Tailoring Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Gender-Expansive Journeys

This article introduces an innovative adaptation of interpersonal psychotherapy tailored to the needs of individuals identifying as gender diverse and navigating the complexities of gender transition. The few available therapeutic models designed for this population are reviewed, and the novel intervention, grounded in clinical insights and empirical research, is presented. Key components of this adaptation include expanding the interpersonal inventory with targeted processing questions and developing a disclosure timeline—a structured tool designed to guide patients through gender transition—while bolstering social support, reducing distress, and improving interpersonal effectiveness. An illustrative case vignette is included to elucidate the practical applications of this approach and to underscore essential therapeutic considerations.