Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Gender affirming care is critical to the health and wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary individuals. While transgender and nonbinary individuals are a small percentage of the United States population, they face unique challenges in their lives. Social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and counselors are in the position to support trans and nonbinary people through affirmative counseling practices that promote resilience and empowerment while addressing issues of oppression that may affect mental health. Affirmative Counseling for Transgender and Gender Diverse Clients provides current and evidence-based information to mental health professionals aiming to provide inclusive and affirming care to clients with diverse gender identities. The purpose of this course is to provide clinicians information needed to offer competent care, create safe and affirming spaces, and understand oppressive forces for transgender and gender diverse clients.

Clinicians can use the information presented in this learning material to stay up to date on the proper use of pronouns and the best practices and approaches that support positive mental health outcomes and inclusive care for this marginalized population. It also helps providers understand diverse experiences of gender and qualities of competent practice with trans clients. Other topics covered include theories and models applicable to gender-affirming care, working with youth, suicide risk and self-injury, and other clinical concerns that may present when caring for trans and gender diverse clients. The course reviews the benefits and challenges of using screening, assessment, and progress monitoring tools with this population. Upon completion of this course, providers will develop the necessary skills to deliver effective, inclusive, and competent affirmative counseling to transgender and gender diverse clients.

Course Format

This course is based on a book that can be purchased here and a posttest. When you’re ready, purchase the test by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

  1. Define terms commonly used in affirmative counseling for transgender (trans) and gender diverse clients.
  2. Describe the historical context of care with trans and gender diverse clients and the current state of affirming care.
  3. Apply minority stress theory, gender dysphoria, medical necessity, informed consent, and harm reduction to gender affirming care.
  4. Explain therapeutic actions and strategies that demonstrate cultural responsivity and affirmation of trans and gender diverse clients.
  5. Describe commonly avoided and nuanced clinical concerns that may arise when caring for trans and gender diverse clients.
  6. Identify the benefits and challenges of screening, assessment, and progress-monitoring tools that may be used with trans and gender diverse clients.
  7. Describe treatment methods and theoretical approaches that are essential for affirming practice with trans and gender diverse clients.
  8. Describe challenges in the provision of gender-affirming treatment.

Course Syllabus

  • Description
  • Theories and Models
  • Assessment and Treatment Indications
  • Treatment
  • Case Vignettes
  • Further Reading

Authors

lore m. dickey, PhD, ABPP

lore m. dickey, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed and board-certified counseling psychologist. His work in the field of psychology has included serving as a faculty member at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Most recently he was a behavioral health consultant at North Country HealthCare, a federally qualified health center in Flagstaff, AZ. Although lore is retired, he is actively engaged in writing and speaking about the lives of trans people.

Jae A. Puckett, PhD

Jae A. Puckett, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist. They are an assistant professor at Michigan State University where they also direct Trans-ilience: The Transgender Stress and Resilience Research Team as well as supervise graduate trainees in the Sexual and Gender Minority Clinic. Dr. Puckett has published numerous articles on the experiences of stress and resilience in the lives of transgender and gender diverse individuals and about affirming clinical practice, in addition to teaching, training, and supervising those providing clinical services to trans clients.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

CE4Less.com, provider #1115, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/8/24-8/8/27.

Social workers completing this course receive 8 cultural competence continuing education credits.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

NBCC

CE4Less.com has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6991. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE4Less.com is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.