On affirmative clinical practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people: New guide-lines of the American Psychological Association

Abstract

This short essay aims to present the translation and adaptation to the Italian context of the recent guidelines for psychological-clinical practice with transgender and gender nonconforming people (TGNC) published in 2015 by the American Psychological Association (APA). As a result of the confirmation of the psychiatric diagnosis in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), APA has highlighted the need to use an affirmative practice, that is a respectful, informed, and supportive approach to TGNC identities and life experiences. These guidelines, therefore, represent a fundamental text for a competent and scientifically-based psychological cure.