Gender Exploratory Therapy: Conversion Therapy Rebranded
With such an innocuous name as Gender Exploratory Therapy (GET), it is important to be aware of the dangers associated with this type of therapy. Gender exploratory therapy (GET) is a type of therapy that is designed to help people explore their gender identity. However, the Gender Exploratory Therapy Association, or GETA, asserts in their membership statement that “psychological approaches should be the first-line treatment for all cases of gender dysphoria” and medical interventions for children and teens “are experimental and should be avoided if possible.” The idea that medical treatments for trans youth should be “avoided if possible” or even done away with altogether is not in line with the medical consensus in the United States. This care is evidence-based and medically necessary according to organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Endocrine Society, the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association.
Therapists who practice gender exploratory therapy do not intend to ever allow transition for the youth they practice on—one therapist listed on GETA website, JD Robertson, actively maintains that trans people should not be allowed to transition until “full cognitive development,” which she defines as 25 years old. Another therapist listed on GETA, Pamela Garflied-Jaeger provides resources for parents of Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD) children. ROGB reflects a deliberate and politicized weaponization of scientific language to dismiss the overwhelming evidence that exists to support gender-affirmative approaches to care provision for trans teenagers. The resource provided by Garflied-Jaeger is a website “Parents of ROGD Kids” that lists “causes of being trans” with a small dot to indicate “truly transgender people”.
Much like how a crisis pregnancy center steers pregnant people away from abortion, GETA’s strategy is to sound cautious and helpful while promoting a very specific view of how people should live their lives, which is as the gender they were assigned at birth, said Erin Reed, a legislative researcher, content creator, and trans rights activist who has been extensively following the rise of GET by tracking anti-trans individuals and organizations.
One reason why GET sounds so appealing to some parents is because they fear that gender-affirming health care providers are giving gender dysphoric children and teens puberty blockers or hormones far too quickly. However, there are many barriers to gender-affirming care, including long waitlists, strict treatment protocols, and cost, leading many people to wait months or years for treatment.
Here are some tips for finding a therapist who provides affirmative care:
Ask your doctor or mental health professional for a referral.
Look for therapists who are certified by a reputable organization such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
Read online reviews of therapists before you schedule an appointment.
Ask the therapist about their experience with transgender clients and their approach to therapy.
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing harm from GET, please reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. You can also contact a crisis hotline or mental health professional for help.
