ABSTRACT
Transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children and adolescents need knowledgeable, aware, and skilled clinicians for the many facets of societal issues they will inevitably face. This chapter discusses important concepts and terms, introduces crucial statistics, describes experiences at home and at school, and other important considerations for TGE individuals. It also presents counseling implications and legal and ethical considerations. TGE youth are at significant risk of being forced to undergo conversion therapy. Conversion therapy refers to the practice of attempting to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, often by using methods of punishment and aversive tactics. Legal protections for TGE children and adolescents exist. Counselors need to be aware of such protections so as to advocate effectively and appropriately for clients and to provide resources and supports for caregivers who are also advocating. Counselors are often tasked with supporting the entire family system when working with TGE children and adolescents.
