Working with Gender Diverse Clients

In this discussion, we dig into the responsibility we have as mental health providers to be exploratory and responsive in our practice with trans, gender queer and non-binary/conforming clients. People use different terms to describe their gender and identity so it is our job to join our clients in continuous dialogue around appropriate terms and defining what those terms mean for each client.

You will learn to:

• Pursue affirming language for gender diverse clients.

• Challenge personal biases and misconceptions that can make mental health services unsafe.

• Determine culture’s role in gender affirming mental health practices.

• Identify the difference between gender affirming care and gender exploration therapy.

Words that people use to make sense of who they are and their place in the world are so powerful. Therapists must continually learn and adapt to their client’s individual needs to know the correct terms and help the client along on their journey.

Gender diversity is about meeting people where they are. But what if you don’t know where they are at any given time. Our answer? Just ask.

Dr. Mary Nedela, Zander Keig, and Dr. Carla, dive into the meaning of language around gender diversity. This topic is complex in nature due to the generational, regional, racial, and ethnic differences, to name a few.