Affirming Care: Supporting Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth in Therapy

Affirming Care: Supporting Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth in Therapy

Live on Zoom

Working with transgender and gender-expansive youth invites clinicians into a nuanced, relational, and deeply meaningful form of care—one that extends beyond basic cultural competence into active affirmation, curiosity, and ongoing learning.

Led by Nicholas Rodrigues, AMFT #159932 (He/Him), supervised by Dr. Brian Lippincott, PsyD #14786, this training explores the developmental, relational, and systemic factors that shape the lived experiences of trans and gender-diverse youth. Participants will deepen their understanding of gender identity development, the role of family and community systems, and the mental health impacts of minority stress.

Together, we will explore:

• Gender identity development across childhood and adolescence

• The impact of minority stress, stigma, and systemic barriers on mental health

• Navigating family dynamics, including support, rupture, and repair

• Creating gender-affirming therapeutic environments that foster safety and trust

• Supporting resilience, self-determination, and authentic expression in youth

This workshop emphasizes the importance of meeting each young person with openness and respect, while also equipping clinicians with practical, applicable tools for their work. Through a blend of clinical insight and real-world application, participants will strengthen their ability to build meaningful therapeutic relationships and provide affirming, ethical, and effective care for trans and gender-expansive youth.