A central part of any successful gender transition plan is the development of gender training objectives. These objectives determine the criteria by which the overall success rate of the gender therapy process is evaluated.
The main goal of gender training is to identify the psychological issues that individuals face during the gender transition process as well as goals regarding the result of gender therapy. Gender transition aims to help individuals feel whole and satisfied with the way they feel and look.
When an individual feels like they are a complete person with a clear sense of gender identity and psychological balance, it is much easier for them to accept their new gender identity. When an individual feels like they are missing something or are confused about how they feel or look, integrating those feelings and thoughts into their gender identity acceptance plan can be very daunting.
The psychological aspects of gender transition can be quite complex, so gender therapy providers need to include a variety of psychological evaluation tools in their training programs. This way, the therapists can address both the physical and psychological needs of their clients and help them overcome the obstacles that may be standing between them and their desired gender. For instance, if an individual is suffering from gender dysphoria, gender transition may not be effective without a psychological evaluation of the patient’s mental health.
In addition to psychological needs, there are many other factors involved in gender transition. These include physical factors such as body hair, clothing preference, and hair colour, internal psychological factors such as self-image, and social factors such as family support, societal expectations, and comfort level.
Gender training objectives are also aimed to address each specific case as best as possible since there is a wide range of different gender transition options Goals should be set on an individual level to ensure that the gender therapist is aware of the gender identity challenge the client is facing and that the gender transition plan addresses those needs.
This way, gender transition does not result in a situation where the therapist feels like they are being forced to perform gender transition steps that they are not comfortable with or have not even studied yet.
The first step in the process of implementing training objectives for gender transition is developing a gender transition plan. This involves evaluating known as ‘associations’, which can include previous gender roles the client has held and their experiences with these roles.
The next step is to evaluate what is known as ‘consequences’, including negative implications the client might face when transitioning to the new gender, whether or not these implications will be as negative as those faced by the client previously when transitioning to their current gender.
The final step in the process of developing an effective gender transition plan is the evaluation of how internal and external changes will affect the client’s life, career, and health.
Gender transition training, when done properly can be very successful in the treatment of gender dysphoria and can lead to a much more satisfactory outcome for the clients.
However, training and implementing effective gender transition plans requires a systematic approach. Gender transition training can sometimes take six months or longer and many therapists who specialize in gender therapy will agree that this is a very long-term commitment.
Before undergoing gender transition therapy, you should be very specific in explaining the reasons for your gender dysphoria, and how gender therapy can help you on your road to healing.
Make sure that you and your gender therapist are on the same page regarding your gender therapy goals and objectives.
