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Gender exploratory therapy

Gender exploratory therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that creates room to explore one's gender identity, without setting transition or affirmation of the claimed identity as a predetermined goal.

What it is

Gender exploratory therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that creates room to explore one's gender identity, without setting transition or affirmation of the claimed identity as a predetermined goal. Attention goes to underlying factors such as mental-health complaints, neurodivergence, trauma and social influence.

Place in the debate

Proponents see it as an ethical and careful approach that fits within broad clinical standards. Opponents, including some transgender advocacy organisations, fear that it can lead to conversion-like practices.

International

The Cass Review explicitly argues for exploratory approaches instead of automatic affirmation. Various countries that ban conversion therapy (such as France and Canada) have included exceptions or definitional choices in their legislation so that exploratory therapy does not fall under the ban.