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Evidence-Based Practices and Models
Evidence-Based Practices and Models
The Gender Affirmative Model (GAM) is defined as a method of therapeutic care that includes allowing children to speak for themselves about their self-experienced gender identity and expressions and providing support for them to evolve into their authentic gender selves, no matter at what age (Ehrensaft, 2017).
Therapeutic goals in the gender affirmative model include:
Facilitating an authentic gender self
Alleviating gender stress or distress
Building gender resilience
Securing social supports
This manual addresses strategies for implementing an evidence‐based youth trauma treatment, Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF‐CBT), for trauma‐impacted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and gender diverse (LGBTQ) youth. The information in this manual was developed through a National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN, www.nctsn.org) Learning Community. Users of this implementation manual are assumed to have a working knowledge of the basic TF‐CBT treatment model and principles (Cohen, Mannarino & Deblinger, 2017) and of how the model is implemented for youth with complex trauma (e.g., Cohen, Mannarino, Kliethermes & Murray, 2012). It is strongly recommended that therapists complete initial web‐based TF‐CBT training (available at https://tfcbt2.musc.edu), and face‐to‐face TF‐CBT training and consultation calls provided by an approved TF‐CBT national trainer (https://tfcbt.org/training) prior to implementing the TF‐CBT LGBTQ applications described in this manual.
AFFIRMative CBT
This intervention (Austin & Craig, 2015) promotes positive change and healthy coping through the creation of a safe, affirming, and collaborative therapeutic experience. It is rooted in the tenets of CBT and aims to improve emotional and behavioral functioning by targeting underlying, problematic cognitions (Beck, 1970; Beck, 2011). The model was developed to counter the harmful and unethical ‘reparative’ or ‘conversion’ therapies which pathologize LGBTQ+ identities and coercively aim to change minority sexual orientations and/or gender identities.
Gender-Affirmative Family Therapy (Coolhart & Shipman, 2017) provides safety for the TGNC youth by working with parents and other family members to better support their child and by creating a gender-affirming environment in therapy. When the family is ready, options for gender expression/transition are supported in therapy.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (Ouer, 2016) is a practical guide on how to help LGBTQIA+ clients reach their goals in tangible, respectful ways by identifying and emphasizing the hope, resources, and strengths; and by learning more about the miracle question, exceptions, scaling, compliments, coping.
A Narrative Approach to Helping Families and Their Children Who Identify as Transgender or Gender Nonconforming (Klassen-Bolding , 2018) is a community based narrative group therapy which may increase family cohesion and acceptance. The program is psychoeducational and experiential, lasting eight sessions, and begins with psychoeducation about transgender individuals and heteronormative societies. It culminates in re-authoring and witnessing the family’s story in a manner which honors the youth’s gender identity.
Suicide Prevention and Intervention
Suicide Prevention and Intervention
Suicide Prevention among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center
This is a free kit of materials to help staff in schools, youth-serving agencies, and suicide prevention programs provide a workshop on suicide prevention among LGBT youth. Materials in the kit include a PowerPoint slide presentation, leader’s guide, and handouts. Instructional methods include lecture, small group exercises, and group discussion.
Resources to Support the Coming Out Process
Resources to Support the Coming Out Process
This handbook, by the Trevor Project, helps to explore one's identity, what it might be like to share one's identity, and provides tools and guiding questions to help think about what coming out means.
This resource, by the Human Rights Campaign, aims to help individuals and loved ones through coming out in realistic and practical terms, regardless of what that process may look like.
This guide, by the Trevor Project, can help with the coming out process. It includes questions that many young people think about and blank spaces to brainstorm how they might answer them.
Strengths-Based and Resilience Building Approaches
Strengths-Based and Resilience Building Approaches
Play and Espressive Arts Therapy Interventions
Play and Espressive Arts Therapy Interventions
Play and Art Therapy Interventions for Gender Nonconforming Children and Their Families
This article (Thomas, 2011) provides specific interventions and activities you can use in your work with gender nonconforming children and with their families; and present a list of helpful resources for gender variant clients.
Bibliotherapy for Children and Youth
Bibliotherapy for Children and Youth
Welcoming Schools Booklists
Welcoming Schools Booklists
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklists and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals.
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