Date and Time: Friday, October 26, 2018 - 9:00 am to 4:45 pm
Instructor: Melissa MacNish, LMHC
Location: Waltham, MA
Credits: 6 CEs
Instructor: Melissa MacNish, LMHC
Location: Waltham, MA
Credits: 6 CEs
Description
When a youth comes out as transgender and/or expresses a non-binary gender identity it can cause stress and even turmoil within the family system. Considering the vulnerabilities of trans and non-binary youth, it is critical for therapists to have a sophisticated understanding of gender identity/expression. It is also essential to have a solid framework to hold the work to support both youth and their families. Whether parents are experiencing a sense of loss, are struggling with personal and/or religious beliefs, or unsure what comes next, therapists can be crucial to the process of moving forward towards understanding and acceptance.
We will start the day with a focus on a deepening understanding of gender, gender identity development and gender dysphoria. Next, a framework for working with families will be discussed which is relevant to providers who see individual youth, parents and families.
This training covers best practices, current research and a variety of tools to conceptualize and work with even the most complicated situations. We will be using the Family Acceptance Project’s research during a hands-on activity that will help clinicians navigate a range of potential rejecting behaviors that parents may exhibit. There will be a live panel of family members talking about their experiences with therapists and what they found was most helpful in their process.
This workshop will go much deeper than a basic 101 workshop. If you need to brush up on the basics we will be providing you with handouts and resources prior to the workshop.
We will start the day with a focus on a deepening understanding of gender, gender identity development and gender dysphoria. Next, a framework for working with families will be discussed which is relevant to providers who see individual youth, parents and families.
This training covers best practices, current research and a variety of tools to conceptualize and work with even the most complicated situations. We will be using the Family Acceptance Project’s research during a hands-on activity that will help clinicians navigate a range of potential rejecting behaviors that parents may exhibit. There will be a live panel of family members talking about their experiences with therapists and what they found was most helpful in their process.
This workshop will go much deeper than a basic 101 workshop. If you need to brush up on the basics we will be providing you with handouts and resources prior to the workshop.
Outline for the Workshop
9-10:45- Understanding gender identity development, gender dysphoria, and Family Acceptance Project Research (there will be some exercises and video clips to enhance the learning)
10:45-11:00 – break
11:00-11:30 - Working with Families Framework (with case study) - PART 1
11:30-12:30– Family Panel
12:30-1:30 lunch
1:30-3:30 - Working with Families Framework PART 2 and in practice and demo/process role play
3:30-3:45 - BREAK
3:45-4:00 -Experiential Activity - responding in a ways that shifts families
4:00- 4:30 - Process experiential activity/ Wrap up Questions
4:30-4:45 Completion of workshop evaluations
10:45-11:00 – break
11:00-11:30 - Working with Families Framework (with case study) - PART 1
11:30-12:30– Family Panel
12:30-1:30 lunch
1:30-3:30 - Working with Families Framework PART 2 and in practice and demo/process role play
3:30-3:45 - BREAK
3:45-4:00 -Experiential Activity - responding in a ways that shifts families
4:00- 4:30 - Process experiential activity/ Wrap up Questions
4:30-4:45 Completion of workshop evaluations
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to describe the difference between gender identity and gender expression and list three important aspects of gender identity development.
Participants will identify common themes that occur with families in this population as well as identify two skills to help shift families towards acceptance when a youth identifies as transgender or non-binary.
Participants will be able to list three aspects of an assessment model that helps tease apart the complexities often present when working in gender diverse communities.
Participants will identify common themes that occur with families in this population as well as identify two skills to help shift families towards acceptance when a youth identifies as transgender or non-binary.
Participants will be able to list three aspects of an assessment model that helps tease apart the complexities often present when working in gender diverse communities.
Instructor

Melissa MacNish, LMHC, is in private practice at The Meeting Point in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. She has been working with transgender & non-binary youth, young adults and their families for the past 10 years in a variety of clinical and community settings. Melissa recently launched a socially conscious business called SAYFTEE: Supporting Alternative Youth and Families through Empowerment and Education. SAYFTEE is committed to offering workshops, groups and service to meet the needs of gender expansive and LGBTQI youth and families in Massachusetts. Melissa is a consultant for Greater Boston PFLAG. Nine years ago she helped start a support group for parents of transgender children. She serves on the Board of Directors and as Assistant Director for Camp Aranu’tiq of Harbor Camps. Melissa also provides trainings on working with gender diverse populations for Maebright, Inc.'s Therapist Training Series.
Target Audience
This learning event is designed for helping professionals including, but not limited to, social workers, psychologists, mental health counselors, marriage & family therapists, and nurses. We design the learning methodology to further develop beginning, intermediate, and advanced helping professionals by supporting improvement of skills for direct practice, supervision, and management positions. People who attend from professions other than those we are able to provide CEs for may request a Certificate of Attendance.
Location
First Parish Church
50 Church St, Waltham, MA 02452
50 Church St, Waltham, MA 02452
Cost
Individual Registration: $140, $130 early registration, received by 9/14/18.
Group Registration: $130 per person for groups of two or more, $125 per person early registration for groups of two or more, received by 9/14/18. Groups must register and pay together to receive the discount.
Clinicians United Members: Please contact us for a discounted fee of $120 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration includes breakfast and snacks.
Group Registration: $130 per person for groups of two or more, $125 per person early registration for groups of two or more, received by 9/14/18. Groups must register and pay together to receive the discount.
Clinicians United Members: Please contact us for a discounted fee of $120 per person.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration includes breakfast and snacks.
Registration Information
You may register and pay online using a credit card, your Paypal account or a check. To pay by check, you may register online, indicate that you will pay by check and follow instructions to mail payment.
OR You may register by snail mail by downloading the registration form and sending it with your check.
Group registrants must register together online and/or mail multiple checks in the same envelope to get the discount.
Your space is not secured for an event until we receive payment.
OR You may register by snail mail by downloading the registration form and sending it with your check.
Group registrants must register together online and/or mail multiple checks in the same envelope to get the discount.
Your space is not secured for an event until we receive payment.
Workshop CEs

Participants MUST attend 100% of the program to earn the 6 CEs approved. CE certificates will be given at the end of the event after you are fully paid and have completed the evaluation form. Details for approved professions: 6 CEs have been approved for licensed Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology and Nursing professionals by Commonwealth Educational Seminars. Licensed Mental Health Counselors can earn 6 CEs as Therapy Training Boston has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6707. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy Training Boston is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. For more detailed information about CEs, read this.
Cancellations and Refunds
Workshops and courses may be cancelled by Therapy Training Boston if minimum enrollment requirements are not met. In this case, full fees will be refunded or applied to future programs. Otherwise, no refunds are provided for registrants.