Research Snapshot: Sibling Support for Gender-Questioning and Trans Youth

Key findings from a study on the inclusion of siblings in affirmative systemic therapy (AST) for families with a gender-diverse or questioning child

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Family therapy can help parents and their child navigate these life changes and create a supportive and affirmative home environment. While there has been much study to support this, there is a lack of research on the role of siblings, or the “sibling subsystem,” in family therapy.

This article examines the historical exclusion of siblings in family therapy research and practice. Through a case vignette, it illustrates the potential positive outcomes of including siblings in AST.

This research builds on our growing understanding of the Family Wellbeing component of the Vanier Institute’s Family Diversities and Wellbeing Framework.