1. Lessons Learned from Clinical Practice with People in the Transgender Community

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

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