Phenomena in the therapeutic setting when treating clients with gender-related Body dysphoria
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
This study explored psychotherapists’ experiences of somatic phenomena, in relation to their own bodies, when treating clients with significant gender-related body dysphoria within the treatment setting. It also examined their experiences and deeper understandings of somatic transference and countertransference within the analytic frame when working with this particular client profile. The various resistance mechanisms deployed by such clients were also explored as well as the ways in which psychotherapists may be resistant to working more closely with their own somatic countertransference. A qualitative approach to research was in order to generate meaning and understanding through rich material. An interpretivist paradigm was employed whose ontology examines the perceptions and experiences of therapists who have treated clients with significant gender-related body dysphoria. Therapists’ experiences of somatic countertransference phenomena were varied and inconsistent. More than half of the therapists reported the experiencing of sensations including nausea, headaches, restriction of the chest and experiences of drowsiness. Some therapists could not recall any experiences of somatic countertransference and demonstrated a tendency to minimize, deny or disavow somatic phenomena.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Clinical Psychology to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024
Keywords
somatic countertransference, transference, transgender, gender-related body dysphoria
Citation
Coleman, David. (2023).Phenomena in the therapeutic setting when treating clients with gender-related Body dysphoria [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].