Incongruency between Gender Identity and Societal Expectations: A CaseReport on Gender Dysphoria

This report gives a narrative of Takesure Mariga’s (pseudonym) case on gender identity. Thetherapist used the Clinical Interview, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and theGender Identity/ Gender Dysphoria Questionnaire for Adolescents and Adults (Male to FemaleVersion) to assess the client’s problem. The client’s score on the Gender Identity/ GenderDysphoria Questionnaire was low and indicative of extreme gender dysphoria. The therapistbased this case on the self-concept theory because dysphoria profoundly affects the self-concept of individuals grappling with gender identity issues. The goals of therapy were to helpthe client to reduce dysphoric feelings and improve his psychological well-being, help him toaccept his gender identity, and also to develop skills to cope with gender dysphoria. Thetherapist used the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy and the SolutionFocused Brief Therapy considering several techniques from the three counselling approaches.The psychologist used psychoeducation, systemic therapy and homework as short terminterventions and goal setting and gender affirmation as the long term interventions.