Multicultural Counseling and Best Practices for Working With Transgender Clients

Conference Strand

Practice, Strategies, Techniques, and Interventions

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to (1) acknowledge common societal and mental health issues many transgender individuals experience; (2) discuss cultural competencies, and apply them to ACA, ALGBTIC, and WPATH competencies for working with gender variant clients; (3) discuss goals, best practices, and advocacy efforts with trans populations.

Description

In social, personal, and intrapersonal realms, transgender individuals, gender variant, bigender, gender fluid, or any other non-gender binary identifying person have historically experienced oppression in a variety of contexts (American Psychological Association, 2008; Perez, 2005). The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), identifies that due to societal oppression, transgender identifying individuals, are at higher risk for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders, self-harm, work, and relationship issues than the general population (WPATH Standards of Care, 2012). Transgender individuals are a client population deserving of attention in the counseling community not only clinically, but also with regard to a shifting of the socio-political paradigm through advocacy (Carrol, Gilroy & Ryan, 2002).

This purpose of this presentation is to (1) Acknowledge common societal and mental health issues transgender individuals experience; (2) discuss the Sue, Arredondo, and McDavis model of multicultural competence, as applied to ALGBTIC, WPATH, and ACA competencies for working with transgender clients; (3) illustrate through a counseling case study, goals, multicultural counseling competencies, best practices, and advocacy efforts with a transgender client. We will also discuss basics regarding counseling gender variant clients, and general advocacy efforts that apply to working with this population. The presentation will focus on the cultural diversity of trans clients, and will provide counselors insight into treatment options, medical and counseling related, about which they need to be aware. The presentation will also highlight: attitudes and beliefs, knowledge, and skills, clinicians can need to develop to become culturally competent clinicians with this specific population.

Evidence

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(I apologize for the inappropriate indentation style, the formatting tools are incompatible with Microsoft Word, and I was unable to create the indentations on this form.)

Format

Individual Presentations

Biographical Sketch

King, Bonnie C., Ph.D., LPC, NCC is an Assistant Professor at Midwestern State University. She holds a doctorate from the University of New Orleans, and a Master’s of Counseling from Texas State University. Dr. King has clinical experience in private practice, school counseling, community mental health treatment, and substance abuse rehabilitation.

Johns, Amanda E., Ph.D., LPC­-S, NCC is an Assistant Professor at Nicholls State University in the Department of Psychology, Counseling and Family Studies. She holds a doctorate in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans and a master's in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. Dr. Johns has clinical experience in outpatient mental health treatment, grief counseling, crisis intervention, training clinics, and private practice.

Raddler, Latrina R., LPC-S, NCC, is a Clinical Manager of Clinical Administration for Envolve People Care. She is a doctoral candidate at the University of New Orleans, and earned a master’s degree from Southeastern University. Latrina is a clinical supervisor, and mental health counselor in private practice, and group practice. Her specialties are mental health, addiction, marriage & family therapy, and managed care.

Start Date

2-9-2018 10:45 AM

End Date

2-9-2018 12:00 PM

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Feb 9th, 10:45 AM Feb 9th, 12:00 PM

Multicultural Counseling and Best Practices for Working With Transgender Clients

The purpose of this presentation is to (1) acknowledge common societal and mental health issues many transgender individuals experience; (2) discuss cultural competencies, and apply them to ACA, ALGBTIC, and WPATH competencies for working with gender variant clients; (3) discuss goals, best practices, and advocacy efforts with trans populations.