An initial study of transgender people's experiences of seeking and receiving counselling or psychotherapy in the UK

Abstract

Background: There are no published empirical research studies exploring transgender people's experiences of seeking and receiving counselling or psychotherapy outside of gender identity clinics within the UK. As a result, counsellors know little about why transgender people seek counselling, who they seek counselling from, and what their experiences are of receiving counselling. Aim: To address this gap in the literature, this study investigated transgender people's experiences of seeking and receiving counselling or psychotherapy outside of gender identity clinics within the UK. Funding for this study was provided by a BACP Seedcorn grant. Method: A mixed method small‐scale qualitative research design was employed, comprising an online survey and five semi‐structured interviews. Findings: Participants tended to seek counselling on two or more occasions and received between 2 and 12 sessions. Participants sought counselling for common psychological concerns as well as gender identity and coming out issues. A fear of being discriminated against and exploring gender for the first time were significant barriers in seeking help. Participants reported mixed experiences of counselling but valued a therapeutic relationship in which they felt affirmed, listened to and understood. Discussion: The findings from this study mirror aspects of previous research conducted in the USA concerning transgender clients' experiences of counselling. However, these findings point to the importance of recognising the potential vulnerability transgender clients experience when seeking counselling and the need for therapists to develop greater awareness, knowledge and competence regarding working with transgender clients.

Australian mental health professionals’ competencies for working with trans clients: a comparative study

“…Yet previous research suggests that many trans people have negative experiences with mental health care providers (e.g., del Pozo de Bolger, Jones, Dunstan, & Lykins, 2014;Ellis, Bailey, & MacNeil, 2015; McNeil, Bailey, Ellis, Morton, & Regan, 2012;Riggs, Coleman, & Due, 2014). Specifically, trans people have reported that some professionals may lack experience or skills for working with trans clients (Ellis, et al, 2015;Sperber, Landers, & Lawrence, 2005), and may lack knowledge and sensitivity about trans-specific issues (Ellis, et al, 2015;Hunt, 2014;Jones, del Pozo de Bolger, Dune, Lykins, & Hawkins, 2015;Pitts, Couch, Croy, Mitchell, & Mulcare, 2009;Shipherd, Green, & Abramovitz, 2010). As a result, trans people have reported needing to educate mental health professionals about trans issues (del Pozo de Bolger, et al, 2014;McNeil, et al, 2012).…”

“…Negative experiences such as those outlined above are concerning, given research suggests that previous negative experiences with mental health services, or knowing someone who has had a negative experience, are barriers to accessing services (Shipherd, et al, 2010). This issue of trans people's negative experiences with mental health professionals is significant given the fact that mental healthcare professionals may be the first people with whom some trans people discuss their gender (Hunt, 2014). As such, it is critical that mental health professionals are adequately equipped to work with trans clients, have positive attitudes towards trans people, and are capable and willing to provide support.…”

The Counseling Experiences of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Clients

“…TGNC persons encounter other significant barriers when seeking mental health counseling services (Benson, ; Bowers et al, ), including the fear and stigma associated with receiving mental health services (Shipherd et al, ) and lack of knowledge and sensitivity to TGNC clients by MHPs (Elder, ; Hunt, ). These barriers may lead TGNC individuals to forgo mental health care altogether.…”

Using thematic analysis in counselling and psychotherapy research: A critical reflection

“…TA has most commonly been used by counselling and psychotherapy researchers to explore the experiences and views of specific groups of clients and therapists (e.g. Carew, ; Hunt, ), typically drawing on data from interviews (e.g. Hunt, ), and, less often, focus groups (e.g.…”

“…Carew, ; Hunt, ), typically drawing on data from interviews (e.g. Hunt, ), and, less often, focus groups (e.g. Carew, ).…”