Being a therapist is not easy. Contrary to what many believe, it’s not just “sitting and listening” to people all day. Yes, therapists are listening, but a competent therapist is listening for buried themes and unspoken messages. Your therapist is working to identify your strengths and how they can be used to move you toward your goals. Your therapist is making decisions about pacing and challenging you, all the while silently asking themselves, “Is this person ready for the next step?” and, “Is this the best approach for this particular individual right now?” Your therapist is constantly considering whether the interventions being used will be effective in helping you. Your therapist is working to remain present with you and ensure you feel heard while deliberating where to go next.

Another challenge of being a therapist is that we don’t always get to witness the results of our work. Some issues and problems take time to resolve, and that resolution can come after the therapy work ends with an individual. I can think of several occasions when someone I worked with told me it was after their work with their previous therapist ended that they were able to apply the insights they gained in therapy. In the absence of feedback, therapists have to trust that the individuals we serve are continuing their work after therapy terminates.

[fat_widget_right]

Although being a therapist is hard work, it is not a thankless job. In fact, there are many reasons to thank the individuals we serve. Every day, we get to work with individuals who are smart, caring, and considerate. We get to sit with individuals who challenge themselves and the people in their lives to grow and be their best selves. We get to share in moments of laughter and joy. We are rewarded with expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

As the year comes to an end, I would like to take a few moments to thank all the wonderful individuals, couples, families, and groups who make being a therapist so rewarding.

Thank you for helping us help others.

Time and again, individuals come to therapy with insights that apply to the experiences of other individuals in therapy. When one person survives a particular traumatic experience or learns life lessons from a mistake, it strengthens our faith that other individuals in therapy can do the same. Not only do you help us to trust in the change process, we learn from you. So often, individuals we work with offer ideas and solutions that we, as therapists, may never have considered.

Thank you for giving us ideas and answers that help us serve the next person we work with.

Thank you for pushing us to be better therapists.

Ideally, we enjoy the work we do and want to be the strongest helpers for you that we can be. To better serve you, many therapists obtain additional or ongoing professional development training that is relevant to the work they specialize in. For example, if an individual comes in with trauma, your therapist may pursue specific training and seek consultation to improve their trauma competence. If you are of a specific faith, your therapist might investigate your religion or attend a service to better understand your beliefs and help to connect your spirituality to your needs.

Thank you for helping to refine our therapy approaches, for pushing us to expand our skill sets, and for moving us to know more about your world.

Thank you for the privilege of trusting us with your story and allowing us to help you to step into your voice.

Thank you for challenging us to be agents of change.

My personal belief (which happens to be a shared value of the American Psychological Association and other major mental health organizations) is that creating true change for the individuals we serve cannot be accomplished solely in the therapy room. To help facilitate true change, systemic change needs to occur in the environments in which we reside and work. How can a therapist holistically work with Muslim individuals without seeing the context of their lives in light of Islamophobia? Can a therapist work with sexual assault survivors without paying attention to how they might be triggered by the victim-blaming and -shaming that is prevalent in our present culture? In these cases, and many others affected by our sociopolitical climate and systemic oppression, therapists are called to advocate for the well-being of those they serve, and not just inside the therapy room. Therapists have a responsibility to be agents of change in their larger communities.

Thank you for holding us accountable to act within our sphere of influence to challenge daily acts of oppression. Thank you for helping to inform how we spend our money, vote, and participate within our communities. Thank you for pushing us to educate and train others to be culturally competent and social justice agents of change.

Thank you for sharing your story with us.

I am reminded of a quote by Maya Angelou: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” So many people have been silenced into submission, depression, anxiety, and fear. So many have been made to feel as if they—or what they have gone through—is unimportant, unworthy, and that they are deserving of pain and ridicule. Working with individuals in therapy, I have seen how silence and shame devastate self-esteem and confidence. Through having the opportunity to tell their stories, individuals in therapy may challenge the stories that have been told about them or made up for them, and may begin to script their own narratives. What a joy and a blessing to be able to sit with these individuals, bear witness to their stories, and watch them move from agony and defeat to a place of acceptance and empowerment.

