Course

What is involved for a psychological therapist or counsellor to work constructively and supportively with a client who is trans, given the history of trans identities being pathologised? 

UK law and professional ethical frameworks require counsellors to be aware of diversity issues that impact their clients. This means considering the implications for therapy of the ways that trans identities are often undermined in healthcare and during everyday life. This evidence-informed short course is based on findings from ICTA (Integrating Care for Trans Adults), a large-scale qualitative study of trans people's experiences of healthcare, including mental health services and therapy. 

ICTA was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This research highlights the possibility of harm from practitioners based on lack of cultural competence. The course gives practitioners a foundation in developing competencies and best practice to work with trans people, and encourages them to reflect on their own biases and assumptions, as well as being mindful of the missteps that can be made when approaching this client group.

This course was developed with and approved by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

The collection this course is part of includes materials on the current social and legal context for trans adults and the implications for healthcare, a topic of relevance to all the courses in the collection.