Case Study & Diagnosis of Gwen
The following case study is to provide a diagnosis for client Gwen. Gwen has been attending counseling during her transition of gender from male to female. The case study includes diagnosis, criteria for the diagnosis, continued treatment plan, cultural and societal aspects that have influenced Gwen’s diagnosis.
The client is Gwen a middle aged male transitioning gender to female. She was previously known as Nick prior to transition. Gwen has explained several aspects of her previous life and the effects it had on her and the way she lived. Gwen is currently living and identifying as a female and is undergoing hormone therapy to assist in the transition to the female gender. Gwen has explained the social and
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During the video counseling session, Gwen mentioned several social and personal struggles throughout her time as Nick. Gwen expressed several times her frustrations with how she handled work life through the use of emotional defense and anger. Gwen also suffered with social anxieties and always feeling like an outsider and did not participate in many social functions. All of her anxieties and frustration led to severe self-esteem and confidence issues. Once very interesting factor within the video is when Gwen described her group therapy sessions and her discontent for it. Gwen discussed the issue she had within the group and several individuals that show complete hate and disgust with their natal gender. Gwen explained it was not how she felt and discontinued group therapy. During the counseling session, Gwen had expressed interest in returning to the group as long and the negativity is resolved. Gwen believes that she should not have to conform to societal restrictions on her interests and hobbies. She understands there are societal differences with male and female interests and hobbies, however does not believe that transition should play a role in discontinuing what she like to do. Now that she is in transition, she has expressed her experience as a feeling of relief and a new sense of self confidence, well being, and has developed new relationships. Through these relationship and new found self confidence, Gwen is …show more content…
The equivalent of gender dysphoria has also been reported in individuals living in cultures with institutionalized gender categories other than male or female. It is unclear whether with these individuals the diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria would be me (APA, 2013). Despite the signs of more acceptances for transgender people, many studies show that they continue to face significant challenges. Research by Aaron T. Norton and Greg M. Herek, PhD, at University of California, Davis, for example, found that the rejection transgender people encounter is significantly harsher than the negative attitudes experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people (Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, 2012), (Glicksman, E.,
The medicalization of transgender tendencies, under what was Gender Identity Disorder, was demoralizing to all transgender people. This resulted in a form of structured and institutionalized inequality that made an entire group of people internalize their problems, making them question not only their own identity, but also their sanity. Therefore, the removal of this disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013 and the newest editions was important in that it shows society’s recognition and acceptance of the transgender
In this vignette, the client and social worker begin a new session at the point where the last left off. Kirsten, a college student, has come to this private practice setting to discuss her experiences, fears, and difficulties with coming out, particularly after her previous coming out experiences. In the previous sessions, the worker and Kirsten have explored many themes revolving around coming out, her experience coming out to her neighbor, and Kirsten’s anxieties about talking with her sister. The role of the social worker in this vignette is to discuss possible options with Kirsten as she moves toward talking with her sister, engaging in role play Kirsten has requested, and exploring Kirsten’s feelings about the upcoming meeting with her
Many transgender people lived in dysfunctional families when they were young. The support becomes vital for the wellbeing of kids. In her book Redefining Realness by Janet Mock, recaps the importance of support from Michelle his cousin, who kept in secrets of gender dysphoria of Charles (Keisha) by saying “‘Pinkie –swear you won’t tell your mom’…She’d keep the secret my secret because I was her favorite cousin” (Mook 76). Michelle, kept Keisha’s secret by allowing her to use her swimming clothes. Michelle shows the importance of support from relatives. This is a fundamental factor that might help with the development of her gender identity. Many transgender people may feel a relief at the time to disclose their identity. When transition is in progress the support from friends and families becomes important because, many transgender people might suffer if they lack support. Many transgender people seem depressed because they are rejected by society. Janet Mock, relates how Wendi, support Charles, by making him feel comfortable, saying “Wendi and I grew inseparable trough middle school, a bond that would link us for the rest of our lives. Through association, my class –mates learned that I was like Wendi-who hadn’t yet adopted any labels to describe her shifting self” (Mook 107). In most cases transgender people’s acquaintances can be referred as transgender people just by friendship. The association makes transgender people to gain confidence about their gender identity. The support from groups or friends makes transgender people feel that they are accepted and not alone. Support from friends might urge transgender people to come out the “closet” and reveal their gender identity to gain respect among society. The support from friends is important, but family support seems to be the most important. When families do not support transgender people it causes a hostile environment that may suppress
Cultural meanings of gender can play heavily into therapeutic effects of the client. A female client who is in therapy with her male partner may not have the “right” to speak against what he is saying if she disagrees; some cultures forbid the woman to go against her male partner or even speak in the presence of a male stranger, which could be the clinician. On the other hand, a male client with the above cultural custom may view a female clinician in a nega...
