OVERVIEW

Intermediate to Advanced Level GAS Training: Trans/Gender Affirming Surgery is organized by Vermont Psychological Association (VPA).

Description:
A training for Behavioral & Mental Health providers (any psychological/mental health-focused provider who might be asked to write a behavioral/mental health letter of support for a trans person seeking affirming surgery). Learn more about the most common procedures that you'll be asked to write letters for, understand psychological and other risks/complications that clients might worry about, as well as aftercare considerations. Approach the assessment from a lens of gender & racial liberation, hear case examples, see sample templates for various procedures, and explore questions related to common challenges and barriers.

Learning Objectives:
• Identify 1-2 key factors in navigating the assessment process generally, regardless of procedure or knowledge.
• Describe an example distinguishing between appropriate discussions re: the surgical procedures, risks, etc. versus questions that are better for the surgical consultation
• Describe the importance of being aware of privilege and power dynamics given the historical oppression and gatekeeping for the trans community.
• Discuss 2+ psychological worries/risks related to the surgery process & recovery.
• Distinguish between phalloplasty versus metoidioplasty procedures.
• Distinguish between double incision versus less-invasive chest procedures.
• Discuss one way you might help clients to think outside of the binary box in terms of what they want their surgical outcomes to look like and feel like.
• Discuss 2+ important considerations for each of the following surgical procedures: chest mastectomy, phalloplasty, and vaginoplasty
• Identify a key component of aftercare for optimal results with the following:
• For double mastectomy
• For inverted vaginoplasty
• Identify 2+ options to seek further consultation, training, and support when navigating the assessment process, writing letters, supporting clients considering surgery, and navigating various challenges.