Learn to be a Gender Therapist
Becoming a gender therapist usually starts by getting a masters or doctorate to allow you to practice psychotherapy (clinical social work, marriage and family therapy and psychology programs). Some programs provide LGBT course work related to gender, among other topics. If you get a chance to practice psychotherapy while you are still a student, request a setting where you get to work with transgender & non binary folks or those questioning gender.
Often, we learn by doing work, after graduating, that gives a chance to work with a gender diverse population. Work with a supervisor or consultant, who can help you learn and grow in the field. Finding a consult group is another way to learn quickly. In groups you are exposed to many other therapists' case work. There are also certification programs that help you learn to provide supportive and medically necessary care to the community. Be aware that not all programs are good programs. Being transgender or non binary yourself is often a boost to your knowledge, though there is always more to learn in this vast field. Read clinical books and first person accounts, go to webinars, and attend conference regularly to stay up-to-date.
Finally, getting more personally involved in the gender diverse community helps expand learning/understanding (Eg. trans-focused film festivals, socializing in spaces where you are welcome, volunteering for trans-led orgs, art shows or music performances). This is a highly rewarding field, we hope you will join us!
How to Become a Gender Therapist
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Handout on How to Develop and Maintain your Gender Specialization (U.S.A.) for mental health clinicians (tba)
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Individual Consultation for those new to clinical work or on challenging cases/systems.
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Enter a Consult Group​​
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Read Publications and Take Webinars from LGBT Health Education Center
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Learn from Videos from the AAMC Diversity Learning Series​
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Rate your Approach and Level of Understanding of Gender Diversity
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Take Foundations and Advanced Classes through the Global Education Initiative at WPATH and start the path toward becoming a WPATH GEI SOC8 Certified Member
Check out the conferences, downloads, videos and offerings by these valuable organizations and groups. Attending these events will help you build your specialization.
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USPATH Biennial Conference in November
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UCSF Center of Excellence for Transgender Health Transgender Health Summit (Biannual) in Oakland, CA in April
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Southern Comfort (professionals welcome) summer in Atlanta, GA