Play Therapy With Transgender and Gender-Expansive Children

When providing play therapy with transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) children, it is essential that clinicians have a thorough understanding of the key issues that TGE children may face in the home and school setting, as well as the social, academic, and legal roadblocks that transgender parents and caregivers may encounter. This chapter will include a general overview of gender terminology and review the LGBTQQIA+ Best Practice Guidelines. General treatment recommendations for TGE children and their caregivers will be addressed. A recommended bibliotherapy list, along with organizations that offer LGBTQQIA+ resources and advocacy will be provided. The chapter will further address how to create gender affirming play therapy spaces with a focus on gender-neutral and gender-affirming toys. A description of these toys will include the use of baby dolls and accessories; occupation-based and imaginary dress-up outfits and play kits; and puppets and sandtray miniatures. Lastly, a TGE-focused play therapy literature review will be provided based on multiple theoretical orientations.