Description:
This training program provides an outline of the developmental and clinical issues related to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender transitional age youth and other young persons. It offers some insight into differences between gender identity and sexual orientation. It discusses the impact of adverse societal reactions such as bullying, harassment, transphobia and homophobia on the health, mental health and self-esteem of LGBT youth. It also provides some guidelines in developing an empathetic, effective clinical approach in working with these clients and their families/loved ones. It highlights the salient issues in transgender youth and the psychological/physiological impact of gender transition. It outlines the central elements of school and other public policies in protecting and nurturing LGBT transitional age youth.
Intended Audience:
Social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, school counselors, other mental health/social work trainees, nurses, other health care professionals, school teachers, school administrators, foster care professionals/parents, parents and loved ones of LGBT youths.