Our Ethical Duty: Assessing the Competencies of Counselors-In-Training for Counseling with Transgender and Gender Expansive Clients

Authors

Deanna N. Cor, Portland State University
M. N. Saltis, The University of Northern Colorado
Megan Doughty Shaine, Hood College
Lauren Streeter, Portland State University

Published In

Journal of Lgbtq Issues in Counseling

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-3-2025

Subjects

Counselor Education -- Research -- Methodology

Abstract

Counselors report a lack of competence in working with transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals. TGE people report a lack of competent and affirming care. This study used the Gender Identity Counselor Competency Scale- Revised (GICCS-R) to understand self-reported competence and training levels in working with this population. Participants were 90 masters-level counselors in training who had at least started practicum in CACREP-accredited programs. Hierarchical linear regression was utilized to determine factors that predict competence including identities and training levels. Results highlight a lack of perceived competence in skill-based training. Counselor education programs must focus on improving TGE affirmative skills.

Rights

Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/10.1080/26924951.2025.2472929

DOI

10.1080/26924951.2025.2472929

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44036

Publisher

Informa UK Limited

Citation Details

Cor, D. N., Saltis, M. N., Doughty Shaine, M., & Streeter, L. (2025). Our Ethical Duty: Assessing the Competencies of Counselors-in-Training for Counseling with Transgender and Gender Expansive Clients. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling, 19(3), 271–285.