Abstract
Emerging global research suggests that transgender people experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes, as well as higher rates of discrimination in healthcare settings. To explore this in an Australian context, a qualitative research project was undertaken to explore the helpful and unhelpful therapy experiences of six transgender Australians. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, four master themes emerged from the interview data, two of which are explored in depth. The research brings valuable insight into working towards positive outcomes with transgender clients with suggestions for changes in clinical practice for mental healthcare providers, education, training and future research.
Highlights
Transgender individuals are facing multiple forms of personal and systematic discrimination in Australia
Results from the current study clearly indicated that therapists should take care to use language that accurately reflects the name and gender of their client, as well as being careful not to make heteronormative assumptions about their partners or lives
The aim of the current study was to examine the unique stories of a small sample of transgender Australian individuals
Summary
Transgender individuals are facing multiple forms of personal and systematic discrimination in Australia. Taking into consideration that this growing population experience higher levels of mental health issues due to minority stress, and are required to have frequent interactions with mental health providers, it is important to ensure that psychological services provided are inclusive, welcoming and have positive therapeutic outcomes. This qualitative study examines the experiences of therapy for transgender Australians.
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