Thank you for the privilege of trusting us with your story and allowing us to help you to step into your voice.

Reference:

American Psychological Association. (2003). Guidelines on multicultural education, training, research, practice, and organizational change for psychologists. American Psychologist, 58, 377-402.

Does your therapist agree with you all the time? Do they shower you with compliments and praise? Do they smile and nod a lot? Do they always let you lead the session? Have you noticed you invariably leave sessions in a good mood? These could be signs you have a supportive, caring, and empathetic helper—or they may be signs your therapist is too nice.

Therapists undergo years of training and are expected to be competent in counseling skills, including skill in confrontation and challenge. However, therapists are also people. Which means they, too, can struggle with disagreeing, being direct, and challenging others, including those with whom they work. Unfortunately, this can be to the detriment of people in therapy.

Consider the potential consequences of therapy with a too-nice therapist. If your therapist always agrees with and never challenges you, there is a good chance they’re not being objective. Objectivity is often a reason individuals seek counseling in the first place. Does “I want to talk to someone who doesn’t know me and won’t just tell me what they think I want to hear” sound familiar?

[fat_widget_right]

If your therapist is subjective, you could be missing out on valuable alternative perspectives. It could be refreshing to hear your therapist state, “Here is another way to consider what happened …” before you make a major decision or change. Or, depending on your personality, you might respond well to a therapist being as forward as stating, “I have to challenge what you just said. I think something completely different is happening.” In subjective or too-nice therapy, such challenges are less likely to occur.

A basic counseling approach many therapists follow is to let the individual lead the session. This is meant to make sure time is spent purposefully meeting the individual’s needs and to respect the expertise they hold regarding their own lived experiences. This is all fine and good, but have you ever gone into session and thought, “I have no idea what to talk about today”? This could lead to what feels like a wasted session (and maybe even wasted money). There are times it might be helpful for your therapist to be directive and actively lead the session.

Additionally, therapist directiveness can produce quicker results with some clinical issues. Take, for example, social anxiety. Getting practical steps for building social confidence, being provided with strategies for managing physical symptoms of anxiety, and practicing newly acquired skills in session demands a high level of involvement and direction from your therapist. A therapist can certainly ask you what you think you can do to improve your social skills, but it’s probably nice to also hear, “Here are some steps we will take to help you build relationships.”

If you find yourself in a relationship in which you feel as if your therapist is being too nice (or too directive, too nondirective, too laid back, too confrontational, or any other too …), a good first step is to communicate how you feel. Let your therapist know you wish for more direction or challenge.

There is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to therapy. This is evident in the fact there are hundreds of different therapy approaches, with no one approach found to be superior to all others (American Psychological Association, 2013). What is important is your therapist is a good fit for you and vice versa. When the therapeutic relationship includes a strong bond, cultural understanding, and individualized treatment, therapeutic change is more likely to occur (Laska, Gurman, and Wampold, 2014).

If you find yourself in a relationship in which you feel as if your therapist is being too nice (or too directive, too nondirective, too laid back, too confrontational, or any other too …), a good first step is to communicate how you feel. Let your therapist know you wish for more direction or challenge. Express your desire to learn more about their views or perspectives on the issues brought up.

Maybe your therapist is intentionally being too nice. It may be a means to elicit a certain emotion from you or to move you to confront unsatisfying relationships. However, therapy tends to not work well if it is a mystery. If you feel confused or uncertain, ask your therapist to explain more about their approach and how they see therapy working. Such a conversation could give you the insight you need to tackle your presenting concerns.

After having an honest conversation about your needs, should you find your therapist’s style is still not a good fit for you, don’t give up on therapy; instead, find a new therapist. Wanting a therapist who may be a better fit for what you need is not a personal attack against your therapist. Therapists recognize they won’t be the best match for everyone who seeks their services. Additionally, having worked with you, your therapist might have suggestions for another therapist they feel will better suit your needs.

