Los Angeles District Meeting
Presenters: Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, ASW | Theodore Burnes, PhD, LPCC
Description: Gender dysphoria is often described as the mental, emotional and/or physical distress that one feels in relationship to primary an/or secondary sex characteristics or physical features. In this presentation, Aydin Olson-Kennedy and Dr. Theodore Burnes will present features of gender dysphoria that are often overlooked by professionals, family members and sometimes clients themselves. Information to improve understanding of gender dysphoria and it’s impact on the developmental trajectories of transgender individuals and clinical suggestions to best support transgender and gender non-conforming clients will be provided.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the more complex ways gender dysphoria may present.
- Identify the impact gender dysphoria has on the developmental trajectories of transgender youth.
- Increase clinical skills to more effectively communicate with transgender individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.
About the Presenters:
Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, ACSW is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Gender Center where he provides therapy for gender non-conforming and transgender youth, adults and their families. As a transgender man and mental health provider, Aydin brings a dual perspective into his work. He speaks widely on the importance of rights for gender non-conforming and transgender individuals, with emphasis on identifying and acknowledging domains of privilege. He co-founded the Stonewall Alliance Center Community Counseling Program in Chico, California, and the Transgender Task Force at California State University, Chico. Mr. Olson-Kennedy earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Chico.
Theodore Burnes, PhD, LPCC, is the coordinator of Continuing Education and an adjunct clinical supervisor at the Los Angeles Gender Center. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling/Clinical/School Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is passionate about designing, implementing, and evaluating training modules that incorporate new information into learners’ existing belief systems. He is dedicated to infusing his CEU programs and in-service trainings with a mission of social justice and advocacy for those who have traditionally not been heard or served in various fields of mental health.
Workshop Logistics: Meeting time is 10-12:30 PM with time for announcements and networking. 2 CEUs will be offered for LCSW’s, MFT’s and LPCC’s – free for CSCSW members; $20 for non-members.
Parking: Ample street parking available on side streets, without restriction, one block south of Santa Monica Blvd. Garage in building available.
District Coordinators: Lauren Small Small.LaurenC@gmail.com and Nadia Aquino nadiaaquino89@gmail.com
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