Abstract
Psychodynamic therapy is a depth-oriented approach which focuses on the hidden realm of the unconscious mind. In these depths, there is a wealth of knowledge (however unknown) about each individual person: their early life traumas, patterns of relating to self and others, and their most important (attachment) relationships. Within the depths of the unconscious mind, each and every person has a roadmap for the future, a lens through which to make sense of the present, and a filter of past experiences (traumatic and otherwise) underpinning their current thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Often, clients experience a painful cycle of ruptured relationships, difficulty access or utilizing treatment, and difficulty getting their needs met both in and out of the therapy room. The unconscious ways clients experience their therapist (and visa versa) are ever active dynamics in “the room.” When we learn how to listen to these unspoken messages, we can meet our clients at a deeper level of experience that can bring meaningful and lasting change.

This webinar will provide a psychodynamic lens through which practitioners can view their work with transgender clients. Participants will learn about the fundamental concepts of containment, holding, joining, attunement, and how these skills create an unconscious dynamic between client and therapist. This dynamic, if well-knit and supported by an ever-curious and well-boundaried therapist, becomes the space in which transgender clients can feel seen and affirmed in their identities, as they seek out more visibility for their authentic selves. Participants will learn to explore the transference and countertransference dynamics that can arise between transgender clients and their therapists at different points in the therapeutic process (e.g., treatment vs surgical evaluation); especially during physical transitions when clients become dependent upon the therapist for surgical letters of support. Participants will learn how to utilize unconscious material to avert potential ruptures to the therapeutic alliance during letter-writing and important ethical questions will be addressed from a dynamic perspective (e.g., how to identify and utilize dependency dynamics). Further, this seminar will explore some of the psychodynamics of trauma inherent in the transgender experience and will help therapists understand and be able to work with and through these dynamics to the benefit of their clients.