So if your relationship with your therapist is too nice, remember it is never too late to make a change in how you and your therapist work together—and it is never too late to change your therapist, either.

References:

1. American Psychological Association (APA). (2013). Recognition of psychotherapy effectiveness. Psychotherapy, 50, 102–109.
2. Laska, K. M., Gurman, A. S., & Wampold, B. E. (2014). Expanding the lens of evidence-based practice in psychotherapy: A common factors perspective. Psychotherapy, 51(4), 467–48.1

For better or for worse, the holiday season is associated with the giving and receiving of gifts. Gifts are exchanged between those we are close with, including family members and friends. Gifts are exchanged between acquaintances, such as coworkers or local service providers (think mail carrier or hairdresser). Gifts may also be given or received among those with which we have no relationship, or anonymously (adopting a family, donating time or money to a charity).

With so many gifts being passed around in so many contexts, it’s an opportune time to talk about some of the potential issues one must be mindful of when considering gifting within the therapeutic relationship—be it during the holiday season or any other time of year.

It may seem only natural to exchange gifts in therapy. After all, in therapy, a close bond may be established, great care and concern are typically expressed, and when the rapport is strong, there may be a genuine like between the parties. The giving of gifts may also be thought of as a means to show appreciation or honor a special stage in therapy.

[fat_widget_right]

But not so fast. Although gifts may seem appropriate between a person in therapy and their therapist, receiving and giving gifts can be a source of stress for the therapeutic relationship. It can hurt therapeutic progress, and it can have serious consequences. Professional ethics codes typically caution therapists from giving or receiving gifts within a therapy relationship. For example, the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (2014) advises counselors to consider the therapeutic relationship, monetary value of gifts, and the motivation for accepting or declining gifts from people they serve, and the American Psychological Association Code of Ethics (2010) requires that psychologists avoid personal and financial situations that could create a conflict of interest.

Such standards are meant to protect people in therapy from exploitative or manipulative therapy tactics and relationships. These standards are also meant to protect therapists. For example, if a therapist was presented with a gift of value, they may feel pressured to give preferential treatment or refrain from challenging the gift giver. Exchanging gifts may also suggest or invite a change in the nature of the therapeutic relationship—from a professional relationship to a relationship that is too casual, too friendly, or potentially provocative.

Where some mental health professionals might draw a hard line on gifting in either direction, others may see a sliver of gray area. While there are possible pitfalls and ethical complications to consider, there are also ways in which gifts might legitimately be argued to be potentially helpful and culturally appropriate. For example, if a child draws their therapist a picture, it may be hurtful to the child if the therapist rejects the drawing. Another example: After visiting their homeland, an individual brings their therapist a small gift of tea from their country. It might be unnecessarily complicated to explain why accepting the gift is a bad idea, particularly if giving gifts is a meaningful part of that person’s culture and rejecting it would be counterproductive to therapy goals.

Any licensed mental health professional should be keenly aware of potential ethical entanglements involved in gifting, and it is up to the therapist to determine whether gifting a person in therapy may risk or promote therapeutic growth. Where there is doubt, caution is always the wisest path.

It might also be argued that there are benefits of therapists providing some people, in some circumstances, with certain types of small, symbolic, therapeutic gifts. Such therapeutic gifts might be intended to represent growth and provide ongoing motivation. At the completion of therapy, a small memento may go a long way in maintaining positive change, or serve as a reminder to reach out for help in the future. Additionally, some individuals may have difficulty affording the therapeutic tools, such as journals or books, that are sometimes recommended or assigned as therapy “homework.” In these cases, within reason, a therapist might decide that gifting the individual with a homework tool is justified and appropriate.

Of course, some therapists might reasonably feel uncomfortable providing even therapeutic tools, no matter the circumstances. It’s a position few could fault them for. When therapists do choose to provide people in or completing therapy with these types of small gifts, they must consider the potential ethical issues. Therapists should never give gifts that impede the therapy relationship or promote a harmful or unsafe environment, and must be mindful of issues associated with power and control.

