Douglas Knutson, PhD: Supporting & Affirming LGBTQ+ Kids

Close your eyes and transport yourself back to the awkwardness of being a 14 or 15-year-old, navigating the maze of where you fit in. Remember those jittery feelings and the struggle of talking to your parents, echoing Will Smith's timeless phrase, 'Parents just don't understand.' Today, we're joined by the insightful Douglas Knutson, a seasoned psychologist specializing in the LGBTQ+ community. He's here to share his wisdom, not just for kids in the LGBTQ+ community but for all parents wading through the tumultuous waters of their child's identity struggles. Our latest episode is more than parenting advice; it's a compassionate exploration of guiding your child through their identity journey. Douglas delves into the importance of affirming communication, strengthening family bonds, and the transformative power of self-compassion for parents. Get ready to laugh, learn, and love your way through this enlightening conversation.BIO: Douglas Knutson, PhD, LHSP, ABPP, (he/him) is coordinator of the Health, Education, and Rural Empowerment Lab, a consortium of scholars who research and advocate for rural LGBTQ+ health and resilience. He is a Licensed Health Service Psychologist in Oklahoma, Board Certified in Counseling Psychology. Dr. Knutson serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Rural Mental Health, director of the APA Division 17 Society of Counseling Psychology Communications and Technology Board, and is a Mental Health First Aid Research Advisory Group member. He is also an editorial board member with Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and The Counseling Psychologist and he was recently appointed to the APA Committee on Rural Health. He is also the recipient of the 2023 APA Excellence in Rural Psychology Award,  the 2023 Judy E. Hall Early Career Psychologist Award, and the 2023 APA Division 44 Distinguished Book Award for his co-authored book, Counseling in a Gender Expansive World: Resources to Support Therapeutic Practice.RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:https://www.facebook.com/knutson.doughttps://www.facebook.com/hearelabhttps://www.instagram.com/heare.labhttps://www.threads.net/@knutson.dougwww.linkedin.com/in/douglas-knutson-phd-lhsp-abpp-1a486818Keep your eyes peeled for Douglas's  future workbook.  Douglas's WorkbookBooks mentioned in the episode:Douglas’ Book: Counseling in a Gender Expansive World Mentioned Book: The Gender Identity Guide for Parents: Compassionate Advice to Help Your Child Be Their Most Authentic SelfSend us Fan MailSupport the showDisclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.