Vägen till kunskap. En intervjustudie om professionella som vågat ta steget att ge psykosocialt stöd till personer som utforskar sin könsidentitet

Sammanfattning: Through previous research, several factors concerning the lack of knowledge among professionals regarding their work with transgender clients have been identified. A need for more counseling support for transgender clients has also been identified. The following study aims to respond to these shortcomings by studying professionals in Sweden who have experience working with clients who are exploring their gender identity and seeking counseling in relation to it. The study is based on six interviews with Swedish mental health professionals working explicitly with issues regarding gender identity. The questions that the study seeks to investigate are: how these professionals describe their work, which kinds of knowledge they are using throughout their work and how they have developed that knowledge. The answers are analysed with the use of modern interpretations of Aristotle’s theory of knowledge and the division between theoretical and practical knowledge. The main conclusion of the study is that the aforementioned shortcomings cannot be easily fixed by theory-heavy educational efforts like culture competence programs and diversity training alone. To better the relevant professional skills and the relations between professionals and their transgender clients, theoretical knowledge must be complemented by practical knowledge. This includes the experience of working with clients who are exploring their gender identity and a willingness to actively reflect upon the best possible way to do so.