Attachment Injury Resolution in Couples When One Partner is Trans-identified

Abstract

Trans-identified (TI) couples are a marginalized, under-served population. Extant literature concerning the treatment of relational distress with this group is sparse. Information that is available is more concerned with the transition support of the TI partner, usually male, than it is with the partner experiencing the attachment injury or the couple as a separate entity. These couples experience significant relational upheaval. This paper explores the literature on the partners and couple relationships of TI persons, and proposes the use of the Emotionally Focused Therapy attachment injury resolution model for couples experiencing this upheaval. The model, which has been supported in studies of attachment injury treatment in distressed heterosexual couples, would require minimal adaptation for use with TI couples. For example, the goal of therapy using this model with married TI couples must be repairing the relationship, not necessarily repairing the marriage. A case example is used to demonstrate the potential of this approach.