Practitioner Resources
As a practitioner, how can you enhance cultural humility in your practice, when working with the relational others of trans+ people?
Successful work with the partners of trans people begins before a client steps into the office.
Specifically, if you are a practitioner who works with these clients, you must embrace cultural humility. This can take the form of beginning to understand one’s own biases, relationship to power, and role in (unintentionally) perpetuating inequality.
In addition, practitioners must commit to an openness to learning by educating themselves on relevant current terminology and research.
Here are other ways that practitioners can enhance cultural humility to create a more inclusive and affirming practice
Dispel Shame
Appreciate the process
Leverage client's strengths
and support system
Focus on using inclusive language that challenges hetero- and cisnormative assumptions. For example, use "partner" instead of "husband/wife" “boyfriend/girlfriend”
Consistently ask for and use correct names and pronouns to affirm the client, their partner, and other people in the client’s life (Using the exact terms, name, and pronouns they use to describe themselves and those in their lives)
Use language that normalizes the client’s and their trans partner’s identities and experiences; avoid using euphemisms. This might include saying words like: trans/transgender, transition, surgery, hormones, enby, queer, gay, lesbian, T/testosterone, estrogen, injections/shots, top surgery, and bottom surgery.
Use language that recognizes cultural, social, and personal context of LGBTQ+ lives.
Create a nonjudgmental space where the client can openly tell their story.
Dispel Shame
Treat the client as part of a large social context that includes partnerships, family, community, and larger society.
Be aware of the challenges of finding others who are going through similar experiences.
Help the client identify and draw from their social current supports.
Help the client identify LGBTQ+ community to enhance support.
Help clients through their self-reflective identity process. Start by educating them on what that is.
Appreciate the process
Respect the unique experiences of each client; do not assume that everyone’s experience is the same. For example, some clients may have had an LGBTQ+ identity prior to their partner coming out as trans, while others may be new to the LGBTQ+ experience altogether.
Know that a client’s feelings and identity may change over time.
Help the client safely navigate the coming out process.
Be sensitive to the complex feelings that clients may have. For example, clients may experience feelings of loss around family relationships while at the same time feeling happiness in the new authenticity in their relationship.
Be aware of safety concerns and feelings of protection that the client may have with respect to public spaces and how these concerns can change depending on where a client lives, the political climate, and overall support in their life.
Understand the complex set of roles that the client may be navigating. The client may act as a caregiver and consultant for their trans partner while navigating their own individual challenges.
Permission to feel any "negative" emotions (resentment, anger, frustration)
Leverage client's strengths and support system
An authentic connection with a trusted practitioner can help clients more successfully navigate and process their unique experiences.
Person in Environment is a social work foundational framework that asserts the importance of exploring an individual within the context of their environment and the reciprocal relationship between a person and their environment (social & physical).
Resources to use in practice with clients
Partner Workbook
Glossary of Terms: Transgender
Let's hear from a practitioner working with couples where one person is transgender.
Dr. Kade Thurman, Ph.D., M.A, MSW, LSW
What are some ways practitioners can enhance cultural humility while working with the relational others of trans+ people and couples in which one person is transgender?
What are some important considerations when working with the intimate relational others of trans+ people and couples in which one person is transgender?