Gender Identity and Faith: Clinical Postures, Tools, and Case Studies for Client-Centered Care

"The authors' considerable experience is informed by a deep and thorough knowledge of the psychology, biology, culture, and politics needed to protect the transgender individual. Although certainly a valuable resource for practitioners who work with conventionally religious families navigating gender identity and faith, this book is also wonderfully accessible to all."

"Gender Identity and Faith represents a sophisticated and highly competent approach to engaging a clinical niche rarely addressed with either sophistication or competence in all areas: clinical practice around the intersection of gender identity and religious concerns. The common impulse in this area is either to prioritize one area over the other (either religion or gender identity). The authors embrace an alternative client-centered approach. The text offers a practical outline of their treatment model with clear and persuasive rationales. This is not a polemical text aimed to fight in the gender identity culture wars or at presenting a theology of gender or gender identity. It is a standout resource text for Christian clinicians and other professionals who are attempting to help clients well navigate issues of personal religious faith and gender identity. It represents a best-practices example of Christian clinical and role integration in the mental health fields and is illustrated with rich case studies."

"Too often, we who counsel and coach other persons erroneously believe our job is to offer solutions to the complex overlap of philosophy, religion, and gender identity. Using multiple worksheets, Gender Identity and Faith greatly helps religious and nonreligious counselors and coaches to come alongside the transgender-presenting client and, by offering questions, to assist the client in exploring their amazing inner worlds."

"If you serve clients seeking to honor both their deep personal faith and their gender identity questions, you'll find robust concepts and practical tools in this resource. You'll boost your competency with flexible assessments, worksheets, strategies, and case studies to help clients of all ages navigate culturally sensitive and spiritually profound questions of gender identity."

"Gender Identity and Faith delivers an accessible framework for clinicians working with individuals seeking therapy to better understand and integrate the aspects of their identity related to gender and religion/spirituality. Yarhouse and Sadusky provide specific interventions that can be used with clients, accompanied by numerous case examples to illustrate how to approach this complex topic with nuance and cultural humility. Given that many clients seeking therapy for gender-related needs also have a faith background that impacts their sense of self, this book is an essential read for all mental health providers working with gender diverse and transgender individuals."