Abstract
In this chapter, we explore the story of Stephen, a composite female-to-male transgender client, derived from the practice experiences of the first author. We engage with Stephen’s story in order to explore key aspects of culture-infused counselling. As part of Stephen’s story, we explore the issue of self-harm to illustrate ways counsellors can engage in life-making and self-composition alongside transgender clients. Culture-infused counselling (CIC; Collins & Arthur, 2010a, 2010b) is woven throughout this chapter to illustrate how it brings counsellor and client together in a therapeutic relationship characterized by a commitment to each know the other and to engage in helpful therapeutic work. In reflecting on the application of the revised CIC framework (see Chap. 2), we emphasize the importance of sustaining sensitivity to the role culture plays in shaping client and therapist identities. We also explore how cultural awareness of self informs the therapeutic relationship. Used concurrently, these approaches help sustain a practice in which transgender clients and counsellors can work together in meaningful and forward-looking ways.
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Estefan, A., Roughley, R. (2018). Stephen’s Story: A Culture-Infused Perspective of Life-Making in Therapeutic Work with Transgender Clients. In: Arthur, N. (eds) Counselling in Cultural Contexts. International and Cultural Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00090-5_7
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