Below are some examples of free or low-value gifts and tools that therapists, in an informal survey, reported having given to people they worked with in the therapy room. The reasons the gifts were deemed to be therapeutically beneficial are also summarized. The general theme was this: in each case, the gift complemented the therapeutic relationship and the journey of the person in therapy.

1. Cards. At the end of therapy, some therapists may provide a card highlighting therapy progress and reminding people of the changes they have made. During a termination session, sharing with a person the changes their therapist sees in them may be considered a special and caring way to end the relationship.
2. Stones. Some therapists may keep small stones in their office. Stones may be representative of strength, resilience, hardiness, or other qualities. Stones that have flaws may be seen as beautifully imperfect. Allowing people to choose a stone may serve as a symbolic reminder of the person’s strength and imperfect beauty.
3. Mandalas. These spiritual or ritual symbols in traditional Indian culture represent wholeness and one’s relationship with the universe. The therapeutic benefits of coloring mandalas may include expanding creativity, building spiritual connection, and enhancing relaxation.
4. Journals. Therapists may request that people maintain a journal while in therapy. Journaling can help to organize thoughts, decrease anxiety, and serve as a means for tracking change. Some therapists may provide a simple journal or use time in therapy to create a journal.
5. Books. Self-help books can be used separate from therapy or in conjunction with what is being explored in therapy. Therapists may provide a person with a book that is already in their office, one they believe the person would benefit from. Or, as routine practice, therapists may supply books associated with the specific form of therapy being used.
6. Metaphors, quotes, or poems. Metaphors or inspirational quotes and poems can be symbolic of the unique qualities or strengths people possess.
7. Candles. Candles can inspire relaxation, meditation, and focus. Use of a candle can help people reproduce a space of awareness and insightfulness outside of therapy.
8. Music or meditation. Playing a song in session or giving a person a meditation recording may be a special way to acknowledge and maintain clinical progress.

Ultimately, the decision whether to give or accept a gift rests with the individuals involved. Some therapists might not want any part of gifting, while others might leave room for unusual considerations. Under no circumstances should a gift be expected or rewarded. Any licensed mental health professional should be keenly aware of potential ethical entanglements involved in gifting, and it is up to the therapist to determine whether gifting a person in therapy may risk or promote therapeutic growth. Where there is doubt, caution is always the wisest path.

References:

1. American Counseling Association. (2014). Code of ethics. Washington, DC: Author.
2. American Psychological Association. (2010). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of c Washington, DC: Author.

After weeks of planning and preparation, you are finally off to enjoy the beach, mountain, cruise, city, or countryside. Or perhaps you’re a spontaneous traveler who found a deal that was too good to pass up, and you’re off on your trip before you know it. Some people are great at keeping travel costs low, but for many of us, no matter how well we intend to budget, travel costs have a way of going up and up. Regardless of how much time and money are spent, vacations are supposed to be fun, right? Then why do so many couples spend so much time fighting in paradise?

On my vacations, I have noticed a surprising number of couples arguing. On one trip, a couple went back and forth for over an hour because one partner did not want to snorkel. The woman remained uncompelled to goggle up no matter how many times her boyfriend told her she was going to miss out on an amazing experience. On another trip, at the airport, apparently a woman was boarding the plane too slowly and was nudged in the back by her partner. This was met with a loud, “Don’t shove me!” On a couples’ cabin trip, I woke to find one member of a bickering couple had elected to sleep on the couch instead of sharing a bed with their partner.

[fat_widget_right]

When I see vacationing couples fighting, I always think, “You have spent way too much money to come on vacation to be unhappy,” quickly forgetting that my partner and I have had our own disagreements while on vacation. But seeing other couples fight and argue serves as a reminder to keep things amicable and enjoyable during my travels. After all, who wants to be miserable while on vacation?

