Working with Gender Identity and Trans Issues: A Safe Space for Therapists to Learn & Explore – Michelle Bridgeman
Event Overview
Working with gender identity and trans clients remains one of the most discussed — and often misunderstood — areas in therapy today. Recent legal and cultural debates have left many practitioners feeling caught between wanting to ‘get it right’ and worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing. For some, there’s a deeper fear: what if I unintentionally cause harm when I’m genuinely trying to help?
This practical, reflective workshop offers a supportive space to step back from the noise and engage thoughtfully with what it really means to work well with trans and gender-diverse clients — not just in theory, but in the real, relational work of the therapy room.
Led by an expert psychotherapist with deep knowledge of gender identity and relational practice, you’ll have space to:
• Ask questions you might feel hesitant to ask elsewhere — without fear of judgement.
• Gain a clearer understanding of the current legal, social, and clinical landscape — and why it can feel so contradictory at times.
• Explore how ideas about gender — whether fixed, fluid, or socially constructed — shape your own assumptions and the therapeutic relationship.
• Reflect on the real impact of trans oppression and cisnormativity, and how they show up between therapist and client.
• Learn how to work safely, ethically and relationally — with space for complexity, curiosity and repair when misattunements happen.
• Challenge your own assumptions while remaining non-defensive and reflexive even when you feel uncertain or challenged.
We’ll tackle real-world dilemmas therapists face — from “Is this even a thing or my place to talk about it?” to “How do I navigate my own uncertainties without shutting down the conversation?” — so you can navigate this work with more clarity and confidence and in a way that supports your clients’ autonomy and dignity. This workshop does not tell you what to think, it is not about forcing agreement or prescribing a viewpoint. It’s about equipping you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to engage with this complex topic with professionalism, humility, and care.
Michelle is a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). She is also a member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgendered Health). She works with children and adults who are Transgender or are struggling with their gender identity and is a regular commentator in the media. As a Keynote-Speaker she speaks on the Art of Positive Change and on working with children and adults with Gender Dysphoria.
This webinar will focus on the psychotherapy field, although other fields may find the discussion of interest. £24.00 members/£48.00 non-members.
PLEASE NOTE – This webinar will not be recorded.
Ticket sales will end Thursday 18th September at noon.
The Zoom Link will be sent out to all participants the day before the event.
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