Doing family therapy with transgender and non-binary youth is critically important. When youth come out as transgender and/or expresses a non-binary gender identity it can cause stress and even turmoil within the family system. Considering the vulnerabilities of this population, it is critical for therapists to have a sophisticated understanding of how gender identity development and expression can impact a family system. Having a solid framework to hold the work and do supportive family therapy with transgender and non-binary youth can ameliorate a significant amount of stress. Whether parents are experiencing a sense of loss, are struggling with personal and/or religious beliefs, or unsure what comes next, therapists can be crucial to the process of moving forward towards understanding and acceptance.

There is ample research published by the Family Acceptance Project that youth who have families who are or become supportive of their expansive gender identities are at significantly decreased risk for suicide, homicide, substance abuse and other indicators of well being. Still, there remains a big gap in clinicians’ capacity to doing family therapy with transgender and non-binary youth. It can be very hard for clinicians to be in a compassionate stance that helps families move into acceptance and connection when parents are exhibiting rejecting behaviors. And, meeting parents where they are at, to start, is critically important. Melissa will provide ways to understand and work with common relational dilemmas to improve well being for everyone in the family. 

We will start the day with a focus on a deepening understanding of gender, gender identity development and gender dysphoria. Next, an affirmative, transtheoretical, systemic framework for doing family therapy with transgender and non binary youth will be discussed. This approach is relevant to providers who see individual youth, parents, and families.

This training covers best practices, current research, and a variety of tools to conceptualize and work with even the most complicated situations. We will be using the Family Acceptance Project’s research during a hands-on activity that will help clinicians navigate a range of potential rejecting behaviors that parents may exhibit. There will be opportunities to learn from a role play demonstration of this family work as well as small group practice.

This workshop will go much deeper than the basic 101 workshops. If you need to brush up on the basics we will be providing you with handouts and resources prior to the workshop.

Hosted by Therapy Training Boston online for 6 CEs. For more info, visit the event webpage.