Here are five tips for a conflict-free couples trip:

1. Anticipate stress. One way to reduce stress is to recognize that parts of your travel will be stressful. The more you can prepare for stress, the less likely stress will be impactful. Packing, airports, lost items, reservation mishaps, and getting lost are all par for the course when it comes to traveling. Displaced anger and frustration can lead to unnecessary arguments. For example, your baggage doesn’t make it onto the plane, and when your partner asks where you would like to have dinner, you retort, “Nowhere, I have nothing to wear!” Your frustration lies with the airline, but your partner is the target of your aggression. Understanding that mishaps will arise, most of which your partner can take no responsibility for, can help keep you calm when faced with stressful events.
2. Hold back on “the talk.” If your plan is to enjoy your vacation, your trip is not the best time to bring up a serious issue or discuss an ongoing problem. While on vacation, you may feel like you have a captive audience in which your partner cannot escape a long-overdue conversation, but resist the urge to start peeling back onion layers. Those burning questions you have will be there when you get home, and an enjoyable and bonding trip just might make that issue seem like less of a big deal.
3. Work out issues before the trip. If you know you are not going to be able to enjoy your trip until an issue is worked out, set aside time to work on the problem before your trip. To help with developing a resolution that will make your trip enjoyable, you can preface the conversation by sharing your desired goal. For example, “When we go on vacation next week, I want to really enjoy my time with you. That’s why I want to talk about (the issue) now, so it won’t get in the way of us having a good time.” Chances are your partner also wants to have a good time and doesn’t want to waste time going over something that could have been addressed before you changed time zones. Setting up the conversation this way could help foster motivation in coming up with a solution before the trip.
4. Take time out for yourself. No matter how much you love someone and how well you get along with them, being with someone 24 hours a day is bound to lead to some friction. There is no travel rule saying couples cannot have alone time while on vacation. This doesn’t mean going on separate trips or spending the day apart. Partners can carve out alone time by engaging in solitary activities while together (reading at the beach, listening to music while at the slot machine) or designating time out for themselves (taking a morning run, enjoying a spa service). A little time alone can help ward off travel annoyances.
5. Accept your partner for who they are and how they travel. During my last trip with my husband, I shared that either I was going to have to change my entire personality or he was going to have to accept my vigilance and thoroughness. He chose to accept my personality, which means accepting that I will ask, “Did you lock the door?” and “Do you have the keys?” This is a two-way street in that I have to accept that when my husband is on vacation, he is on vacation. I have to accept that time means little to him and there is a high likelihood multiple trips will be made to the hotel room to retrieve forgotten passports, wallets, and sunglasses. Instead of seeing differences in personalities as travel problems, appreciate what your partner’s personality has to offer. To my husband I bring organization, while he reminds me to relax.

The point of vacation is to get time away from the everyday and replenish. What better way to do this than with your partner? Agree on an argument-free trip so the two of you can focus on having an experience that strengthens your love and appreciation for one another.

There is something special and unique about the relationship between a person in therapy and his or her therapist. It is a professional relationship, one in which the therapist is providing a service. However, it is also an intimate relationship, one in which secrets are shared, tears are shed, and moments of joy are celebrated. It is an open relationship in that, with consent, your therapist will communicate with other health professionals on your behalf. But it is also a very private relationship, as your confidentiality is held sacred.

A bond and trust are formed in therapy, yet the therapeutic relationship is a bit one-sided; while your therapist learns a great deal about you, he or she is less likely to engage in reciprocal sharing. This is different from a friendship, in which both parties mutually share who they are.

The complexities of the therapeutic relationship are distinct from other relationships, but it is these same complexities that make psychotherapy work. For therapy to be successful, your therapist must maintain healthy boundaries in the relationship and cannot develop a friendship with you.

