Teen Talk Project
Dr. Urquiza developed Teen Talk Project, after receiving many requests to provide support to teens throughout this difficult time.
Teen Talk Project provides interactive virtual workshops and groups to pre-teens and teenagers. We have developed a curriculum with research-based and culturally sensitive information.
This January, 2022, we are excited to be offering support groups for Self-Identified Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender Expansive Youth.
Many physiological changes occur between the ages of 13-17 years. For self-identified transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth, the physiological changes may become distressing, traumatizing, and may lead to the development of mental health disorders (2, 3, 4).
These changes may be reflected in the scary experiences encountered by transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth experience at school and our communities, especially as they promote from elementary school to middle school and from middle school to high school. Each transition may bring about a reasonable amount of anxiety and stress.
For transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth, the stress and anxiety may be compounded because of their gender identity (6).
– Approximately 80% of transgender youth reported feeling unsafe at school because of their gender identity.
– 7% of gender non-conforming students reported that they had been verbally harassed.
– 5% had been required to use a bathroom of their legal sex.
– 49% of transgender youth surveyed reported that they been the victim of physical abuse while at school because of their gender identity (1, 5).
In addition to navigating the expected transitions associated with promoting from elementary through to high school, transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth experience stressors specifically related to their gender identity.
Our main goal is to provide mental health services to this underserved population. Meeting other self-identified transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth can be a unique source of support that promotes confidence and self-esteem.
We aim to provide self-identified transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive youth a safe place where they may ask questions and resolve any concerns. A place where they can feel supported, accepted, and included.
To sign up, please send an e-mail to: [email protected].
These will be closed groups:
Ages 11 through 13 will meet: Mondays at 4:00 p.m., starting January 24, 2022
Ages 14 through 18 will meet: Mondays at 5:00 p.m., starting January 24, 2022
Where: Virtual
Duration: 10 weeks
Fee: $45/week. Scholarships available.
Reach out to us!
Dr. Yamilka Urquiza & Laura Castro, M.A.
References:
- American Civil Liberties Union (2019)
- American Psychiatric Association (2013)
- American Psychiatric Association (2019)
- American Psychological Association (2006)
- GLSEN (2017)
- Trans Student Educational Resource (2011)