Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Transgender Clients

Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Transgender Clients provides readers with an in-depth look into the application of Relational Cultural Therapy (RCT) principles to the therapeutic treatment of queer and transgender clients. The textbook leverages RCT's theoretical framework to empower mental health practitioners with strategies that validate and celebrate the identities of individuals within these communities. The book is structured into three main sections. The initial section lays the foundation by exploring the history and theory of RCT and then continues to expand on the adaptation of this approach through a queer theoretical lens. The text features narratives that illustrate the profound impact of authenticity, growth, connection, and mutuality in the healing process. It also addresses the challenge of overcoming controlling images and fostering relational images, as well as exemplifying how relational resilience and courage can be cultivated. The closing section synthesizes these elements, addressing the ethical considerations pertinent to the intersection of RCT and the unique experiences of queer and transgender individuals. Queering Connection is an essential resource for courses in counseling, psychology, social work, and queer studies, suitable for both graduate and undergraduate levels. It provides students and professionals with critical insights to enhance their practice in an affirming and inclusive way, fostering better therapeutic outcomes for clients from diverse gender and sexual orientation backgrounds.