Total Credits: 4.5 APA Credit, 4.5 NBCC Credit
A Developmental-Exploratory Approach to Adolescent Sexual Identity from a Catholic Perspective
The presentation will review adolescent sexual identity from a developmental framework and discuss the utility of an exploratory approach to sexual identity issues. These issues could include same-sex attraction, gender-questioning, gender dysphoria, and transgender experiences. It is common for adolescents to explore their identity and sexuality. Adolescents often feel ill-at-ease in their bodies or do not feel a sense of belonging in their same-sex peer groups as they navigate the transitions and awkwardness of puberty. Many adolescents who go through a period of sexual identity confusion find that their gender-questioning naturally resolves as they continue to develop and become more confident in their identity. All too often, gender-affirming approaches to treating gender dysphoria and related concerns do not acknowledge the reality that sexual identity is a developmental process. When these concerns emerge in a therapeutic context, it is fruitful to take a developmental approach and have the skills to explore these experiences appropriately. This approach can prevent adolescents from jumping too quickly into medical treatments that may prove damaging to their bodies in adulthood.
| A Developmental-Exploratory Approach to Adolescent Sexual Identity from a Catholic Perspective | Available after Purchase | ||
| Becoming Man and Woman - Theology, Psychology, and Healing of Sexual Identity | Available after Purchase | ||
| Becoming Man and Woman - Theology, Psychology, and Healing of Sexual Identity 2 | Available after Purchase | ||
| Becoming Man and Woman - Theology, Psychology, and Healing of Sexual Identity 3 | Available after Purchase | ||
Dr. Andrew Sodergren is a Catholic psychologist and Director of Psychological Services for Ruah Woods Institute, a Theology of the Body ministry in Cincinnati, OH. He earned his Masters and Doctorate in clinical psychology from Divine Mercy University’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences. He also holds a Masters degree in theology from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at CUA, where he taught as an Adjunct Professor for 13 years. Dr. Sodergren co-authored a chapter in Gender Ideology and Pastoral Practice: A Handbook for Catholic Clergy, Counselors, and Ministerial Leaders. He previously contributed chapters on the “Psychology of the Sexual Difference” to the book Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation and on forgiveness in marriage in the book Torn Asunder: Children, the Myth of the Good Divorce, and the Recovery of Origins. He is an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA) and is a frequent speaker for professional and lay audiences on topics involving the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. In 2023, he was honored by the CPA with the Our Lady of Good Counsel Clinical Excellence Award. He and his wife Ellie have been married 25 years and have 5 children.
Emily Dowdell, Psy.D. earned her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) at Divine Mercy University, in Arlington, VA. She previously studied Theology and Philosophy while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Multimedia Communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.
Dr. Dowdell has had a diverse training experience, working in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, residential substance use programs, and state and private psychiatric hospitals. She completed her pre-internship year at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, DC and her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, Maine. She recently worked with the CatholicPsych Institute, as the Director of Assessments, where she provided individual and marital therapy, and psychological evaluations.
Dr. Dowdell is trained in adolescent, adult, marital, family, and group therapies as well as psychological testing, including evaluations for discerners of the priesthood or religious life. She is an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association (CPA). Dr. Dowdell is currently working at Ruah Woods Psychological Services, providing traditional psychotherapy grounded in a Catholic-Christian anthropology and conducting evaluations with the team for seminary and religious discerners.
Dr. Dowdell is originally from Rhode Island, born and raised Catholic. She now lives in the Cincinnati, OH area with her husband and three boys.
| Availability | Module Title | Speaker | Credits | Course Type | Duration | Course Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At the time of purchase |
2022 CPA Conference: Integrating Body and Soul: Principles for a Catholic Approach to Gender Identity
|
Dr. Andrew Sodergren Psy.D.
Dr. Susan Slener-Wright
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Total Credits: 1.5 APA Credit , 1.5 NBCC Credit | On Demand | 1 Hour 36 Minutes | More info » |
| At the time of purchase |
Becoming Man and Woman: Theology, Psychology, and Healing of Sexual Identity
|
Dr. Andrew Sodergren Psy.D.
|
Total Credits: 1.5 APA Credit , 1.5 NBCC Credit | On Demand | 1 Hour 33 Minutes | More info » |
| Apr 27, 2024 @ 04:00 PM (CDT) |
A Developmental-Exploratory Approach to Adolescent Sexual Identity from a Catholic Perspective
|
Dr. Emily Dowdell, PsyD
|
Total Credits: 1.5 APA Credit , 1.5 NBCC Credit | Live Webcast | 1 Hour 30 Minutes | More info » |