Exploring Gender Identity with Adolescents

DESCRIPTION

Have you noticed the continual increase in the number of adolescents bringing gender identity topics into counseling? We have too! We created this training to focus on strengthening family relationships and exploration of family values when gender questions arise in counseling.

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 the caregivers’ personal values and framework for understanding gender identity on their 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.

MSW, LCSW-S, EMDR Certified

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 aged (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.