Because of this, it could seem like your therapist is being fake or disingenuous with you. There have been multiple occasions in which a person in therapy has stated to me, “You don’t care about me, you are only here because this is your job.” It is true that your therapist is doing a job, but this does not mean he or she does not care about you. I rather like and enjoy the people I help. I have had the pleasure of meeting funny, intelligent, successful, and down-to-earth women and men who, had we met outside of therapy, likely would have made good friends. But for therapy to do what it’s supposed to do, your therapist simply can’t be your friend.

[fat_widget_right]

One of the first rules therapists learn is they cannot provide therapy to friends or family. It is too challenging to remain unbiased in friend and family relationships, which is why many people have great difficulty staying objective when it comes to those closest to them. Your therapist developing a friendship with you would ultimately serve to interfere with your therapeutic relationship. Additionally, therapists who become over-involved in the lives of those they help experience higher rates of burnout and decreased efficiency.

This does not mean a deep connection isn’t developed between you and your therapist. Authenticity, warmth, and support are desirable characteristics for any therapeutic relationship. In fact, the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important factors in creating a successful therapy experience. The better the fit between you and your therapist, the more likely you are to reach your therapy goals. It just so happens that the relationship remains safely protected from a level of personal involvement that would distract from your therapy goals and success.

Admittedly, it’s odd to share great detail about your life and get little in return from the other person. Fortunately, your therapist (hopefully) is not robotic or an emotionless blank slate. Although you do not have a friendship with your therapist, he or she does not have to be a mystery to you.

This is also not to say you cannot have a friendly relationship with your therapist outside of counseling. Your therapist is unlikely to accept your social media requests or attend social functions you invite them to; however, there are many cases where therapists and the people they help have more than one relationship. For example, a therapist working at a college counseling center could be an adviser for a campus organization in which a person they help is a member. Or a therapist and person in therapy could attend the same church and see one another at church functions. But even though friendly exchanges occur, your therapist is still operating within boundaries to protect your confidentiality and maintain the therapeutic relationship.

Admittedly, it’s odd to share great detail about your life and get little in return from the other person. Fortunately, your therapist (hopefully) is not robotic or an emotionless blank slate. Although you do not have a friendship with your therapist, he or she does not have to be a mystery to you.

As mentioned earlier, your relationship with your therapist is a predictor of therapy’s success; therefore, you and your therapist need to be a good fit. When appropriate, your therapist can voluntarily share personal information, but it is also fair to ask your therapist certain questions. You can ask professional questions about your therapist’s educational background or style of therapy. You can ask personal questions that seem relevant to you. Your therapist has the right to decline to answer any question. There are times when I refrain from answering questions if I believe that, regardless of my response, any answer I give will have some sort of unnecessary impact on the relationship. But often I answer personal questions, as they are not generally meant to be invasive—people are just curious about people sitting across from them.

Curiosity, about ourselves and about our relationships with others, is an important element of therapy. Honoring that curiosity is a good thing. Your therapist is there to help guide that curiosity where it is most needed. So, while you and your therapist can’t be friends, you can be part of a rewarding relationship!

Bruce Jenner, former Olympic athlete and reality star, has made recent headlines. After months (or longer) of tabloid and entertainment news speculation, Jenner publicly came out in an April 2015 interview with ABC News‘ Diane Sawyer, identifying as transgender. No doubt the episode sparked public interest and a great deal of conversation. In fact, in the days immediately following the Jenner interview, Answers to Your Questions About Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression was the most-viewed link on the American Psychological Association (APA) website. Considering the high number of hits, assumptions could be made that the general public is seeking more information on transgender identities and transitioning.

To better understand what transgender means, it is important to make the distinction between sexual orientation and gender identity, which are frequently and erroneously used interchangeably. Sexual orientation is our romantic, physical, emotional, and relational attraction to another, and includes labels such as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and heterosexual. Gender identity, on the other hand, refers to our internal sense of being male, female, or another gender identity.

