From Absence of Microaggressions to Seeing Authentic Gender: Transgender Clients’ Experiences with Microaffirmations in Therapy

Abstract

Although mental health disparities for transgender individuals are well documented, a number of obstacles exist for receiving affirming therapy. To provide an understanding of transgender peoples’ help-seeking experiences, the present study aimed to investigate their positive experiences of identity microaffirmations within a therapeutic relationship. Sixty-four transgender participants answered an open-ended question online regarding their experience of gender identity–based affirmations in therapy. Using thematic analysis, responses were evaluated and four main themes were identified: (1) absence of microaggressions, (2) acknowledging cisnormativity, (3) disrupting cisnormativity, and (4) seeing authentic gender. Implications for therapeutic work with transgender clients are discussed.

Keywords:

• Cisnormativity
• gender identity
• microaffirmations
• psychotherapy
• transgender

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Note

Notes

1 We use transgender or trans as an inclusive umbrella term for individuals who identify with a gender different from their assigned gender.