“I welcome this book because it reminds therapists to engage deeply in reflexive interrogation of clinical privilege, and to centre the narratives and wisdom of the trans and non-binary people we serve. More of that please!’ Matthew Mills (he, him), President of the British Association of Gender Identity Specialists, Lead Consultant Speech and Language Therapist, writer, pedagogue and queer activist.  “This book is compulsory reading for anyone, personally and/or professionally, seeking to support trans and non-binary individuals and community groups. Its reflective focus is vital for anyone wishing to create a more diverse and inclusive world.� Dr Paul Simpson, Lecturer in Sociology, University of Manchester, UK and extensively published in gender and sexuality in later life. "This book is a welcome and much needed resource on Gender Affirmative Therapy to guide therapists and practitioners to ensure best clinical practices when working with gender.� Christiane Sanderson, Independent Counsellor, Author and Educator, London, UK Increasing numbers of people openly identify as transgender and non-binary and questions of gender identity and diversity are coming up more frequently in psychological therapy. Gender Affirming Therapy takes you on a journey to discover the inner lives and challenges of gender-diverse people, seeking to spark compassion and build confidence in working with these communities.  Assuming no prior knowledge and accessibly written, this book aims to bridge the gap to ensure that more mental health professionals are better prepared to support gender-diverse clients in a way that is effective, ethical and affirmative. Key features of this book include: • ‘In their Own Words’ sections containing interviews directly from transgender and non-binary individuals. • Key point summary and reflection boxes. • Coverage of new advancements in the field. Drawing on research and clinical experience, Gender Affirming Therapy has been devised as an open conversation between colleagues which centres transgender and non-binary individuals as the experts and at the very heart of the book. Laura Scarrone Bonhomme is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who developed her career internationally. Laura specialises in Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity. She provides assessment, psychotherapy, and training to other professionals through www.affirm.lgbt. Skye Davies is studying a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of East London, UK. They are employed as a Peer Support Worker at TransPlus and they also work as a Volunteer Counsellor at Metro, helping LGBTQ+ people.  Dr Michael Beattie is a Counselling Psychologist in private practice with research interests in the psychology of men and masculinities. In addition to psychotherapy, Michael provides training in sexuality, sexual health, gender identity and dysphoria through www.affirm.lgbt. 

Paul Scarron's masterpiece, The Comic Romance, recounts the adventures of a troupe of provincial itinerant actors, skilfully weaving multiple narrative strands - such as the personal histories and love stories of the central couples Destiny and Star and Leandre and Angelique, the farcical misadventures of the buffoonish Ragotin and various tales inspired by Spanish novelas - into a rich tapestry depicting side by side the realities of rural France and the realms of the imagination. A milestone of picaresque literature that would influence Henry Fielding, The Comic Romance spawned countless imitations when it was published and was championed in the nineteenth century by eminent literary figures such as Theophile Gautier and Gerard de Nerval.