About the Workshop
Palomar Family Counseling Service, Inc. presents “Affirming Therapy 101: Ethical, Systemic, and Practical Approaches for Working with Trans and Gender Diverse (TGD) Clients,” a comprehensive training session scheduled for November 24, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Facilitated by Laura Castro, PsyD, LMFT—a queer, biracial, cis woman, disabled military veteran, and esteemed San Diego-based therapist with expertise in systemic approaches and affirming practices – this course equips mental health professionals with essential skills to support TGD clients. Through a multidimensional framework, participants will explore ethical responsibilities, cultural considerations, and clinical applications, including WPATH Standards of Care (version 8) and the creation of supporting documentation for gender-affirming medical interventions, fostering competence and confidence in delivering inclusive, client-centered care.
Date: November 24, 2025
Time: Registration & Refreshments – 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m; Workshop 12:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., one 15 minute break
Fees: $50 fee, 3 CE credits offered
Location: Lakehouse Resort, Heartwood Room, 1025 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
Educational Goals:
Participants will:
- Develop a systemic and multidimensional perspective for working with trans and gender diverse (TGD) clients that integrates individual, relational, and sociocultural contexts.
- Enhance professional sophistication in applying affirming practices across clinical settings.
- Strengthen ethical competence in line with professional codes to reduce harm and uphold client dignity.
- Advance clinical skills in assessment to support gender affirming medical care.
- Foster confidence in addressing minority stress, intersectionality, and systemic oppression in therapy with TGD clients.
Measurable Learning Objectives:
- Participants will be able to define at least five key terms related to trans and gender diverse (TGD) identities.
- Participants will differentiate between affirming and non-affirming language in clinical practice.
- Participants will be able to identify at least four ethical responsibilities outlined by professional codes.
- Participants will be able to explain at least one way to repair with client after an accidental misgendering.
- Participants will be able to list at least five WPATH-specified minimum competencies for mental health professionals working with adults presenting with gender dysphoria.
- Participants will be able to identify at least five key principles of affirming therapy with TGD clients.
Who Should Attend:
Mental health therapists, counselors, social workers, school psychologists, trainees, students, and anyone passionate about child and family therapy in San Diego County. Earn CEUs while advancing your skills!
Presenter:
Laura Castro, PsyD, LMFT
Laura is a queer, biracial, cis woman, and disabled military veteran.
She is a San Diego-based therapist and adjunct professor with expertise in systemic approaches, sexual, gender, and relationship diversity, and affirming therapy practices, bringing both lived and professional experience to her work.
Affirming Therapy 101 – Course Flyer
Course syllabus and additional details will be emailed after you register.
To receive updated registration information, contact: Edralyn Botz, ebotz@pfcs.agency
For more information on continuing education at Palomar Family Counseling Service, contact:
Chris DuVall, cduvall@pfcs.agency or David Drazenovich, ddrazenovich@pfcs.agency
Funding for this workshop provided in part by:
