The Social Model: A Lens for Counseling Transgender Individuals with Disabilities

Abstract

Transgender individuals who are disabled represent a diverse cultural minority with a rich layer of unmet clinical service needs related to discrimination and oppression in various contexts. This article will review the unique experiences of trans-disabled persons who must manage multiple identities while navigating numerous attitudinal and structural barriers. A multipronged model of working effectively with trans-disabled individuals is proposed to train mental health professionals to (a) examine the stages of trans-disabled identity formation, (b) utilize the social model as a theoretical framework to identify and address societal barriers for trans-disabled clients, and (c) deliver trans-disability affirmative therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• transgender
• disability identity
• affirmative therapy