Unfamiliar Waters: Navigating the Complexities of Parenting a Gender-Expansive Child

Join Maureen Johnston, LMFT, as she addresses the needs and challenges of parents and caregivers as they simultaneously support their gender-expansive children of all ages and manage their own reactions and emotions. The presentation will include the following topics and is also suited for individuals who work with trans staff, students, and patients.

• Dimensions of gender
• Fears
• Grief
• Effects on the entire family
• Developmental considerations
• Brief overview of medical interventions
• Brief overview of gender affirmative model (GAM)

Maureen R. Johnston, LMFT, has been in private practice since 1994 and worked with members of the trans community for 20 years. She hosted and co-facilitated Group Nite!—support groups for gender-expansive youth and their parents—and continues to host online parent support groups as well as play therapy groups for elementary-age children. Maureen has presented at the Gender Spectrum Professional Symposium and offers training and consultation to professionals interested in providing gender affirmative therapy.