You will Learn

This training will review the basics on how to write a letter in support of various transition related steps including medical surgeries, hormone therapies, blockers, and gender marker changes. The goal is to help therapists understand that they do not need to be "gender specialists/experts" to be able to write letters.

  • Learn the history of the gender dysphoria diagnosis and its implications in letter writing

  • Understand the institutional discrimination and roadblocks trans+ people face when accessing medical care

  • Identify key content areas needed for successful letters

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Trans+ Affirming Letter Writing 101: The Basics (Recorded)

    • Welcome to your CEU Webinar

    • Trans+ Affirming Letter Writing 101 Recording

    • Trans+ Affirming Letter Writing 101: The Basics

    • Quiz: Trans+ Affirming Letter Writing 101: The Basics

    • Course Review Survey

Instructor(s)

Ariel Groner

Ariel is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Loyola University of Chicago. Her education specialized in working with children and families. She is an advocate for social justice in the lives of her clients through her use of client-centered/focused therapy and the strengths-based perspective. Motivated by hope and a firm belief in the power of individuals to affect positive change in their own lives, Ariel works with her clients to understand their own diverse and interconnected identities. Aside from experience working with children and adolescents with depression and anxiety, Ariel has a focus within the LGBTQ+ population. Her advanced training working with this population gives her the tools to help queer people obtain wholeness in their lives. Ariel has a passion for guiding individuals through their journey, whether it be a young person exploring their sexuality, an adult discovering their gender, or parents navigating a child through transitioning. Assistance for trans clients include, but are not limited to the following: resources about support groups and other services, referrals to other medical professionals, family sessions, guidance in the name change process with letters to amend gender marker, letter of readiness for HRT, and letter for gender-affirming surgeries. For immediate information, check out The List, a resource document created by Ariel, for trans and GNC folks in Chicagoland.