Trauma, Attachment & Transgender/Non-Binary Experiences

The speaker for this event is Heather Branham, LCSW

Transgender people in North Carolina and the greater U.S. face daily discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations; barriers to accessing physical and mental health care; and violence and harassment at home, work, and school. The toll that this ongoing discrimination takes on the bodies and minds of trans and non-binary-identified individuals, especially youth and people of color, plays a critical role in the suicide epidemic that plagues the transgender community. Drawing on concepts from Pat Ogden’s Modulation Model of trauma treatment and Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, this presentation will integrate theories from the field of trauma-informed, attachment-focused somatic psychology with intersectional, gender-affirming social work practice to explore the impact that oppression has on the nervous systems of trans individuals. Participants will be introduced to the Gender Affirmative Model of Care and practical strategies to enhance their work with transgender and non-binary clients.

Pre-registration required

Light refreshments and sign-in begin at 11:30

Free to current UNC School of Social Work Students, faculty, staff, field instructors & task supervisors