Psychodynamic Psychotherapy as First Line Treatment of Gender Dysphoria

In July 2024, the Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry published a paper by Joanne Sinai, a Canadian psychiatrist, and Peter Sim, a retired lawyer, that reviewed the current mental health landscape for gender dysphoria. The paper argued that psychodynamic psychotherapy should be made available as a first-line treatment for gender dysphoria. In this webinar, Sinai will provide an overview of the paper and examine the aspects of psychodynamic psychotherapy that enhance the ability for those with gender dysphoria to develop greater insight and understanding regarding the conscious and unconscious factors that impact their distress. It is only when a greater level of understanding occurs that these patients will be able to exercise their autonomy and provide truly informed consent.

Learning objectives:

• Understand changes in patient profiles of those presenting with gender dysphoria.
• Review the differential diagnosis of gender dysphoria as a symptom of distress.
• Review treatment options for gender dysphoria in different age groups.
• Discuss the potential benefits of psychodynamic psychotherapy for gender dysphoria, in particular with regard to autonomy and informed consent.

Dr. Joanne Sinai is a Canadian psychiatrist and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia. She completed her medical school and psychiatry residency at the University of Toronto. She also has a Master’s of Education with a focus on health on health professional education. In Victoria, BC, she works at a psychiatric urgent care clinic and also has a long term psychodynamic psychotherapy practice.