| Biography | |
|---|---|
 Dr. Nate O. Fuks Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Canada |
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| Title: Culturally, Linguistically, and Scientifically Informed Psychotherapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, 2 Spirited (LGBTQIA2S*) Clients | |
| Abstract: Most of mental health practitioners are quite clear that their interventions and treatment plans need to be informed and supported by scientific research. However, when it comes to working with minorities, this quite often happens to not be the case. As a psychologist, researcher, and clinical supervisor, specialized in working with minorities, including LGBTQIA2S* clients, immigrants, refugees, and people of color, I have observed many cases where the clients were mistreated, stigmatized, and sometimes further retraumatized by well-meaning but ill-informed practitioners. I will use an example of therapeutic response to gender identity in clinical practice to illustrate this. As a clinical supervisor, I have heard seasoned psychologists trying to find a quote unquote cause or childhood trauma to explain their clients' gender dysphoria and use it as an explanation to mental health symptoms they are presenting with, while APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming people clearly state that mental health problems experienced by a trans or gender nonconforming person may or may not be related to that person’s gender identity. It further explains that in many cases there may not be a relationship between a person’s gender identity and a co-occurring condition, and that the symptoms the clients present with are often the result of external factors such as minority stress, transphobia, and institutional discrimination. I have seen clients diagnosed with and treated for Gender Identity Disorder, even though the diagnosis didnt exist as of 2013. The current diagnostic label in DSM is gender dysphoria, which is dramatically different from gender identity disorder, as it reflects recent research findings on gender identity and removes stigma associated with the term "disorder." For instance, while old diagnostic label often stigmatized and treated gender nonconformity, the DSM 5 clearly states that "gender nonconformity is not in itself a mental disorder. The critical element of gender dysphoria is the presence of clinically significant distress associated with the condition." This new diagnostic label is supported by researchers and members of the trans community who agree that the diagnosis of Gender Identity disorder pathologized gender variance and reinforced the binary model of gender, which is inconsistent with current scientific understanding of the phenomenon. The new treatment suggested by the DSM for gender dysphoria therefore is also significantly different as it usually takes on an affirmative approach and focuses on supporting the individual through exploration and acceptance of their identity. So psychologists working with trans clients, following APA Guidelines and the DSM 5, instead of stigmatizing their client's gender identity, engage in helping their clients navigate normative systems, which often make them experience transphobia and discrimination at institutional level. Furthermore, practitioners familiar with current research on systemic challenges faced by trans individuals, often engage in advocacy to help their clients. For example, we often write letters of support for our clients to facilitate their access to gender affirmative medical treatments, such as gender reassignment surgery. I would like to conclude by reiterating the need for mental health practitioners to consistently rely on recent evidence when treating minority clients. For example, such easily accessible resources as APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with LGB clients, the Report of the APA Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation, the APA Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming people, as well as the DSM 5, can be instrumental in helping practitioners provide culturally sensitive and evidence based care to their clients, and will help prevent stigmatizing or retraumatizing them. This presentation will provide mental health practitioners with an overview of much needed cultural and linguistic competences to provide effective support for clients exploring their sexuality and gender. | |
| Biography: Dr. Nate Fuks is the Director of Psychoeducational & Counselling Clinic (http://www.mcgill.ca/edu-ecp/about/clinic), Director of Clinical Training in Counselling Psychology, and Assistant Professor at Faculty of Education, Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology at McGill University. He is also a private practice psychologist at the Argyle Institute of Human Relations in Montreal, specializing in working with LGBTQIA2S* people, immigrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities. Prior to completing his PhD in Counselling Psychology at McGill University, Nate pursued an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University, and has established himself in a number of challenging and evolving leadership roles, in both the public and private sector. He offers service to clients in four languages, and during his career was involved in a variety of international and multi-cultural ventures. Nate’s industry observations and experiences raised his awareness of the importance of newcomer and minority integration, and inspired his interest and ongoing involvement in research, teaching, and community initiatives pertinent to these issues. His research these days revolves mostly around intersecting identities and mental health of LGBTQIA2S* individuals, immigrants, and refugees. | |
