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Trans and Gender Diverse Community Track
Knowledge and Skills Building Workshops
D. Maynard, MS/MA
Founder/Director
Maynard's W.I.S.D.O.M., Inc.
Maynard's W.I.S.D.O.M., Inc
Nothing to disclose
How do partners of those in transition cope with the possibility that their relationship history may become erased, while racing to embrace their future as an intact couple? Through navigating the five stages of grief, based on Kübler-Ross and Kessler’s, On Grief and Grieving, partners learn to mend the loss of the past and the acceptance of their unknown future. As partners of those transitioning and trans-identified individuals work together, as their relationship moves forward, each person’s own needs must be honored and voices heard, as they evolve stronger as a team. While many partners experience some or all of the stages of bargaining, denial, anger, depression, and acceptance, clinicians and medical providers must be aware that the transition can be extremely confusing, disorienting, and even traumatic for their clients. This interactive workshop will focus on creating a space to explore realistic solutions, easy exercises, and simple strategies that professionals can apply when helping their patients deal with the various challenges facing the partners of those in transition as they embark on the success of being in a relationship with a person who identifies on the transgender spectrum. This unique workshop affords an opportunity for therapists, medical providers, academic scholars, and graduate students to experience the transition through the lens of the partner. Understanding and acknowledging that grieving may play a critical role throughout the transition, as a part of the healing process for partners, can only empower the couple’s journey together and the future they yearn to create as one.