Applications of the Satir Growth Model to Strengthen Transgender and Gender Expansive Chosen Family Relationships

Chosen family is a notable form of family for many transgender and gender expansive (TGE) individuals, providing emotional support, identity affirmation, and caregiving. Chosen family, as well as clinical interventions for strengthening these relationships, have received little attention within clinical literature. The Satir Growth Model is an experiential approach to therapy that emphasizes congruent communication, self-worth, and emotional awareness. This paper presents a conceptual framework for adapting the Satir Growth Model to support TGE clients and their chosen family. Through a case example, this article illustrates how Satir Growth Model can be adapted to support self-worth and chosen family relationships.