This is great news! Finally, support for gender-critical exploratory approaches with kids presenting with gender dysphoria, from a professional body. Having seen many young autistic teens with identities that challenge traditional gender stereotypes, and young possibly gay teens who are trying to work out who they are, I am delighted and hopeful that they will no longer be as susceptible to believing that they are in the wrong body and that therapists with their best interests are heart are able to explore alternative drivers and underlying issues without fear.
www.psychotherapy.org.uk/news/ukcp-guidance-regarding-gender-critical-views/#:~:text=Exploratory%20therapy%20should%20not%20in,and%20must%20not%20be%20practised.
‘Whether a practitioner has gender-critical views or not, it is important to recognise that there are multiple factors that can contribute to people questioning their gender. These can include the person’s psychological make-up, genetics, current emotional wellbeing, societal and cultural influences, biological factors, neurodiversity, sexuality, family dynamics, and many more. Gender is usually only one of the presenting issues in the broader totality of the client’s situation. This is why it is essential, especially for children and young people, that these aspects are thoroughly explored with highly trained psychological practitioners. This can take time, and sometimes a very long time.
‘Medical interventions can potentially be irreversible, and there are risks associated with all medical treatments. Therefore, it is imperative that all underlying aspects to someone’s dysphoria are given the attention and exploration they deserve through professional psychotherapies, in order that the overall risks can be appropriately assessed prior to considering medical intervention.
'Regardless of viewpoints, all professional psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors who work with gender dysphoria or gender-identity want the best for the person who is struggling and needs help. If this is always kept in mind, these vitally important conversations, however difficult, can take place in a healthy and supportive manner, allowing us to ensure our clients’ and the public’s best interest and safety remain paramount.’
(NB and before anyone is up
In arms about it, exploratory therapy is clearly defined as distinct from conversion therapy).