Family Functioning and Gender Dysphoria

The way a therapist thinks about a phenomenon such as gender dysphoria and transition informs how they will respond clinically. The belief that gender dysphoria is caused by a mismatch between one’s sex and internal sense of being male or female informs treatment approaches that emphasize social and medical transition as ways to reduce dysphoria and improve functioning. A broader understanding of gender dysphoria will be presented that considers the family and relationship context of the individual, their level of maturity, and the role of chronic anxiety in the family. Key to managing gender dysphoria or any other symptom is the ability to regulate one’s emotional system, take a broader perspective, and respond thoughtfully to the challenge rather than reactively. Individuals vary in their ability to do this. A clinical approach informed by this understanding will be discussed.

Joe Berger, LICSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Burlington, VT. About one third of his clients identify as transgender or nonbinary. A trans man himself, his interests include developing a more complete understanding about gender transition that incorporates societal, family, and evolutionary processes. He received a Masters in Social Work from the University of Vermont in 2012, and has completed postgraduate training in Bowen Family Systems Theory through the Vermont Center for Family Studies and the Bowen Center in Washington, D.C.

Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7505. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy First is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This webinar provide 1.5 hours of CE credits.