Colorado Association of Addiction Professionals

Counseling members of our transgender and gender-expansive (T/GE) community requires a foundation of knowledge regarding the special issues faced by this population, and active efforts to provide an affirming and brave therapeutic space. Members of the T/GE community experience disproportionately high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation, attributed to marginalization, oppression, and micro aggressions (e.g. "death by a thousand cuts"). It is critical that behavioral health professionals engage in culturally responsive practice, examining our own biases, engaging in lifelong learning, and supporting and affirming T/GE community members.

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This topic is relevant as anyone seeking to address

multicultural concerns and systemic racism.

 

Dr. Stark will focus on the following:

~ Enhancing our understanding of gender-diversity

~ Cultivating cultural humility through reflexive practice

~ Promoting gender-affirming practices from forms, assessments, and referral letters to honoring gender-expansive identities in the therapeutic space

~ Utilizing social and medical gender-affirming interventions

~ Helping participants consider how to assess and conceptualize gender dysphoria and gender incongruence using both diagnostic and informed consent models

 

This presentation is relevant to anyone who works with addictions, mental health, and diversity in their practice - including addiction counselors, professional counselors, marriage & family therapists, social workers, medical professionals, preventionists, and peer mentors/recovery coaches.

 

Dr. Stark brings a unique and refreshing perspective to counseling and clinical service delivery along the entire continuum of care.

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