Counselling transgender individuals: Issues and considerations.


Transgender individuals represent a unique population whose voices are often lost within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) population. Being transgender challenges the assumptions that people may make regarding sex and gender as they do not adhere to a gender binary. Transgender individuals experience unique life challenges and are at risk for violence as well as mental health concerns, including suicide. With an increase in awareness regarding transgender individuals, as well as recent changes to policies and treatment, it is important that counsellors are aware of this population and the challenges they face. Transgender individuals are often combined with other sexual minorities; however, although they may identify as homosexual and experience homophobia, they also experience transphobia because of their gender identity. The potential for multiple forms of violence, combined with a lack of safe and appropriate supports, can lead to the potential for serious harm and damage among this population. Therefore, counsellors should work toward developing competencies and awareness in how to best serve this population. This article addresses many of the key issues and counselling recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)