From the clients' perspective: Adults reflect on their experiences of psychotherapy for gender identity disorder during adolescence

The mental health profession, which both reflects and shapes social values, has become culturally implicated in the role of regulating gendered behaviors. One means by which it does so is to classify certain expressions of cross-gendered behavior as a mental disorder (Gender Identity Disorder). The diagnostic classification of GID has led to the development of a host of psychotherapeutic treatments.; Numerous outcome studies have examined the effects of various treatments on individuals who are diagnosed with, or meet criteria for, GID. These studies generally assess such variables as sexual orientation, changes in gender-related behaviors and preferences, and changes in mental status in child clients. However, there are no studies which examine the personal experience of therapy for these individuals. Additionally, studies focusing on the treatment of adolescents with symptoms of GID are sparse.; This qualitative study explored the nature of the therapeutic experience of individuals who have been in psychotherapeutic treatment for GID as adolescents. The hoped-for outcome is to add to the treatment literature in order to increase the breadth of information available to clinicians who treat adolescents, as well as to spur clinicians to examine their own gender-related beliefs, biases, and possible counter-transferential issues relating to the treatment of individuals with GID.; Toward this purpose, 11 individuals were interviewed using a self-report computer-based questionnaire. Then, the subjects' responses were analyzed thematically under three variables: experience of therapy, effects of therapy, and evaluation of therapy. Those participants who indicated that they had played a more active role in treatment planning reported having achieved more positive treatment outcomes, and gave more positive evaluations of treatment. They also seemed better able to withstand external pressures to conform their behaviors to cultural or parental expectations.; Regardless of their treatment experiences, outcomes, or evaluations, ten respondents stated that they would recommend therapy to others struggling with gender issues largely because it is too difficult "to go through it alone." This seems to underscore just how isolated and alienated many individuals with GID seem to feel, as well as how desperate they may be to make a connection with someone who understands and accepts them.