The Implementation of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults

PURPOSE: There is limited information available regarding the use of trauma modalities within the transgender and gender diverse community (TGD) to address gender-based trauma, including discrimination and invalidation, particularly for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The purpose of this paper is to describe a novel treatment approach to addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms within TGD AYA, inclusive of gender-based trauma. METHODS: Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) was implemented as a brief intervention for TGD AYA who had a positive screening for PTSD symptomatology. Measures were used to assess PTSD symptoms, as well as changes in self-perceived resilience and positive well-being. Two case vignettes are provided to demonstrate the adaptations made to be responsive to the unique needs of TGD AYA for trauma processing. RESULTS: Preliminary outcomes from two case studies indicate the strength of NET when working with TGD AYA who face multiple traumatic events and continue to experience invalidation. CONCLUSION: NET shows promise as an effective brief intervention to reduce PTSD symptomology and increase resiliency in TGD AYA.