For any student or practitioner needing to gain a sound understanding of the complex fields of gender variance, gender identity and gender dysphoria, this book provides the ideal starting point for the knowledge and skills that you need.

Emphasising the need for affirmative practice in gender care, it provides an overview of the subject areas and process issues which most commonly arise in counselling, combining theoretical with practical perspectives. It explores the diverse range of identities including masculinity, femininity, non-binary, gender dysphoria, trans and cisgender. It also addresses challenges which many clients experience in their daily lives - in the workplace, when coming out, when transitioning and in intimate relationships.

The authors highlight the importance of education and reflection to enable good practice. They feature case studies, vignettes and reflective exercises throughout the text, making it a useful tool for professional development as well as suitable as a text for students.

Dr Michael Beattie, CPsychol is a chartered counselling psychologist with a PsychD in counselling psychology.

Dr Penny Lenihan BSc Hons, Msc, DPsych, Couns, CPsychol, AFBPsS, HCPC Reg, is the lead Consultant Psychologist at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic.

Dr Robin Dundas is a counselling psychologist who has spent eight years working with trans and gender non conforming people at Charing Cross Gender Identity Clinic. He currently works as a senior gender specialist and therapist at the service.