Introduction to the Special Section on Group Psychotherapy and Gender Identity

Abstract

ABSTRACT This introduction to the special section of this issue of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy provides context for the articles that follow. I discuss how recent events (both within and outside of the American Group Psychotherapy Association) highlight the need for an ongoing discussion about how group psychotherapists have a duty to provide ethical and affirming care of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. I then provide a brief overview of some foundational terms and constructs related to gender identity and briefly review the existing literature before previewing the two articles in the special section that focus on ethical issues in group psychotherapy with TGNC individuals (Darby, this issue, 2020) and in providing affirming group psychotherapy (Chen et al., this issue, 2020). I conclude with recommendations for readers to gain additional knowledge, awareness, and skills related to gender identity and to working with TGNC clients in group psychotherapy.