Mental Health Providers
The formation of children’s gender identity is a dynamic, rapidly developing area of practice. Research clearly demonstrates that family support and acceptance are the most critical elements of long-term well being for gender nonconforming children. Thus, the child’s gender identity and expression must be seen within the family system. Many of these children and families experience significant levels of isolation, rejection, and stigmatization due to societal ignorance around issues of gender diversity. This can be seriously compounded by ethnic and religious overlays.
We provide training to mental health care providers, outlining the most effective approaches for working with children and families, based on current research related to gender identity development in young children and adolescents.
Mental Health Provider Trainings
We provide an engaging, thought-provoking look at the complexities of gender and how to make these issues accessible for families of diverse backgrounds. We provide instruction on how to further understanding, including an examination of the ethnic and cultural influences that can affect family members' perceptions and behaviors. Flexible in structure, topics include:
- Development of gender identity in young children and adolescents
- Differentiation between gender identity and personal preferences
- Identifying and distinguishing markers of the gender variant or transgender child and the lesbian or gay child.
- The role of gender within the family system and offer a new lens through which to view gender development
- Cultural overlays for gender variance are offered as a way of identifying unique issues for the families of today
- Developmental stages of acceptance for a family and how to best support a family in moving towards research based effective parenting of these children and youth.
- The impact of gender variance on other aspect of development
- Medical options available for transgender and blended gender youth
- Social and physical transitions and how to determine that a child is ready for this step
To schedule a training, email info@genderspectrum.org or call 510-567-3977.
Mental Health Provider Consultations
We offer a number of different formats for consultation. We consult with therapists regarding their cases either in person or on the phone- helping to determine what aspect of gender is presenting and comparing to similar and different case studies.
We also jointly consult with the family along with the therapist present either via phone or in person. This can really help move a family into greater understanding and acceptance at a much more rapid rate. Our extensive experience with families and youth serves as a catalyst for acceptance as the family hears and understands different ways parallel situations have unfolded. This has proven to be a helpful adjunct to your ongoing work with the child and family.
To schedule a consultation, email info@genderspectrum.org, or call 510-567-3977.
