The Experiences of Cisgender Mental Health Professionals Providing Services to Transgender or Gender Nonconforming Individuals Who Voluntarily Engage in Sex Work
Rachel Johnson, PhD, LPCC-S & Maryann O'Malloy, LPCC-S, LICDC | September 17 | 3:15-4:15 pm EDT
Topic: Research, Direct Service | Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Cisgender mental health professionals’ experiences providing services to sex workers identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming were explored in this research study. Providing nonbiased and culturally appropriate care is an ethical obligation of mental health professionals, including providing culturally competent care to the minority subpopulation of transgender and gender non-conforming sex workers. The main research question was “How do cisgender mental health professionals make meaning to experiences in providing services to transgender and gender non-conforming sex workers in the U.S.?” There was no current research on cisgender mental health workers’ experiences with providing services to transgender or gender non-conforming sex workers in the U.S. Providing non-biased and culturally appropriate care is an ethical obligation of counselors, including to this minority population. In this qualitative study, the researchers used semi-structured interviews and purposive sampling to understand the experiences of mental health professionals who have worked with the population. Cisgender mental health professionals providing services to transgender sex workers experience radical shifts in perspective and worldview. Work with the population often results in challenges because of a lack of resources, including counselors lacking specific training, education, or competent supervision. Providing training, education, and supervision surrounding the use of culturally specific language, building and maintaining rapport, practicing openness and affirming behavior, and increasing knowledge of resources, cisgender mental health professionals providing services to the population will have more support and awareness.
Presentation Objectives:
• Provide an overview of the research study, including main questions, methodology, and findings
• Describe the implications and recommendations based on the research