We’ve joined with the Open University to launch a free research-informed training course to support our members to work effectively with trans (including non-binary) people.

The optional online CPD has been developed because research suggests that trans people commonly report poor experiences of counselling.1

And latest research from the Integrating Care for Trans Adults (ICTA) project has highlighted factors that negatively impact trans clients’ experiences of counselling.

The new course, Working therapeutically with trans (including non-binary) people: What does ‘good’ look like?, has been created based on the findings of the ICTA project.

Caroline Jesper, our Head of Professional Standards, said:

“We want to ensure that trans people have the best possible experience of therapy – but research findings show that’s not always the case.

“The ICTA project found that while some trans clients found counselling helpful, others did not because of counsellors’ lack of understanding or, in some cases, because counsellors expressed discrimination towards their gender identity.

“We’ve collaborated on the development of this training to give our members a resource that they can use to enhance their awareness and cultural competence to work with this community in ways that are client-led, respectful, supportive, anti-oppressive, inclusive and ethical.”

What research is the course based on?

The research, funded by the National Institute of Health Research, was carried out by a team of academic researchers at the Open University, working in collaboration with NHS gender clinics, third sector organisations that work with trans people, and BACP.

It was based on an online survey which 2,000 trans people responded to, and interviews and focus groups with 133 trans people.

Participants were asked about their experience of healthcare, including mental health.

Research lead Professor Richard Holti said: “Originally, we weren’t planning to include a focus on mental health. But the survey revealed that many of the participants were experiencing mental health issues, very often related to their experiences of discrimination. This suggested the value of asking participants in interviews and focus groups explicitly about their experience of mental health treatment, including of counselling and psychotherapy. These research findings were used to inform this course.”

What does the course involve?

The course has six sections:

  • Introduction
  • Examining our biases and assumptions
  • Supporting clients through transitioning
  • Creating a safe place for trans clients
  • Working with the diversity of the trans community
  • Conclusion

Course participants will have opportunities to consider how they might apply the learning to practice with trans clients, through filmed extracts of therapy sessions with a client Patrick (played by a trans actor) working with Jake, an experienced psychotherapist who is also a trans man.

The course also includes multiple activities, specially created videos and audios, opportunities for reflection and a final quiz. Participants who pass the quiz can download a CPD completion certificate.

It should take learners about eight hours to complete, but people can work at their own pace.

How to access the course

To access the course, visit the Working therapeutically with trans (including non-binary) people course page on the Open University website.

You’ll need to create a free OpenLearn Create account to view the course. The account allows your progress through the course to be logged, which saves your progress between sessions.

References:

1 Ellis, Bailey & McNeil, 2015; Holti et al., 2024; Hunt, 2014; Mezzalira et al., 2025