Certificate in Trans Affirmative Therapy

Introduction

Providing affirmative therapy for transgender individuals and their families is critical for healthy relationship development and creating a supportive therapeutic environment. There is a lack of mental health professionals trained to meet the unique challenges faced by gender minorities, including transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) individuals and families, thus many members of this population do not seek mental health services or receive grossly inadequate care. This program focuses on developing culturally sensitive therapists and counselors who are more informed and better trained to work with members of the TGNC population.

This certificate is offered by AU New England.

Certificate Overview

The Trans Affirmative Therapy Certificate is offered through the Couple and Family Therapy program in a combination of low residency and online formats. This program is designed for students who have completed a Clinical Master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program in a clinical mental health-related field.

The certificate launches in Summer 2020 and consists of 12 credits over 4 semesters.

Summer 1: Transgender Experiences: An Introduction, PY 6210 (3 credits, 8 weeks)

This course will give students the opportunity to develop an awareness of identities related to sex, gender, gender identity, and gender expression. Utilizing research and theory, there will be a focus on the bio-social-cultural-psychological factors that shape gender experiences and influence self-understanding throughout the life span. TGNC-affirmative therapists will know the history of the transgender and queer movements, be able to trace the development of the oppressive relationship between the medical and trans communities and be well versed in the justice movements for reform.

Fall 1: Trans-affirmative Clinical Practice, PY 6240 (3 credits, 15 weeks)

Utilizing trans-affirmative models of clinical practice, students will learn about foundational practices and principles of providing therapy to transgender individuals and their families. We will critically examine the cultural context, including systems of power and privilege, within which these practices have been discovered and constructed. A central focus will also be on self-of-the-therapist, ethical practice, and client advocacy.

Spring 1: Gender in Context: An Intersectional Approach, PY 6230 (3 credits, 15 weeks)

This course will explore the intersectionality of trans-identity within larger community systems, and how that relates to mental health. Systems of privilege and oppression that have resulted in transphobia and cissexism will be explored. Students will also develop skills to build safe communities and develop trans-affirmative resources. Particular areas of focus may be in family law and family policy, working with groups of individuals and families, and in collaborating with multiple systems levels in clinical work.

Summer 2: Trans-affirmative Clinical Practice, PY 6240 (3 credits, 8 weeks)

This course will examine the broader social contexts affecting many transgender family constellations. Culturally responsive strategies to address more common family clinical issues can include (but are not limited to): family’s adjustment to coming out at any age, mixed-orientation or gender identity in romantic relationships, relational ambiguity, family planning, parenting transgender children, among others.

Admissions

GO TO ADMISSIONS

The Certificate in Trans Affirmative Therapy is open to any student or postgraduate in a mental health field (MFT, CMHC, DMT, Psy D, Psychology PhD, LPC, etc).

How to Apply

1. Complete the online admissions application, including:
   • Essay questions, admissions, and program-specific
   • Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
   • Non-refundable $50 application fee
2. Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities where you earned a degree or certificate.
   • email transcripts to [email protected], or
   • mail to:
     Office of Admissions
     Antioch University New England
     40 Avon Street
     Keene NH 04341-3516
3. Two letters of recommendation are required, from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
4. There are additional requirements for International applicants and applicants without a Bachelor’s degree
5. Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
6. Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.

Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to:

Office of Admissions
Antioch University New England
40 Avon Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516

All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.