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Post by eccentric on Nov 13, 2015 11:25:57 GMT
As therapist I would not actually say that non judgmental stance is needed. As a therapist unless my client is harming him/herself or someone else then I would say that the therapy should be client focused/driven. In many cases not just with gender issues this involves putting aside prejudices should they exist. Indifference to gender would imply that there is no difference between genders. Gender transition does not change the person who is, but enables the person to be more of who they are. There is a difference in the genders the same as there is a difference in every individual. Personally I don't think it matters what a person is LGBT or heterosexual everyone is unique.
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Post by monica on Nov 13, 2015 21:19:00 GMT
Indifference to gender distinctions suggests that they don't matter. With a client whose problem does not involve their gender then this is probably true within the context of the therapy - a transgender client presenting with loss and bereavement would be treated the same as a heterosexual or lesbian client presenting with loss and bereavement - the therapist would focus on the client's problem not on their gender. However if the presenting problem is affected by or affects, or relates to their gender then yes, the distinctions may well matter; a therapist who is unaware of some of the problems or issues surrounding LGBT is likely to put their foot in it.
Indifference to gender distinctions with regard to how a therapist deals with and relates to clients should be the norm - however there may be side issues (does your practice have a 'ladies' and 'gents' toilets?) to be considered, as well as being aware that certain terms or phrases which seem innocuous to a therapist may trigger something for the client or even be seen as offensive.
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