In conclusion, keeping Gender Dysphoria as a diagnosis aids the most vulnerable population in seeking treatment and care, options, protection, and guidance. As society and medicine moves forward, we may be able to steer away from mental health bias and general discrimination towards non-conformity, but for now it is important to protect the patients who are helped by the diagnosis. Gender Dysphoria currently allows patients to be treated under their insurance, have access to care, and fight for their
People who support conversion therapy concur that these gender variant behaviors are a condition that needs to be treated; the treatment is designed
Formulation of Problem/Needs: The client 's presenting problems are caused by her mother’s emotional verbal abuse. In spite of all, her emotional problems Ana maintains a positive outlook towards her future. Ana demonstrates self-determination as she clearly expresses her current issues. She struggles with overeating because she feels unloved and worthless. Ana is seeking services to overcome the resentment she feels towards her mother. She is requesting help to manage her coping skills and reduce her feelings of depression. According to Ana these feelings started at a young age. Ana’s current challenges are learning to cope with her mother’s verbal abuse. Anna will arrange monthly meetings with her social worker to talk about what methods she’s used to coping with her depression. Ana agrees that she needs to find positive away to communicate with her mother. Ana also stays that she wants to learn to be selfish and break free from the traditional stereotypical life of East LA. Ana would like to begin addressing the following
Mental health professional have tried to correct their ‘‘gender identity disorder’’ with brutal aversion therapies. Tran’s youth who came out often faced crises throughout their family and social systems. Once out, developing a sense of realness about their new gender became extremely important. An urgent need develops ‘‘to match one’s exterior with one’s interior’’ In ad...
Around the world gender is genuinely seen as strictly male or female. If you step out of this “social norm,” you could be considered an outcast. This disassociation includes, biological males/females, interssexed, and transgendered individuals. These people are severely suppressed by society because their gender identification, behaviors, and even their activities deviate from the norm. Most Americans are exceedingly devoted to the concept that there are only two sexes. Therefore, the constrictive American ideals of male and female gender identities inhibits growth and acceptance of gender expression.
Walking down the street, Skylar seems like an ordinary man going about his daily business, but looks can be deceiving. Skylar was originally born as a female, and feeling he was supposed to be a male, started transitioning to male at the age of 16. “He’d just been burdened with a body that needed medical and surgical adjustments so that it could reflect the gender he knew himself to be,” writes Margaret Talbot (2013). Skylar’s family was very accepting, as they had already expected this from the time he was quite young. They gave Skylar time to think over whether he really wanted to transition or not, and when he decided he did, they were extremely happy for him and helped him through the transition. Skylar’s testimony shows the positive influence that having a transsexual family member can have on a family. Having a transsexual person in a family will positively influence that family and educate them on more conservative issues dealing with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community.
Living life as a transgendered person is not easy. There are very few times when someone comes out as transgender and their lives are still relatively easy to manage. There are a copious...
Levine, S. B. (1990). THE STANDARDS OF CARE FOR GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS. HARRY BENJAMIN INTERNATIONAL GENDER DYSPHORIA ASSOCIATION.
Transgender Today Nowadays, there are lot of unexpected changes coming in our lives every day which are challenging to our society. Gender issues are one of the hot topics among new changes. Transsexuality is a critical part of this gender issue. After reading the article “Night to his day” by Judith Lorber, I found a clarification regarding the social construction of gender. While looking for some facts about transgender, I have also found a lot of articles with different points of views from researchers, scientists and individuals who have transformed from their origin to transgender men/women.
In the United States, more than 700,000 people have identified themselves as transgender. These statistics include people of all ages from the children to the elderly. In several surveys conducted in U.S. schools, several children were identified as transgender. For instance, in a 2015 survey in Dane County, 1.5% of the students were transgender (Hoffman). With the revelation, there is a call for unisex bathrooms to accommodate all these students. For example, a nine-year-old student was denied access to the female bathroom in Queensland (Hosking and Sun). This shows that transgender people sometimes go through a hard time; especially in societies where being a transgender has not been accepted. Statistics show that transgender people often become victims of bullying. For instance, 22 women were murdered in 2015 due to being transgender (Goodyear). Additionally, a report by The National Transgender Discrimination Survey shows that more than 40% of transgender people have attempted suicide because of the lack of acceptance in the society (Grant, Mottet, and Tanis 2). Although unisex bathrooms will not eliminate transphobia, it will be a start to ensuring their acceptance in the future. Stereotypes associated with transgender people will be crushed at an early age, giving an opportunity for their acceptance in the
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