Assignment:
Application: Sexual Reassignment
A person does not wake up randomly one morning and suddenly decide that he or she wants to be a different sex. Rather, the decision to undergo sex reassignment surgery typically follows a lengthy-often lifelong-journey of reflection and careful decision making. (Note: This Assignment focuses on individuals who are transsexual, not intersex.)
There are three general phases once the decision has been made to undergo sex reassignment surgery. First, there is a lead-up process during which the client prepares for the surgery and often is required to seek counseling to ensure that this decision has been made very carefully. Second, the actual surgery is performed. Third, the client faces a post-reassignment surgery adjustment period in which the client reorients to his or her new life.
The Assignment (2 to 3 page paper):
For each of the three phases of sex reassignment surgery:
? Explain two challenges a client might face.
? Explain two strategies a helping professional might use to address each challenge.
Support your Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are to provide a reference list for all resources, including those in the resources for this course.
References
Levine, S. B., Risen, C. B., & Althof, S. E. (Eds.). (2016). Handbook of clinical sexuality for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
? "The Gay Male"
? "Optimal Erotic Intimacy: Lessons From Great Lovers"
? "Transgender Phenomena"
? ALGBTIC Transgender Committee. (2010). American Counseling Association competencies for counseling with transgender clients. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 4(3/4), 135-159.
? Rowniak, S., & Chesla, C. (2013). Coming out for a third time: Transmen, sexual orientation, and identity. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 42(3), 449-461.
? Vaughan, M. D., & Waehler, C. A. (2010). Coming out growth: Conceptualizing and measuring stress-related growth associated with coming out to others as a sexual minority. Journal of Adult Development, 17(2), 94-109.
? World Professional Association for Transgender Health. (2012). Standards of care for the health of transsexual, transgender, and gender-nonconforming people (7th ed.).