Someone who identifies as transgender experiences a lack of conformity between their sense of gender and the societal standards of their assigned birth sex. Cisgender is the term used to describe someone whose sense of gender conforms to the societal standards associated with their assigned birth sex. What does “assigned birth sex” mean? In most cases, a doctor “assigns” our sex based on our visible anatomy appearing to be that of a boy or girl. Without undergoing extensive and expensive genetic, chromosomal, and hormonal testing, most people do not know what their true biological sex is.

[fat_widget_right]

Although Jenner is all over the news, transgender identities are not a new phenomenon. It is probably not a stretch to say that transgender individuals have always existed. Many accounts, such as those documented in the book Transgender Emergence (Lev, 2004), detail transgender individuals throughout historical and modern times and across a diversity of cultures.

If transgender identities have always been around, one could question why transgender individuals are often treated like second-class citizens. Well, in looking at history, before Western colonization, in some cultures, those with transgender identities enjoyed inclusion and reverence within their communities. For example, in Native American culture, individuals identifying as “two-spirit,” who are thought to encompass both male and female qualities, were once well revered within their culture. However, after Western colonization, social value and reverence were stripped from transgender identities.

And if you are still wondering why transgender individuals do not have full respect in society although transgender identities have existed for thousands of years, recognize that other groups, such as women and ethnic minorities, have been around for a long time too, but continue to endure less than equal treatment.

There is no one right way to come into our gender identity. Some transgender individuals comment on always feeling that their gender identity and assigned sex were incongruent. For others, it could be later in life that one recognizes their sense of gender identity. Safety is another reason that forces some individuals to transition later in life.

Jenner is 65 years old, a parent, and until recently was married to a woman. Some might wonder why it took Jenner so long to come out. There are several explanations for this. There is no one right way to come into our gender identity. Some transgender individuals comment on always feeling that their gender identity and assigned sex were incongruent. For others, it could be later in life that one recognizes their sense of gender identity. Safety is another reason that forces some individuals to transition later in life.

In general, the U.S. is more accepting of diverse identities today than at any other time in its history, yet transgender individuals encounter high rates of verbal, psychological, and physical victimization and violence. Now consider the atmosphere and attitude toward transgender individuals 20, 30, or 40 years ago; for many older adults, the threats to their physical and emotional safety were true barriers to transitioning at younger ages. Also, consider the financial costs. Would there have been endorsement deals and commercial shoots if Jenner came out in 1976?

Accessibility to information also impacts coming out. Today, there is greater transgender awareness and there are more transgender individuals in the media. Today’s youth have more access to information regarding gender identity and transitioning than their predecessors. Furthermore, transitioning can be an expensive endeavor that may not have been an affordable option when older transgender individuals were younger. All transgender-identifying individuals do not desire to pursue a physical transition. For those who do, depending on the transgender individual’s desire for transitioning, hormonal therapy, surgeries, and other costly procedures may have prevented them from making any physical transitions until later in life. Finally, in regard to parenting and marital status, gender identity has little to do with someone’s desire to parent or marry, making it very reasonable that someone may transition or come out as transgender after marrying and childrearing.

Jenner’s children were asked how they felt about their father’s transgender identity. Like other families in which a parent transitions, they acknowledged undergoing a transitional process themselves. The family has to adjust to appearance and gender expression changes, adopt new pronouns, and may have considerations regarding marital status. The families of transgender individuals are not immune from experiences of prejudice and discrimination that were previously unknown to them. Family members can be asked invasive questions, feel alienated by those who are not supportive of their family member’s transition, or experience the financial byproduct of discrimination. For example, many states do not include gender identity in housing and employment nondiscrimination policies. So if a parent is fired for being transgender, their child may no longer be able to afford to attend college.

Initial stages of a family’s transition may be challenging and confusing, but later stages in family transition may include acceptance of their loved one’s identity and providing a supportive and safe environment that is respectful to all gender identities. A safe environment allows space to grieve perceived loss and welcome mental wellness and gender affirmation. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources to help families who have loved ones who are transitioning and to support the family’s transition.

Reference:

Lev, A. I. (2004). Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working with Gender-Variant People and Their Families. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.