Navigating Misinformation in Gender-Affirming Care

Gender‑affirming care (GAC) is a vital, evidence‑based component of systemic therapy. It supports the wellbeing of transgender and gender‑diverse people by recognizing their identities, reducing barriers to care, and strengthening the relational systems they live within. Clinicians play a crucial role in helping individuals and families access affirming, ethical, and culturally responsive treatment. Yet in today’s climate, therapists must also navigate an overwhelming amount of misinformation that directly impacts clients’ safety, autonomy, and mental health.

In the clip above from AAMFT’s Systemic Therapy Certificate Foundations of Gender-Affirming Care, Colton J. Schoenike, PhD, LMFT, explores the harm caused by misinformation about GAC and suggests utilizing the VCR model (Laszloffy & Hardy, 2000)—Validate, Challenge, Request —as a practical, relationally attuned framework for responding to misinformation in clinical and community settings.

Interested in learning more? Explore AAMFT’s Systemic Therapy Certificate, Foundations of Gender Affirming Care, a 10‑CE course designed for clinicians committed to affirming practice. Use code Anniversary25 at checkout to celebrate one year of the Certificate and save 25% through October 31!