treatment. In the year prior, 33% of trans individuals who saw a healthcare professional in the previous year experienced at least one negative incident related to their gender identity. Meanwhile, 23% of all respondents didn’t see a doctor when necessary because they feared harassment and discrimination.
With these things in mind, it’s important to find welcoming, affirming, effective treatment facilities for trans people. If your trans loved one needs mental health treatment, the following psychotherapy approaches can help them feel more comfortable.
Gender-Affirming Therapy
Therapists for trans individuals need to use the gender-affirming therapy (GAT) approach. GAT provides a safe space for healing. Rather than pathologizing gender identity, GAT practitioners affirm an individual’s gender identity. They use the individual’s correct pronouns and identity terms, even if they change over time.
With GAT, no pressure or expectations are placed on the trans individual to be a certain person. They’re allowed to grow and change over time in whatever way feels most authentic to themselves. Their gender identity also isn’t conflated with their whole personhood.
GAT practitioners also educate themselves on how trans issues interact with other parts of life. They commit themselves to continually learning. Moreover, they don’t place the expectation on the trans individual to explain LGBTQIA+ topics.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
In addition to GAT approaches, trauma-informed therapy can help trans individuals. Our society systematically disadvantages and discriminates against trans people. This becomes even more prevalent when a trans person also falls into another marginalized group.
Due to this, most trans people have experienced trauma of some sort, changing in nature based on other factors. An intersectional approach is necessary to understand the full scope of a person’s trauma. Once a therapist understands the complex factors of the person’s trauma, they can help the individual work through the impact.
If your trans loved one is struggling with mental illness, you can help them find quality care. Facilities with gender-affirming therapy and trauma-informed therapy offer the best care for trans individuals. At The Guest House, we offer the best care to individuals from all backgrounds. Our therapists all specialize in trauma-informed therapy that can help trans individuals work through their past experiences. Additionally, our 52-acre estate offers space for reflection and peace. When your loved one is ready to take steps forward in their healing journey, call us at (855) 483-7800.