Counseling Along the Gender Spectrum

Catalog description

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of current theories and a variety of perspectives regarding the development of gender identity and gender roles across the gender spectrum. Drawing from sources ranging from psychology, sociology, and social biology to politics and literature, students also explore the psychological, interpersonal, and societal issues related to the interface of gender with Western culture. Particular attention is given to students’ individual experiences of their own developing gender identity and beliefs/biases around gender as a construct. This course assists the beginning clinician to recognize ways in which issues related to gender affect developmental tasks throughout all the stages of one’s life and promote affirmative care. This course is taught through a social justice and non-binary lens and will work to focus marginalized voices at the center of the conversation.