Abstract

There are growing numbers of youth who identify as transgender, and as a result, clinicians and counselors are in need of an informed resource that covers the basics of gender identity and expression. This book responds to that need by setting out clear advice and support on working with transgender and non-binary youth with regard to their identity, mental health, personal and family life and their medical and social transition as well as offering additional resources and reading lists.

Along with the basic information needed to understand transgender clients, Irwin Krieger applies this general knowledge to work with transgender teens at what can be the most critical and problematic stage in a trans person's life. Specifically, issues of gender identity awareness and expression for youth along with the mental and physical challenges that puberty presents are discussed. This guide will inform counselors and therapists to support transgender teens in their practice, while providing the necessary tools for opening up the conversation on transgender issues in families and schools.

Irwin Krieger is a clinical social worker who has worked extensively with transgender teens, adults, and families. Irwin provides training and consultancy for mental health and health care professionals, as well as school personnel.
This book is an absolute must-read for counselors who work with youth. Irwin's inviting style combined with his clinical acumen result in a fantastic and much needed guide for working with trans and non-binary youth, a frequently misunderstood group.
Colt Keo-Meier, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist specialising in gender and sexuality, Texas, USA’
I was delighted to read this truly wonderful book. Krieger's voice is authentic, honest, and personal. He blends his own extensive experience with the voices of trans people and other clinicians to create an informative, easy-to-digest manual appropriate for both new and seasoned therapists.
Laura Erickson-Schroth, MD, MA, LGBTQ psychiatrist and writer (Trans Bodies Trans Selves / "You're in the Wrong Bathroom!" and 20 Other Myths and Misconceptions About Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People).
Irwin Krieger has given us a comprehensive gender GPS for youths' gender discovery. Using his professional wisdom and personal compassion, he has written a volume that should be on the bookshelf of every mental health professional committed to providing youth with every opportunity to be their most authentic gender selves.
Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D., Director of Mental Health, Child and Adolescent Gender Center and author of The Gender Creative Child
a timely, useful work for clinicians treating transgender youth or those contemplating transitioning or identifying as non-binary.
Journal of GLBT Family Studies
A remarkably comprehensive and useful book for therapists as well as parents and people who want to learn more about gender diversity and options for transition. Krieger has the ability to take complex issues and make them simple and easy to understand. This is a perfect book for a therapist just beginning work with transgender clients, a more experienced clinician who wants consultation with an experienced colleague, or a teacher looking to assign a book about counseling transgender youth and their families.
Katherine (Kit) Rachlin, Ph.D. Clinical psychologist/senior gender specialist/co-author, New York
Given the growing interest in gender affirmative care for trans and non-binary teens, Irwin Krieger's book arrives right on time. It capably fills a wide gap in the literature for professionals who want to support ethical clinical care for youth and their families.
Rachel Pepper, LMFT, author of Transitions of the Heart