Gender dysphoria and eating disorders intersect in complex ways. Learn about the challenges of traditional ED treatments for trans and gender-diverse populations, the importance of gender affirmation in effective treatment, and how to adapt eating disorder frameworks to better support trans and gender-diverse clients.
Hi! I'm Your trainer Kai Schweizer
Kai Schweizer (he/they) brings a deeply personal and academic passion to understanding the intersection of gender diversity and eating disorders. As a trans individual and AuDHDer, Kai imbues his research with a lived experience that enriches his PhD work at the University of Western Australia and Telethon Kids Institute. His commitment extends as a Research Affiliate at the Inside Out Institute for Eating Disorders at the University of Sydney, where he concentrates on enhancing treatment modalities for trans and gender diverse persons. With nearly a decade dedicated to advancing professional development, Kai is well-versed in cultivating learning environments that uphold sex-positive, trauma-informed, and de-pathologising frameworks, while celebrating the full spectrum of LGBTIQA+, neurodivergent, and non-traditional identities and experiences.
Kai's approach to education is characterised by an intimate connection to his course material, skilfully weaving evidence-based research with compassionate, affirming practices. His dedication to exploring the nuanced eating and exercise behaviours within trans and gender diverse communities underpins his teaching philosophy, ensuring that his students engage with content that is not only informative but resonant with the complexities of real-world experiences. Kai's comprehensive background and inclusive mindset underscore his role not just as a teacher, but as an advocate and ally within the space of eating disorder support for trans and gender diverse individuals.
Training Curriculum
- Acknowledge scope of diversity (0:34)
- Neurodivergence (0:33)
- Co-occurring neurodivergence (2:37)
- Protective role of differences in interoception (1:05)
- Guidelines for working with ED and neurodivergence (0:24)
- Chronic health conditions (0:28)
- BMI requirements and affirmation surgery (0:45)
- Reflective question
- Research findings (0:53)
- Therapy outcome for trans young people (1:02)
- Misgendering and invalidation (1:07)
- Lived experience example (1:57)
- Gaslighting (1:17)
- Lived experience example (0:28)
- Conversation practices (1:42)
- Body acceptance (3:06)
- Lived experience example (1:01)
- Problems for trans clients (0:58)
- Quiz
- Why gender affirming care is important as part of ED treatment (0:49)
- Transitioning (1:26)
- Pronouns (4:01)
- Binding and tucking (1:14)
- Social transition and the role of therapy (1:18)
- Medical transition (0:53)
- Puberty blockers (1:50)
- Hormone Therapy (3:19)
- Gender affirming surgeries (1:31)
- Mental health outcomes and transition (0:30)
- Reflective questions & quiz
Suitable for:
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Counsellors
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Sex therapists
- GPs
- Students undertaking education in all of the above
Level of experience required:
- Undertaking or completed qualifications in psychology or above disciplines
- No experience with sexual therapy necessary
What is included:
- Access to online training modules - unlimited time
- Access to a 1 hour Zoom group supervision led by Dr Sarah Ashton, following completion of the course
- Certificate of completion
Length:Â
- 1-2 hours, plus 1 hour group supervision
- CPD hours: 3
Duration of Access:Â
Unlimited. Once you sign up, you can take as long as you like to complete the course.
Research-based
Kai draws on current research to inform practice.
Self-paced & suitable for different learning styles
You can stop and start this course at any time. Lessons are broken down into manageable sections with videos and text. There are quizzes and reflective questions to reinforce your learning.
Join a community of like-minded peers
Training includes a 1 hour group supervision online with your fellow students where you can connect, learn and network with other students and pratitioners.
Other training
Related blog posts
Below you'll find SHIPS blog posts relevant to this course. To see all our blog posts, click here.
Let's talk about grammar and pronouns
What can being non-binary mean (and how to be an ally)
How to prioritise your psychological safety when 'coming out'
Resources
The team at SHIPS have developed a list of helpful resources for clients, students and practitioners which we update regularly. These resources cover areas including sexual health, mental health, relationships and gender.