TRANS and Non-Binary
Youth and Adults
From the outset, AFFIRM interventions have been designed with particular attention to the specific needs and experiences of trans and nonbinary (TNB) young people and adults. All development and implementation phases of AFFIRM have been created in collaboration with TNB community members and providers.
In addition to helping clients build the necessary coping skills to navigate gender minority stressors, AFFIRM is uniquely attuned to the impacts that gender dysphoria and barriers to gender affirming care have on the mental health of TNB clients. Using AFFIRM’s CBT strategies, TNB clients learn to let go of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs rooted in cisnormativity, better manage experiences of gender dysphoria in challenging social contexts, cultivate affirming experiences, develop affirming social networks, develop coping strategies to manage external stressors, and garner hope for the future.
Drs. Austin and Craig and their colleagues have published several articles discussing the evidence and clinical application of AFFIRM interventions with TNB clients.
AFFIRM in Practice: Organizations Working With Trans and Non-Binary Clients
AFFIRM Youth, Adult and Caregiver groups are being implemented in a host of settings providing affirming services to TNB youth and adults. More and more organizations are using AFFIRM interventions and this list is always growing. Here are a few examples:
Children’s Health Queensland, Australia Queensland Children’s Gender Service
Relevant TNB Research
Austin, A., & Craig, S. L. (2019). Transgender affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy. In J. E. Pachankis & S. A. Safren (Eds.) Handbook of Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice with Sexual and Gender Minorities, 74-91, New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Austin, A., Craig, S. L., & D’Souza (2018). An AFFIRMative cognitive behavioral intervention for transgender youth: Preliminary effectiveness. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice DOI: 10.1037/pro0000154
Austin, A., Craig, S. L., & Alessi, E. J. (2017). Affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy with transgender and gender nonconforming adults. Special Issue: Clinical Issues and Affirmative Treatment with Transgender Clients, Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40, 141-156.
Austin, A. & Craig, S. L. (2015). Transgender affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy: Clinical considerations and applications. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 46(1), 21-29.
Austin, A., & Goodman, R. (2017). The Impact of Social Connectedness and Internalized Transphobic Stigma on Self-Esteem Among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults. In Journal of Homosexuality, 64(6), 825–841.
Austin, A., Craig, S. L., D’Souza, S, & McInroy, L.. (2022). Suicidality Among Transgender Youth: Elucidating the Role of Interpersonal Risk Factors. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 37, 5-6.
Austin, A., Papciak, R. & Lovins, L (2022). Gender euphoria: a grounded theory exploration of experiencing gender affirmation. Psychology & Sexuality, DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2022.2049632.
Austin, A. (2017). Transgender and Gender Diverse Children : Considerations for Affirmative Social Work. Child Adolesc Soc Work J. DOI 10.1007/s10560-017-0507-3.
Austin, A., Holzworth, J. & Papciak, R. (2021). Beyond Diagnosis: “Gender Dysphoria Feels Like a Living Hell, a Nightmare One Cannot Ever Wake Up From” In Journal of Homosexuality, 64(6), 825–841.
Collazo, A. Austin, A., Craig, S. L. (2013). Facilitating Transition Among Transgender Clients: Components of Effective Clinical Practice. Journal of Clinical Social Work, DOI 10.1007/s10615-013-0436-3.
Austin, A., Craig, S. L., Navega, N. & McInroy, L. B. (2020). “It’s my safe space”: The life-saving role of the internet in the lives of transgender and gender diverse youth. International Journal of Transgender Health, 33-44.
Austin, A. & Goodman, R. (2018). Perceptions of transition-related health and mental health services among transgender adults. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services, 30:1, 17-32, DOI: 10.1080/10538720.2017.1408515
More TNB Research
The founders of Affirmative Research, Dr. Shelley Craig and Dr. Ashley Austin have also led other research on Transgender and Non-Binary youth and adults. Here are some examples. (please click on an image to find these articles on research gate. Please reach out to us if you would like more information.)
