Background: In this experiential workshop, participants will gain empathy for their gender non-conforming and LGBTQ clients, learn aspects of body dysphoria associated with gender identity and presentation, discuss validation and affirmation of (both felt and perceived) dysphoria, and practice radical body acceptance as a dynamic process of growth and transition.
Objectives: -the minority stress model as it applies to gender identity -general and specific body dysphoria issues related to gender identity -help clients practice radical self-acceptance with empathy and purpose
Introductions of Presenter and Participants using sociometry and action methods
Elicit questions/goals from participants
Review of Gender Dysphoria: terminology, definitions, diagnosis
Visualization Exercise in Empathy
Discussion of Body Dysphoria specific to trans /GNC persons and their identities using group drawing
Review Radical self-acceptance
Small group practice work
Utilizing a humanistic approach in both therapy and presentation, I work to create a lively and humor-filled workshop, in order to create openness, spontaneity, and excitement for this work. There will be some didactic material mixed in with experiential work, as well as visualization, and large and small group work. We will finish by taking an active approach to practice and plan next steps moving forward.
Martie van der Voort, MC, LPC, works as a psychotherapist in private practice and at the University of Arizona, and has been working in the counseling field since 1980. Specialties include gender/LGBT issues, trauma resolution, and eating disorder treatment. She is also a singer, actor, and writer. She believes learning should be active and fun, and has provided lively trainings and workshops for many years.
