Creating Developmentally Appropriate, Safe Counseling Environments for Transgender Youth: The Critical Role of School Counselors

Abstract

This article outlines the role of school counselors at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as they work with transgender youth. The authors take a developmental approach to identify the role and opportunities school counselors have in building a transgender-positive environment in school settings. Important language and terms for working with transgender youth are provided as well as practice recommendations across elementary, middle, and high school counseling levels. In addition, the authors recommend specific advocacy-focused approaches to make school counseling interventions more transgender-positive.