Holding Space No 55 Play Therapy for Gender Expansive Children

Presenter: Mandi Meléndez, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S
9th December 2024 9 - 10.15am AEDT (Sydney Time)
Host: Jacki Short, M.Ed (Adult Ed.), B.Sc Psych (Hons), FCCOUNP, MAPS, RPT-S (APPTA)
LGBTIQA+ children are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. LGBTIQA+ children in families with accepting attitudes and behaviors towards them have significantly decreased risk and better overall health in adulthood. Specific caregiver behaviors, such as advocating for the child and supporting gender expression can guard against depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. In this course we will explore the role of play therapy in the treatment of gender expansive children, adolescents, and their caregivers as supports in healthy identity development and relational attachment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the webinar, you will have the opportunity to:
1. Define common terms and misconceptions about gender expansive people in order to provide ethically sound therapeutic support.
2. Identify treatment goals for gender expansive children and their families.
3. Apply play therapy interventions to support gender expansive children and their families.