Working with Transgender Survivors

Abstract

The transgender community experiences a disproportionate level of lifelong abuse and trauma (Mizock & Lewis, 2008). Surviving trauma and managing the complexity of gender variance can be a profound challenge; however, there is limited clinical literature that addresses how best to understand and treat this complex and diverse population. The intrapsychic and interpersonal demands of identity, relationships, and body for transgender survivors are powerful and can be overwhelming. This article seeks to: (a) identify a self-psychology-based framework for understanding the impact of trauma, (b) identify clinical themes and symptoms associated with trauma in the context of gender variance, and (c) explore the treatment role, relationship, and possible course of treatment.

KEYWORDS:

• transgender
• trauma
• self-psychology
• gender variance
• survivor
• hormone-replacement therapy