This program is subject to change.
How Much Distress is Enough?
Workshop Description
When assessing the level of their child’s dysphoria and need for intervention (everything from understanding their child’s gender dysphoria to transition), parents are often told to “watch for signs of distress.” If the child is showing no signs of distress, and is allowed to dress/play/interact in a way that feels authentic, then there’s no need to intervene yet…right? What if intervening and acknowledging a child’s authentic gender is the compassionate, natural thing to do before the child enters a period of moderate to severe distress? In this workshop, we will be discussing the connection between distress/ gender dysphoria and being transgender, and how parents can evaluate how they approach the process of recognition and intervention in response to their child, with or without overt signs of distress.
Conference Track
Family
Topic
Mental Health - Youth
Workshop Outline/Powerpoint
Primary Contact
Darlene Tando, Darlene Tando, LCSW
Workshop Presenters
Darlene Tando, Darlene Tando, LCSW
Pronouns
she/her
Presenter Bio
Darlene Tando is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in San Diego. She has been working with transgender clients since 2006, and the majority of her practice is dedicated to working with gender expansive/transgender youth and adults. Darlene believes the individual is the “expert” on one’s own gender identity. For more information about her work in the gender field, please visit her blog at www.darlenetandogenderblog.com. Darlene also authored the book “The Conscious Parent’s Guide to Gender Identity: A Mindful Approach to Embracing your Child’s Authentic Self.”
Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, LA Gender Center
Pronouns
he/him
Presenter Bio
Aydin Olson-Kennedy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides psychotherapy to gender non-conforming and transgender teens, adults, and their families. He speaks internationally to medical and mental health providers, educators, social workers and families on the importance of accessible, informed-consent care. His focus is on identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege and broadening clinicians and families understanding of gender dysphoria and its impact on the psychosocial well-being of gender-nonconforming and transgender individuals.