Dialectics, power dynamics, and undercurrents of meaning: using psychotherapeutic strategies in primary care with trans and gender-diverse clients

Abstract

Trans and gender-diverse individuals experience poor mental health, and face significant barriers when trying to access appropriate mental health care. Most seek treatment from mainstream primary care services, who have an ethical duty to provide care to all. Primary care practitioners can ameliorate traumatic harms by identifying helpful strategies and avoiding inappropriate or harmful strategies. However, there is limited robust, culturally sensitive evidence informing clinicians about the appropriateness and efficacy of psychological interventions for trans and gender-diverse clients. This forum article argues that the epistemological and ontological frameworks underlying psychotherapies can impact the therapeutic relationship, and are therefore important factors to consider in primary care practice with trans and gender-diverse clients. Our paper synthesises selected psychotherapies into four clusters. Each cluster is accompanied by discussion of the potential or demonstrated benefits and limitations of the underlying framework, in the context of primary care with trans and gender-diverse clients. We also explore power dynamics in therapeutic relationships with trans and gender-diverse clients, and the challenges these factors pose to developing a shared understanding of the client’s needs and preferences. The article concludes with some practical considerations for managing these issues in primary care.