The Psychoanalytic Exploration of Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents

In this webinar, we explore the evolution of the concept of gender and gender identity, its treatment over the decades, and current controversies. We will examine the historical cohorts and treatment protocols of gender dysphoria. These will include the treatment protocols of the 80s and 90s (Canadian protocol), the subsequent protocols of the late 90s and 2000s (Dutch Protocol) and the latest approach (American/WPATH protocol). The Cass Review will be examined, including its findings and recommendations. This will lead us to the psychoanalytic position, specifically the Kleinian and Bionian understanding of psychological development. We will consider the developmental phase of adolescence and the achievement of identity consolidation, the role of society in the proliferation of psychopathology (social media, lack of cultural infrastructure), and basic psychoanalytic concepts of denial, projection, integration and modification of experience. We will explore a vignette demonstrating the psycho-developmental process of psychoanalytic exploration, and highlight the evolution from symbolic equivalence to symbolic representation. We will conclude with comparing psychoanalytic gender exploration with the recommendations of the Cass Review.

Learning objectives:

• Historicised understanding of gender and gender dysphoria
• Historical cohorts and treatment approaches
• Current controversies
• Key psychoanalytic concepts pertinent to gender identity development
• Integrated research and theoretical approach to exploratory therapy of gender dysphoria in adolescence

Jaco Van Zyl, MA (Clinical Psychology), is a South Africa-trained clinical psychologist and psychoanalytic psychotherapist currently living in Ireland. He has a special interest in trauma-spectrum, personality and mood disorders, and their manifestations in affective-perceptual disturbances and somatoform disorders. Informed by the historical and contemporary political challenges in his home country, Jaco uses a psychoanalytic lens to explore the psychology of groups, the function of ideology, and of adopted narratives and rituals within political and ideological movements. He has published articles in online and written media, as well as academic journals, is a co-host of the CTA Podcast, and is the co-director of Critical Therapy Antidote.

Therapy First has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7505. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy First is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. This webinar provide 1.5 hours of CE credits.