
APPROACHES TO WORKING WITH GENDER DIVERSITY
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Unaffirming:
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Does not have knowledge of transgender and/or gender diverse identities.
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Feels using a person’s chosen name and pronoun may be giving credence to mental illness.
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Believes genitalia determines someone’s gender.
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Believes identifying with a gender other then the gender assigned at birth is due to mental illness.
Neutral:
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May or may not be interested in learning more about transgender identities.
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May or may not have interacted with transgender people.
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Is undecided on whether to refer to someone by their birth name or chosen name.
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Is unsure if gender is determined by genitalia or other factors.
Novice:
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Has very limited or no knowledge of transgender or gender diverse identities.
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Has very limited or no interaction with gender diverse or transgender people.
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Is interested in learning about different models of working with transgender people.
Friendly:
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Has limited knowledge of transgender identities and is willing to learn more.
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Has interacted with transgender and gender diverse people and is respectful of client’s gender expression and identity.
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Feels comfortable engaging with transgender and gender diverse folks.
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Has created an LGBTQIA+ affirming environment via literature on a website or supportive materials in the office.
Affirming:
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Has some knowledge of gender diverse identities, is familiar with gender affirming terminology, and refers to clients with correct name and pronouns.
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Has created an inclusive, gender affirming environment (i.e. signage, intake documentation, front office staff training, etc.).
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Has developed limited clinical skills through training, consultation, or readings to help a client with exploration of their gender.
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Understands the history of transgender and gender diverse people’s relationship to the medical and mental health community.
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Has knowledge about the impact of transphobia and the various ways it impacts healthy development.
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Has begun to study intersectionality, privilege, and explored their own views of gender and gender roles.
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Believes gender diversity and gender expression of all kinds is healthy.
Competent: (Affirming plus, may also identify themselves as a Gender Therapist)
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A licensed mental health clinician who has obtained education/training, consultation, clinical experience, and engages in ongoing continuing education in working with a gender diverse caseload.
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Able to provide psychoeducation to clients regarding social and medical changes to their gender.
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Continued learning about intersectionality and their own experience of privilege such as, cisgender, heterosexual, race, education, class, etc.
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Has experience writing a variety of referral letters/letters of support to assist clients in receiving gender affirming care (i.e. gender affirming medical care, name and gender marker change, etc.).
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Able to advocate for trans and gender diverse people in various environments (i.e. schools, court proceedings, etc.).
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Knowledge of local resources (i.e. support groups, endocrinologists, voice training) and national resources (i.e. WPATH, Trans Lifeline, Transgender Law Center).
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Created by Adam Sauceda, LPC-S, RPT