52.5 THE ROLE OF FAMILY THERAPY IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH GENDER DYSPHORIA AND PSYCHIATRIC PROBLEMS

Objectives: Although there is growing literature and increasing awareness about the transgender experience, there is a need for continued discussion on the role of family and parent-child relationships in the development and support of transgender and gender-nonconforming adolescents. The adjustment process for families of these youth can also present challenges for parents experiencing feelings of denial, grief, blame, disappointment, loss, shame, confusion, and anxiety. Indeed, given that approximately 59 percent of transgender youth face negative reactions when coming out to their families, parental/familial involvement in the treatment of youth with gender dysphoria is highly warranted. Methods: In this talk, Dr. Erica Chin will review a treatment plan and process for families, including psychoeducation, a description of how to create safe spaces at home and in the community, development of family narrative coherence (integrating past and present experiences of family members), improvement of parent child communication, and strategies for guiding families and gender dysphoric youth in healthy adolescent identity exploration. Results: The implementation of a family support plan for transgender youth is crucial to comprehensive and adequate clinical care of adolescents with gender dysphoria. The transgender youth and parental figures both require assistance in re-establishing familial relations, adjusting to the adolescent's disclosure, and supporting the adolescent's transition. Conclusions: Family therapy and system-based approaches can be useful in addressing family conflicts, readdressing normative developmental expectations, creating therapeutic safe spaces for all family members, identifying support, and establishing care and validating for youth with gender dysphoria.