Lessons Learned from Clinical Practice with People in the Transgender Community

Our Program: A Brief History October 2007 – A call from a local counselor Oct-Jan – Working with our “founding clients” (two young adult trans women) January 2008 – An open house for the program (17 RSVPs!) March 2008 – The group program begins Summer 2008 – The first classroom presentation Takes place Spring 2009 – The first research projects begin; article about the program Fall 2009-Spring 2010 – Lauren Baker’s thesis Since the beginning, we have had over 85 clients in the program and over 130 students have served as coach – communicator partner

Session Organization Two hour sessions, Monday evenings Intake information and baseline data are gathered, as needed Group and individual components: Relaxation/Mindfulness Vocal warm up and exercise Group communication skill development Individual intervention Gratitude

Student Clinicians Graduate student clinicians take part in the program; some are assigned, many volunteer Planning includes discussion of feelings and attitudes Students take on several roles: Supportive communication partner Coach On-going evaluator Communication model Culturally competent, engaged learner Program planner Source of critical feedback

Classroom Presentations A project collaboratively designed by clients and students Presentations are done after careful planning Dress rehearsals precede presentations Evaluation and follow up are built into the project So far, the clients have visited over 25 classrooms Feedback has been very positive

Reflecting on our experience Reach out the Community Language is important Ask questions Apply unconditional positive regard Create a safe and welcoming space