Art Therapy with Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth:

This paper examines art therapy with gender diverse and transgender youth in the United States. The issue addressed is the current, inadequate, and inapt ethical guidelines posed by the American Art Therapy Association for art therapists working with gender diverse and transgender youth. Additionally, there is a lack of literature and research about the effectiveness of art therapy with transgender and gender diverse youth, as well as art therapist and therapy considerations. To address this problem, the purpose of this paper will be exploring the community’s history of pathology and stigmatization, as well as gender affirming approaches to art therapy when working with transgender and gender diverse youth. Proceeding this paper is an 8-week art therapy group addressing the complex and unique mental health needs of this community. This paper can provide literature and considerations in art therapy practice to effectively work with gender diverse and transgender youth.