The Experiences of Psychological Therapy Amongst People Who Identify as Transgender or Gender Non-conforming: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT We conducted a systematic review of research into transgender and gender non-conforming people’s experiences of psychological therapy. Ten studies were subjected to a thematic meta-synthesis, resulting in two analytic themes and five subthemes. One theme was concerned with participants’ experiences of how gender was approached in therapy, including experiences of it being overemphasized, ignored, or pathologized. The second theme related to participants’ views on their therapists’ identities, and their approaches to therapeutic work and social action. We argue that therapists should be mindful of issues of power in the co-creation of therapeutic relationships and that therapists should discuss with clients about whether and how gender is discussed within therapy.