Beyond the binary towards radical respect

Date | Saturday 3 May, 9.30 am–4.30 pm

Duration | 1 day

Location | Elie, Gestalt Centre Training Campus, 27 Royal Parade Parkville, VIC 3052

Fee | $350 includes GST.

Facilitator | Rochelle Oshlack

Through self-inquiry and facilitated group discussions in a safe space, we will delve into our individual understanding of our gender and sexuality. By exploring our sexual and gender self—the fundamental building blocks of our identity—we can discover how societal norms and our fear of shame may influence who we take ourselves to be and how we show up for our clients.No matter how we identify, none of us, as humans, are entirely free from limiting beliefs.

Am I masculine enough? Is my feminity attractive? Do I act queer enough to call myself queer? Do I present as too gay? Do I have a right to be bisexual? Will my asexuality be judged? Is it ok to be straight and have same-sex attractions? Can I be non-binary with friends but not with family? etc etc

Perls, Hefferline, and Goodman (1951) stated that the way we ‘self’ emerges from the interaction of the person and their environment. This ‘self’ is not static but always in motion. What of the gendered ‘self’? How does the gendered and sexual self change when in contact with our client’s gendered and sexual selves? We are submerged in gendered meaning in almost every aspect of our lives, and as a therapist, we cannot entirely suspend our judgments and place them aside (Heidegger 1962). Gender and sexuality are inscribed in our bodies and imbued into our relationships.“I closed my mouth and spoke to you in a hundred silent ways.”― Rumi

How can we co-construct an ethical, relational field that minimizes the stigma and shame that has traveled hand in hand with gender and sexuality for centuries? In this process, it is essential to normalise the field phenomenon of heteronormativity rather than deduce we are wrong or guilty of expressing it or being influenced by it.

• More about your own felt sense of gender and sexuality and develop a familiarity with its dynamic nature.
• How to stay in contact with your own felt sense of gender and sexuality when in relationship with clients.
• Understanding what is evoked in you when socially sanctioned norms are assumed or challenged and how to access support and ‘de-shame the field.’
• Gain confidence in working with gender and sexually diverse clients, as well as those in polyamorous and other diverse relationships.
• Experience the dynamic diversity of sexuality, gender, and relationships in a group setting.

• Therapists and counsellors: Those seeking to deepen their understanding of gender and sexuality dynamics to enhance their relational work with clients.
• Mental health professionals: Psychologists, social workers, and psychotherapists who want to develop confidence in working with gender and sexually diverse clients.
• Healthcare practitioners: Professionals aiming to create safer, more inclusive spaces for clients navigating issues of identity, relationships, and societal expectations.
• Students and interns: Those in training who wish to build foundational knowledge and skills in addressing diversity in gender, sexuality, and relationships.
• Allied health workers: Practitioners who engage with diverse populations and want to normalize and de-stigmatize conversations around gender and sexuality.
• Anyone interested in self-inquiry: Individuals curious about exploring their own gender and sexual identity within a supportive, facilitated environment.
• This event is especially relevant for those wanting to challenge societal norms, understand the relational impact of heteronormativity, and co-create affirming therapeutic spaces for all clients.

Rochelle, Roch (she/they), is a PACFA Clinical psychotherapist for individuals, couples, and families. Roch is also an educator, trainer, group facilitator, and supervisor. Roch has extensive training in Gender Affirming Practice from ACON, AusPath, and the University of Melbourne and has had many years of training in and teaching gestalt psychotherapy. Roch has served as a faculty member at The Relational Institute Australia and studied at the Family Systems Institute, earning an Advanced Certificate in Couples and Family Therapy. She also holds a Graduate Diploma in Youth Mental Health from the University of Melbourne. Rochelle is in private practice, offering individual supervision, group supervision, and individual, couples, and family therapy. Her specialization is in supporting sexuality, gender, and relationship-diverse individuals, couples, and families, with a particular focus on families with a young person transitioning gender. In addition, Roch is a counselor at the Australian Film, Television, and Radio School, where she facilitates group work to optimize creative, collaborative practice and support ethically responsible media practices. Roch’s work is supported, influenced, and inspired by Professor Vikram Kolmannskog and Mark Fairfield LCSW.

The Gestalt Centre is the heart of Melbourne’s Gestalt community. We offer a four-year psychotherapy training program through Gestalt Therapy Australia, staying true to the experiential roots of Gestalt while embracing cutting-edge developments in contemporary Gestalt thinking and practice worldwide.

We also operate ConnectGround, a community-based counselling and psychotherapy clinic. ConnectGround serves as both a training facility for psychotherapists and a provider of low-cost individual and group therapy for clients. The clinic emphasises the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist as a key support for building awareness and adaptability. Psychotherapy interns and volunteers gain valuable hands-on experience, enhancing their skills and professionalism through client work.

https://www.connectground.com.au/

https://www.gestaltcentre.com.au/

Host or Publisher Gestalt Centre Management