Identity Process Treatment Model for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients

ABSTRACT

The Identity Process Treatment Model for transgender and gender-nonconforming clients addresses an important development in the identity development models. Specifically, this theory and treatment model provide an alternative or adjunct to existing stage theories. Unique to this model is the ability to understand how the client’s identity is impacted by their day-to-day experiences. We propose that clients adopt an identity style that they rely upon in most situations. In this model we discuss three different identity styles and the style that is expected to be the most adaptable and to promote psychological health across time. A six-step treatment model is provided to guide clinicians providing service to transgender and gender-nonconforming clients. These steps include an assessment period, conceptualizing the client’s identity style, providing psychoeducation to both the client and support system, working toward a more balanced identity style, and consolidating the learning.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Marty A. Cooper

Marty A. Cooper, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of mental health counseling in the Department of Psychology at State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury. Dr. Cooper received his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Seton Hall University. His primary research focuses on intersectionality of multiple minority statuses with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ identities.

Seojung Jung

Seojung Jung, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychology at State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury. Dr. Jung received her Ph.D. in applied developmental psychology from Fordham University. Her primary research focuses on psychosocial resources and mechanisms associated with optimal aging with emphasis on individuals’ subjective experiences of aging across the life span.

Jamie L. Gordon

Jamie L. Gordon, M.A., MHC-LP, is an assistant counselor at Northwell Health’s South Oaks Hospital. Jamie received her master’s degree in general psychology at Adelphi University and an additional master’s degree in mental health counseling at State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury. Her primary research focuses on identifying underresearched populations, while providing therapeutic guidelines and interventions for clinicians to refer to.