Transition in conceptualizing the transgender experience: A measure of counselor attitudes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine counseling practitioner attitudes regarding the
diagnosis, conceptualization and treatment of trans gender clients, and to observe possible
factors affecting counselor views of trans gender individuals and their presenting issues.
The Counselor Attitude Survey (CAS) was designed to measure coonselor attitudes
toward trans gender individuals. This measure was distributed to 1000 members of the
American Counseling Association throughout the United States and United States
territories, resulting in 66 total respondents. Support was found regarding the association
between counselor attitudes toward the transgender population and religious and political
affiliations. Much of the literature states there is pervasive ignorance and insensitivity to
transgender issues, including identity formation, within the mental healthcare system.
Awareness is key for competent practice, particularly of how a mental health
practitioner's political and religious views impact work with self-identified transgender
clients. This study highlights some areas in which transference might be high and
personal values held by the counselor might affect competent practice.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Steven Conn (Supervisor)