Working with 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth

Empower youth and support families in navigating gender and sexual identity exploration with confidence.

Working with youth in a mental health setting has a number of challenges on its own. Adding in the complexities of youth exploring their sexual and gender identities can seem overwhelming.

This training will review the developmental stages that children go through and how they relate to gender and sexuality. We will discuss the nuances of allowing children to explore versus enforcing societal norms, and the implications of these choices. Participants will learn how to work with families of children and youth who are exploring or questioning their sexuality and gender. You will learn how you can help and support them navigate these complicated topics.

The facilitators will use a mix of educational information, handouts and takeaways, and case application to ensure a well-rounded and robust learning experience.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the developmental process of developing gender and sexual identities in youth.
• Learn how to help youth navigate their gender and sexual identity exploration in healthy and meaningful ways.
• Learn how to help parents cope with and support children who are exploring their identities.

This training is led by Michelle and Jennifer, two experienced psychotherapists who work primarily with the transgender and 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth. Jennifer is based in Ontario and Michelle works in the UK; together, they co-facilitate a variety of workshops through Trans Atlantic Training that equip clinicians with inclusive, affirming approaches for working with 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.

Prerequisite: Participants should have some experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ children and youth and knowledge of terminology.

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