Introduction to Ethical Mental Health Services with Transgender, Non-Binary, Gender Diverse, Two-Spirit and Intersex Clients

This course will teach the participant to:

• Be able to differentiate gender identify, biological sex, and the spectrum of gender presentation.
• Utilize effective evaluation strategies and treatment recommendations for clients presenting with gender dysphoria and/or gender incongruence.
• Recommend appropriate resources and support for parents, family members and transgender clients.
• Identify key issues impacting transgender individuals.

Part 1 - Understanding the Gender Spectrum and the Non-Binary and Transgender Experience

• What is the Gender Spectrum and Gender Identity
• FAQ about Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Individuals
  • Review of Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Populations throughout time.
  • Current understanding of origin of transgender identities
  • Prevalence of Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Populations
  • Differences between sex, gender identity and sexual orientation
  • Mental Health and Transgender Identity
• Cross-dressing, Drag Queens, Gender Illusionists
• Neurodiversity within Gender Diverse Populations
  • Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD
  • Tips for adopting a gender affirming and neuro-affirming care
  • Challenges to receiving gender affirming care (GAC) with Neurodivergent clients
• Supporting Spouses and Partners of Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive People
• Gender Affirming Care for Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Youth
  • Gender Expression and Presentation
  • Social and Mental Health challenges
  • Approaches to working with Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Youth
  • Therapy, Peer Support
  • Parental Support and Education
• Understanding Non-Binary Identities
  • Prevalence of Non-Binary Individuals
  • Pronouns
  • Invisibility
  • Gender Incongruence
• Intersex Conditions
  • Prevalence of Differences of Sex Development (DSDs)
  • Intersex Identity
• Tips for Allies
• Gender Affirmation Care for Adults
  • Clinical Issues
  • Tips for Clinicians

Part 2 – Conversations and Perspective with Two Spirit and Transgender Individuals

• The Evolution of Transgender Identity and Gender Affirming Care Over Time
• Two Spirit Identities
  • The intersection of culture, gender and sexual orientation.