Teaching Self Affirmations for Gender Dysphoria in a Clinical Setting: Teaching the “I Am”
Workshop Description
Clients experiencing gender dysphoria can have a challenging time expressing self-affirmations and self-love. This workshop will use evidence-based clinical interventions such as Gestalt therapy and mindful self-compassion to teach attendees how to process self-affirmations with clients with severe gender dysphoria. In changing from the clinician’s "you are" to the client’s "I am,” clients
will leave sessions with an ability to practice self-compassionate statements. Katie Leikam, LCSW, will also explore case studies where self-affirmations have been helpful in developing clients’ ability to have self-love, self-compassion, and increased self-esteem through gender dysphoria. Attendees will leave with an understanding of practical tools and interventions for teaching clients to make self-affirmations during therapy.
Conference Track
Professional
Primary Contact
Katie Leikam, MSW, LCSW, Katie Leikam, LCSW
Workshop Presenters
Katie Leikam, MSW, LCSW, Katie Leikam, LCSW
Presenter Bio
Katie Leikam is an MSW and licensed clinical social worker based in Atlanta, GA who specializes in affirming the transgender community. She has been a close ally for the transgender community for seven years. Katie is pursuing her World Professional Association of Transgender Health GEI certification and believes in the informed consent model when working with clients. Katie is a secular therapist in the south. She opened her practice in the winter of 2017 and through networking and her online presence now sees clients in person and through video throughout Georgia. She works with teenagers, families, adults and couples. She is most passionate about providing affirming, nonjudgmental care for her clients at work and spending time with her husband, son and four dogs at home.