Trans-affirming activities as part of care.
Trans-affirming activities as part of care.
A client talks to their therapist about attending an LGBTQIA+ event.
There’s an event that I want to attend at the LGBT Center, but I’m nervous about going.
We’ve spent some time talking about your desire to meet new people in the community in past sessions. Do you know what’s bringing up nervousness about this specific event?
Yeah, I guess when I think of going, I get really worried about knowing what to wear.
Have you thought about what you might feel comfortable in for this event?
I haven’t had much of a chance to wear makeup outside yet, and I kind of want to try that. That, and maybe something a bit flowy, like the blouse I mentioned buying. Just something feminine.
You’ve been sharing about wanting to wear something feminine and this might be a good opportunity to try that. Is there anything that would help? How about if we check in after the event to see how it went?
I’d really like that. It would be helpful to just know I have a place to talk about it after, especially about the outfit. And maybe even celebrate!
Things to consider.
Creating an open, inviting, and supportive space for patients to explore their identities can empower them to take actions outside of sessions that express those identities.
Incorporating patient-led, trans-affirming activities in treatment can not only affirm a patient’s identity, but also provide a space to process, and even celebrate, those experiences.
How can you incorporate affirming activities as part of care?
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