A Family Systems View of
Gender-Variance
by Arlene Istar Lev LCSW, CASAC
| When: | Thursday, April 15th, 2010 |
| Time: | 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Bryn Mawr College, Dalton 300 |
| RSVP: | 610-520-2605 or email probinson@brynmawr.edu |
| Lecture is FREE and open to the public. | |
| CEu's: | 2 continuing education units available-Processing Fee of $15.00 |
Arlene (Ari) Istar Lev LCSW, CASAC, is a social worker, family therapist, educator, and writer whose work addresses the unique therapeutic needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. She is a highly recognized and dedicated leader in the field of LGBT therapy and has received various awards and recognitions for her work and achievements.
Families are impacted by gender-variance in numerous ways, yet the family therapy field has remained virtually silent on the impact of transgender, transsexual, and gender non-conforming behavior within the family matrix. The complex issues facing families coping with gender transitions is similar in some ways to coming out lesbian, gay, or bisexual; however, gender identity struggles also commonly involve intense body dysphoria and physical transitions that must take place out of the closet and in the public eye. Assisting transgender people in self-actualization requires not only an understanding of gender identity but also a systemic focus on family dynamics.
A model of family emergence will be described for assisting families through the normative crises that emerge during gender transitions. This presentation will examine the clinician’s subjectivity as consultant, gatekeeper, therapist, advocate, and “helper” for all members of the family.
Lev’s two books, The Complete Lesbian and Gay Parenting Guide (Penguin Press, 2004) and Transgender Emergence: Therapeutic Guidelines for Working with Gender-Variant People and their Families (Haworth Press, 2004), winner of the American Psychological Association (District 44) Distinguished Book Award 2006, will be available for purchase. Cash or check only.
Flyer
Lev's lecture is funded in part by the Anita D. Lichtenstein Memorial Fund and by the
G. Mildred and A. Foster Scott Endowment Fund.