Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren Psychological Association- (SHWPA) A Treatment Model for Gender Dysphoria
Presenter
Del Sasso, Psy.D.
LIVE WEBINAR - Friday, May 13, 2022
11:15 AM to 2:15 PM - Break 12:30 – 12:40
2.5 Continuing Education Credits
This program builds on concepts from my Level II training which provides an in-depth assessment model for Gender Dysphoria. The presentation uses case examples to provide a deep dive into my treatment model, which is based on the interaction between distress stemming from gender-related experience (gender dysphoria, minority stress, and false-self trauma) and primary mental health conditions, if any. It provides the research basis for this model, and highlights a number of areas in which the treatment of gender dysphoria differs from approaches to primary mental health concerns, particularly the need to treat dysphoria and address environmental impacts such as minority stress first, before even being able to fully assess primary mental health conditions. The presentation builds on the concepts of internal and external dysphoria and provides rationale for differing treatment strategies based on the type of dysphoria. We also discuss medical interventions for gender dysphoria and the interplay between these and mental health treatment. The need for interdisciplinary treatment is another way gender affirming care often differs from other psychotherapy treatment. Finally, we discuss the need for constant assessment, particularly as dysphoria can mask and imitate other disorders, and false-self trauma can obscure those core aspects of self and personality that might allow for optimal diagnostic clarity. Case examples are provided to illustrate and elucidate these concepts.
About the Presenter: Del Sasso (they/them) is a Queer and Genderqueer Clinical Psychologist (licensed in New Jersey as Stephanie Sasso, PsyD), specializing in affirming treatment and cultural competence with gender expansive individuals. Del’s practice, RISE Psychological Services (Relationships, Identity, Sexuality, Empowerment), was created as a safe space for sex and gender diverse mental health services. Del has developed a specialty treating transgender clients across the lifespan. They are often sought out as an expert by mental health and medical professionals for clinical training, and have extensive speaking and consulting experience in K-12 and college level educational settings, legal and business contexts, and in community settings. Del co-authored Parents in Transition, a chapter in Families in Transition: Parenting Gender Diverse Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults, Edited by Arlene Lev and Andrew Gottlieb. Del is also a trans rights and racial justice activist, including through their music as the protest singer songwriter Delphyne.
Objectives -After this workshop participants will: Describe the stages of the treatment model for gender dysphoria – 1)Assessment/Diagnosis, 2)Treat Intrapsychic and Social Dysphoria, 3)Address minority stress, 4)Treat false self trauma, 5)re-assess, 6)Treat primary mental health conditions.
Provide a research-based rationale for the harms of making the treatment/reduction of of primary mental health symptoms a requirement for transgender mental or medical healthcare.
Summarize research about the outcomes of medical intervention in treating Gender Dysphoria in order to demonstrate the importance of appropriate and timely referral and collaboration with medical providers.
Instruction Level: Intermediate to advanced
Dr. Sasso does not have any commercial support and/or conflict of interest for this program. ADA accommodations available upon written request – by emailing Virginia Walters, Psy.D., no later than May 5, 2022. (cfmcfee@embarqmail.com)
Program Fee For SHWPA Program: SHWPA Member: $30, Non-SHWPA Member: $40, Student: $15 Registration Cancellations made by March 24, 2022, full fee will be refunded. Online Registration & Payment can be made at shwpa.org OR by mailing a check payable to SHWPA to Tracy Menzie, Psy.D. - P.O. Box 644 Lebanon, NJ 08833 Please include your email address with your check.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits (2.5) From NJPA – (Additional Fee Paid to NJPA) Fees: Sustaining Member-Free, NJPA Member - $15, Non-NJPA Member - $25. The NJPA link to pay and complete the NJPA evaluation will be provided to all registrants during the program on May 13, 2022.
Contact Virginia Walters, Psy.D. 908 439 3456 X8 / cfmcfee@embarqmail.com
This workshop is co-sponsored by NJPA and SHWPA. NJPA is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. NJPA maintains responsibility for the program and its content.