Creating Inclusive Environments: Understanding Gender Identity Across the Lifespan

During this 3-hour workshop, Samantha King, MSW, M.Ed., will help clinicians build their foundation of understanding and working with gender expansive clients. Clinicians will increase their knowledge on language and terminology related to sex, gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation. In order to support clients of all ages, gender emergence will be highlighted throughout the lifespan so that clinicians can engage in these discussion regardless of the age of their client. Finally, the workshop will highlight strategies for creating inclusive and affirming environments for transgender and gender expansive individuals. Although virtual, there will be allotted time for small group discussion and open Q&A.

CE Learning Objectives

Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

1.     Describe and define the difference between sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation

2.     Review stages of gender identity development for children, adolescents, and adults

3. Discuss strategies for creating safe and affirming therapeutic environments for clients

About Presenter

Samantha King, MSW, M.Ed., (she/her) is the manager of education initiatives at the Gender and Sexuality Development Program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Through this role, Samantha provides direct resources to families and supports transgender and gender expansive youth in school and community settings. She collaborates with providers to raise their awareness of gender identity and works to improve gender inclusivity through trainings and policy support. Additionally, she provides direct support to parents/guardians/extended family members through one-on-one educational sessions and at the monthly support group.

Target Audience

This presentation is intended for licensed mental health professionals and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure and with some clinical experience. The instructional level of this presentation is beginner.

Continuing Education

• Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists*. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
• This program provides three (3) hours of CE credits.
• PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania.
• Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed.
• * PBTA does not currently offer CE to practitioners licensed in the state of New York.