Exploring Gender Identity with Adolescents

Description: 

This training is a beginner’s introduction to information about child, adolescent, and family experiences of gender identity. This training explores the value of clarifying terms related to sex, gender, and identity with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. A description of historical, cultural and DSM conceptualizations of gender identity will be reviewed. We will review theories of explanation for Gender Dysphoria and value-based frameworks for understanding variance in gender identity. Participants will apply assessment considerations, along with legal and ethical considerations to inform treatment for Gender Dysphoria and related conditions. The influence of caregivers’ personal values and frameworks for understanding gender identity and its effect on the relationship with their gender-questioning child will be explored. Creative interventions to facilitate expression and exploration of gender identity questions in therapy with adolescents and their families will be explained.

Objectives: 

1. Explain the value of clarifying terms related to sex, gender, and identity with adolescents and with their caregivers
2. Explain 3 value-based frameworks for understanding variance in gender identity and 4 explanatory frameworks for Gender Dysphoria
3. Apply legal, ethical, and assessment considerations around Gender Dysphoria and related conditions
4. Apply creative interventions to facilitate expression and exploration of gender identity questions in therapy with adolescents and their families

Presenter: 

CHELSEA DOROUGH

Chelsea has been a private practice clinician at the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships since 2019. She graduated with an MSW degree from California State University Fullerton in 2012. Chelsea works with children (age 4+), adolescents, and adults, specializing in complex trauma. Previously, she worked in California providing specialty mental health services (including play therapy) to low-income children, teens, and adults, as well as youth in the foster care system.