Transgender Microaggressions as Ethical Violations in Therapy (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for:  Clinical psychologists, Counselors, and LMFTs

Course By: Michael Parent, PhD

Content By: Morris, E. R., Lindley, L., & Galupo, M. P. (2020). “Better issues to focus on”: Transgender microaggressions as ethical violations in therapy. The Counseling Psychologist, 48, 883-915. doi: 10.1177/0011000020924391

Course Description: Mental health providers may not be adequately trained to provide affirming care to transgender patients. Inadequate training can lead to therapists engaging in microaggressions, or subtle forms of discrimination. A qualitative study was conducted using data from 91 transgender and gender-diverse adults who had been in therapy within the past 5 years. Using interviews, the researchers explored experiences of hostile or derogatory messages from therapists toward the participants. Participants identified incidents of lack of respect of gender identity of patients, lack of competency, saliency of identity, and gatekeeping. The authors present these microaggressions as ethical violations. The authors contend that there is a specific need for continued training in graduate school and via continuing education to improve competence in working with transgender and gender diverse patients. Future researchers may explore how therapist characteristics impact microaggression behaviors, and how therapists view their own microaggressions.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how minority stress can contribute to mental health disparities for transgender and gender diverse clients
• Identify the four main forms of microaggressions experienced by participants in the study
• Explain two methods to enhance training for mental health practitioners with regard to working with transgender and gender diverse patients

Course Outline:

1. Read and understand “Better issues to focus on”: Transgender microaggressions as ethical violations in therapy
2. Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives.
3. Review the forms of microaggressions experienced by participants in the study.
4. Complete the post-test questions. Recall that answers should be based on the referenced article.
5. Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to understand microaggressions toward transgender and gender diverse individuals and how these microaggressions may be ethical violations.