A Narrative Approach to Helping Families and Their Children Who Identify as Transgender or Gender Nonconforming

Authors

Samantha Klassen-Bolding

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2018

Publisher

Mississippi Counseling Association

Source Publication

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

Abstract

Counselors can help families of transgender or gender nonconforming youth adjust after a child or adolescent expresses differences in gender identity. We propose a community based narrative group therapy which may increase family cohesion and acceptance within the changing family dynamic. The program is psychoeducational and experiential, lasting eight sessions, and begins with psychoeducation about transgender individuals and heteronormative societies. It culminates in re-authoring and witnessing the family’s story in a manner which honors the youth’s gender identity. We propose this program as a strategy for helping practitioners connect diverse LGBTQ+ families with other families experiencing similar transitions.

Comments

Published version. The Journal of Counseling Research and Practice, Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018): 85-98. Publisher link. This article is © Mississippi Counseling Association. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Klassen-Bolding, Samantha, "A Narrative Approach to Helping Families and Their Children Who Identify as Transgender or Gender Nonconforming" (2018). College of Education Faculty Research and Publications. 534.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/edu_fac/534