Lost in trans-lation: Interpreting systems of trauma for transgender clients.

Abstract

Transgender clients frequently experience multiple types of violence (Mizock & Lewis, 2008), including interpersonal (violence that occurs between, at least, two people), self-directed (violence that is self-inflicted), and collective (violence that is inflicted by larger groups of people/institutions; Krug et al., 2002). Transgender clients who experience any of these types of violence are at a higher risk for developing psychiatric symptoms that may require the attention of a mental health care provider (Mizock & Lewis, 2008). Thus, it is crucial that clinicians understand how transgender clients respond to such violence and how these reactions relate to the clinical needs of transgender clients (Lev, 2004). In this article, we will summarize and cluster the types of violence that have been documented in the transgender literature. We will then highlight PTSD and complex PTSD as conceptual frameworks for working with transgender clients. Furthermore, we will examine how the binary notion of gender ignores ways in which race, class, and other identities interact with gender and make recommendations for how clinicians can affirm multiple identities as a way to minimize psychological distress following a traumatic event (Roen, 2006). We will also highlight clinical guidelines and provide feminist and multicultural recommendations for working with transgender clients.

Examining Cohort Differences and Resilience among the Aging LGBT Community: Implications for Education and Practice among an Expansively Diverse Population

“…Knowing to ask, and more specifically how to ask, about someone's sexual orientation or preferred gender pronouns will help in creating a welcoming and empathic atmosphere (Chernin & Johnson, 2003;Crisp & McCave, 2007) based on understanding and not simply knowledge of correct words or phrases. Revising paperwork and electronic records to be more inclusive of diverse sexualities and gender identities (Richmond, Burnes, & Carroll, 2012) will also send the message that an organization has awareness and willingness to appropriately serve this population as well as an ability to go above and beyond to meet their unique needs.…”

Understanding the relationship between anti-transgender bias, non-affirmation, and post-traumatic stress: a model of internalized transphobia-mediated post-traumatic stress.

“…No research, however, has explored the possible mechanisms between these bias events and PTSD symptoms. A clearer understanding of how anti-transgender bias events operate as potentially traumatic events and lead to post-traumatic stress is needed to help clinicians better promote psychological health and wellbeing in transgender clients (Richmond et al, 2012).…”

“…Insidious trauma may be particularly impactful in the development of idiosyncratic and survival-based security dimensions. and other theorists proposed that the traumatic effects of insidious trauma (chronic and sometimes subtle by their nature) may be the result of their role in gradual shaping views of the world and self, rather than the "shattering" of such schema or security dimensions that is attributed to single event traumas (Brown, 2008;Richmond et al, 2012). Additionally, the chronic level of threat inherent in insidious trauma prevents the development of non-survival behaviors and psychological flexibility required for recovery .…”

Queering Queer Spaces: Journey of a Creative Arts Program for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Creative Youth

“…The youth participating in Unique Expressions have often interacted with providers and systems that have labeled the distress they feel as a fixed, unyielding "problem" and that this problem is linked to their identities inextricably (Richmond, Burnes, & Carroll, 2012). We seek to dismantle this assumption by cultivating a psychological and community space where youth can explore their identities with the utmost respect for their autonomy and self-knowledge.…”