Is affirmation acceptance? A person-centered look at gender-affirming therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Person-centered therapists and scholars can benefit from consideration of the growing visibility of, interest in, and need for understanding trans identities, trans experiences, and gender-affirming therapy. Use of terminology and perceptions are fast changing and affected by one’s generation. Recommendations for person-centered practices often emerge from qualitative research with experts who work with trans persons. Literature on working with trans persons has been increasing within the person-centered approach, and suggests a central role for sincere understanding and accepting the unique phenomenology of trans persons, but also for affirming their identities. This manuscript reviews this literature and encourages person-centered therapists and scholars to focus on unconditional positive regard, the as-if aspect of empathy, and emphasis on self-awareness and extensionality to balance the literature’s call for agreement, immersion, and self-disclosure. Trans and cis persons may particularly benefit from the empowerment of person-centered therapy, not just affirmation or person-centered components diluted by agreements.