Transgender Group Therapy

The term “transgender” is relatively new, in fact, it was only in 1952 that the announcement of the first transsexual reassignment surgery made national headlines. Transgender refers to individuals who express their non-conforming differences in relation to society’s boy or girl conceptualization of gender from birth. This term encompasses all human beings who identify as crossdressers, drag queens/kings, transmen, transwomen, masculine women, feminine men, and people who are born with ambiguous genitalia. A study by the Williams Institute, (2016) estimated that over 1.4 million Americans consider themselves transgender and contends this estimate is likely low. The DSM 5 includes transgender under the diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria but aims
Vikram Kolmannskog (2014), an openly gay therapist in Oslo Norway, purported that the Gestalt approach to group therapy could be utilized with transgender clients. He reports that “phenomenology is the overall method in Gestalt therapy.” (p. 248) This process concentrates on the consciousness and direct experience. The case study of group therapy followed protocol in that each potential member was personally screened by the leader, a purpose for the group was clearly established as well as every meeting met with a purpose and was guided appropriately. It was reported that participants sought out similarities in each other in the very first group stages which speaks to direct experiences. The ability to share their story and to be referred to as the gender they identify with was extremely beneficial. Participants reported further success when working with concept of polarities and understanding that a person can be multiple things at once - there is no either or scenario. Dr. Kolmannskog also utilized the more current transgender model which he says “is based on the understanding of a continuum.” (p. 258) This group flourished because importance was given to their personal experiences, however, several members chose to continue in individual therapy for the deep and challenging issues they were experiencing. Jacobs et. al (2016) cautions therapists utilizing Gestalt techniques as these tend to elicit deeper emotions and counselors need to be
They recruited 16 group members from the school and local community for twelve closed group 90 minute sessions. Co-facilitators worked to insure group cohesion in the initial sessions and identified goals. It was key to emphasize confidentiality and establish trust with the leaders and well as with group members. It was reported in 2013 that transitioning and coming out were the main topics of concern and which caused the most distress among members. Heck et. al, (2015) concluded by encouraging psychologists to consider psychotherapy groups for transgenders in their community and consider ways that they can facilitate meeting the needs of these individuals and their families by utilizing group