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ForwardTranslucence, Transparency, & Transformation : Psychodynamic Therapy with Trans Clients
Abstract
This webinar will explore a psychodynamic framework for working with transgender individuals and the treatment of gender dysphoria. Given the growing discourse regarding the legitimacy of transgender identities and treatments for gender dysphoria in the US and around the world, it is imperative that mental health practitioners are prepared to work with transgender individuals in ways that are both affirming and substantive. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a process-driven therapeutic framework which is focused on self-understanding and the exploration of emotions to the end of bringing unconscious material into consciousness. Through this process, previously "unknown" aspects of self and experience break through dissociative barriers and enter into the conscious mind where they can be acknowledged, grieved, and "mastered"--thus eliminating the need for repetitive unconscious processing or unwanted/painful repetitions of behavior.
Rooted in psychoanalytic theory, psychodynamic therapies are grounded in a deep relational context, a strict departure from analytic focus on innate "drives." However, psychodynamic therapies retain the richness of exploration of the unconscious mind and how this aspect of every human person is shaped by very early childhood relationships. Thus, psychodynamic therapies are rooted in a deep understanding of attachment bonds, how failures or ruptures in attachment impact the developing child, and how these relational wounds can only be addressed in the context of healing relationship.
Thus, this workshop will explore what a “healing relational context” looks like for transgender individuals. It will provide clear objectives for learning that the attendee will be able to utilize in tangible ways with their transgender clients, but will also provide a pathway for therapists to listen to themselves and their clients with an ear for the unconscious process. Participants will practice listening for unconscious process in transference and countertransference dynamics; explore ways to identify and move through therapist countertransferences of fear related to gender affirming surgeries; and will provide a psychodynamic theoretical framework for therapists to reference in their work with transgender clients.
Potential to distress: no
Target Audience
Those seeking to participate in this webinar must be licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors, accredited psychotherapists, etc.). ISSTD staff will audit license information prior to the start of the course and may request additional documentation for your license.
We do accept students enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation. Students must submit proof of student status such as a transcript or registration record. For those who have completed their degree and are currently in the pre-licensure stage practicing under the license of another clinician, you must provide the name and license information for the person you are working with. Documentation should be sent to ISSTD staff at [email protected] before registering.
This webinar content is at the intermediate level.
Learning Objectives
Upon Completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Explain the concept of the “therapeutic frame” and will be able to utilize, strengthen, and maintain this framework in the treatment of transgender individuals
- Identify disruptions in early childhood attachment that may affect transgender individuals and how these attachment struggles may manifest in treatment
- Identify clinical rupture and the dynamics of relational repair
- Discuss transference and counter-transferential dynamics at play between client and therapist as transgender clients seek support for surgical intervention
- Create and implement a client-centered, supportive framework for surgical referral
Presenter: HL Himes, PsyD
Dr. HL "Lou" Himes is a licensed clinical psychologist in New York State. They identify as gender non-binary and use they/them/theirs pronouns. Lou was trained within a psychodynamic framework and has utilizes this depth-oriented approach alongside a trauma-informed model to provide a holding and non-pathologizing "container" for their clients to heal and re-find themselves. Lou has more than 15 years experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and is a WPATH certified specialist in mental health. Lou received their PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology in 2008.
Available Credit
- 3.00 APAThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- 3.00 ASWB ACEThe International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD), #1744, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/20/2024 – 08/20/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3.00 continuing education credits.
- 3.00 ISSTD Certificate ProgramThis program is eligible for 3.00 credits in the ISSTD Certificate Program. No certificate of completion is generated for this type of credit.
Price
"Your Price" above reflects your final price based on your membership status and career level.
- ISSTD defines a student as those enrolled in a program of study leading to a degree or certification in the mental health field and who have an interest in trauma and dissociation.
- ISSTD defines an emerging professional as mental health professionals who have completed an advanced degree and are in the first three years of their career (or first three years after graduation for researchers).
- If you do not fall into one of the above categories please register as Professional/Retired.
These prices are for Tier I countries. For a list of countries by Tier click here. If you are located in a country that falls into Tier II-VI please contact ISSTD at [email protected] to receive the appropriate discount code.
Registration Policies
Cancellations prior to the webinar are subject to a $10 cancellation fee. No refunds are provided for no shows. The deadline for cancellations with a refund is April 20, 2026 at 5:00pm US Eastern Time. Requests for cancellation should be sent to [email protected].
For additional webinar policies including completion requirements, filing grievances, requesting a disability accommodation, and awarding of certificates of credits, please visit our Webinar Policies page.