A Glimpse of the Transgender Experience: Mental Health Issues and Implications for Counsellors

Abstract

This thesis is an exploration of the experiences of transgender persons and the ways in which they struggle to construct a gender identity within the confines of our dominant culture's limiting gender binary system. It includes an examination of the ways in which discrimination affects their mental health with issues arising such as suicidality, depression, anxiety and substance use. Implications for counsellors are discussed in an attempt to provide the reader with an understanding of how counsellors can effectively work with the community in a manner that is non-judgmental, collaborative, and empathic.