Summary The transgender and gender-expansive community face immense challenges when attempting to access adequate mental health services. Many in the trans community feel misunderstood by clinicians or even harmed by a lack of gender-affirming knowledge. This salon will support social work professionals in learning how to be more validating, welcoming, confident and skilled when working with the trans community. I will cover topics related to the distinction between sex, gender, and gender expression, how to best support a trans client, and information needed to write a WPATH letter for clients seeking gender-affirming medical care. This presentation will cover the basics of transness for clinicians who have not yet started to learn about trans identity as well as higher-level information for those that are interested in supporting clients on their transition journey. 2 CEUs.
Learning Objectives
About Cass Cass Daniels (he/him), is a licensed clinical social worker and transgender man working in Denver, CO. Cass specializes in providing mental health services for the transgender and queer community. Previous experience at schools, community-based mental health settings, and psychiatric facilities has granted Cass the opportunity to work with diverse clients from all walks of life and has allowed him to appreciate and honor the multifaceted human experience. Cass believes gender and sexual variance are natural and beautiful examples of the way all human beings are unique and variant. It’s an honor for him to provide a queer-affirming space to help his clients learn to see this, too, and to help them understand the beauty in who they are.