If you are a healthcare school or clinic wanting to stay up to date with inclusion practices and diverse patient populations, improve your faculty-student-patient interactions around sensitive topics, or increase your patient and student populations by building your reputation as an inclusive space, you’re in the right place.

I currently provide these trainings at several alternative medicine schools and clinics. These schools and clinics are already seeing:

  • Improved sensitivity in supervising faculty interactions with LGBTQ+ patients.
  • More respectful staff and faculty interactions with students, and front desk staff interactions with LGBTQ+ patients.
  • Increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ student enrollment and patient numbers.
  • More inclusive curriculum within existing classes, including the use of gender inclusive language to talk about gynecology and sexual health.
  • More educated students who are better prepared to build successful, inclusive practices.

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Upcoming Lecture Schedule:

OCTOBER 2019

Yin, Yang, and the Gender Binary: The Development of an LGBTQI+ Specialty, 1 hour, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA.

Gender & Pronouns 101 1 hour, with Sandy Baird DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic West, San Jose, CA.

Sexual Health: Treating Sexual Dysfunction and Cultivating Sexual Empowerment with Chinese Medicine, CEU, 5 hours, with Nishanga Bliss DSc LAc, Manzanita Wellness, Berkeley, CA.

Diversity and LGBT Inclusion for the Acupuncture School and Clinic Setting, CEU, 3 hours, Five Branches University, Santa Cruz, CA.

NOVEMBER 2019

Creating an LGBTQI+ Inclusive Practice, 3 hours, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA.

FEBRUARY 2020

Gender and Pronouns 101, 1 hour, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, CA.

APRIL 2020

Integrative Trans Health, 4 hours, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, CA.

Classes for Schools & Clinics

1-2 hour Staff Training
Working with LGBT and specifically transgender patients (for front desk), students and colleagues. Includes definitions and use of vocabulary like transgender, cisgender, genderqueer, and intersex, as well as the use of gender-neutral pronouns like ‘they’. The two-hour version also includes how to create and use inclusive intake forms, keep track of patient pronouns in paper and electronic charts, and use gender neutral language when referring to patients and students. Goals: More respectful staff interactions with students, and front desk staff interactions with LGBTQ+ patients. Increasing numbers of LGBTQ+ student enrollment and patient numbers.

1-3 hour Faculty CEU
Working with LGBT and specifically transgender patients, students and colleagues. Includes definitions and use of vocabulary like transgender, cisgender, genderqueer, and intersex, as well as the use of gender-neutral pronouns like ‘they’. The two-hour version also includes how to create inclusive intake forms, keep track of patient pronouns in paper and electronic charts, and how to have difficult intake conversations (such as asking about a menstrual cycle). Goals: Improved sensitivity in supervising faculty interactions with LGBTQ+ patients. More respectful faculty interactions with students and patients. More inclusive curriculum within existing classes, including the use of gender inclusive language to talk about gynecology and sexual health.

1-2 hour Student Training Level One
Usually formatted as a guest lecture within an existing required class, such as Ethics, to maximize attendance. The basics of gender vocabulary and pronouns. Includes definitions and use of vocabulary like transgender, cisgender, genderqueer, and intersex, as well as the use of gender-neutral pronouns like ‘they’. The two-hour version also includes how to create inclusive intake forms, keep track of patient pronouns in paper and electronic charts, and how to have difficult intake conversations (such as asking about a menstrual cycle).

3-4 hour Student Training Level Two
Usually formatted as a guest lecture within an existing class, like Western Gynecology. An overview of western medical transition. What transition means, why someone would transition or not, the aspects of medical transition (hormones and surgeries) and what to expect (effects timeline, side effects, red flags). What conditions LGBT patients are more at risk for and what to look for. When and where to refer to other professionals. The four-hour version also includes how to create inclusive intake forms, keep track of patient pronouns in paper and electronic charts, and how to have difficult intake conversations (such as asking about a menstrual cycle).

3-4 hour Student Training Level Three
Usually formatted as a guest lecture within an existing class, like TCM Gynecology. Acupuncture, herbs, cupping, and other techniques for working with transgender and LGBT patients. Review of the side effects and red flags of western medical transition and how TCM can prevent and support them. Supporting patients through surgery, working on scars, musculoskeletal issues caused by compression garments, urinary and sexual health, and hormone regulation for trans patients starting or stopping hormones. What conditions LGBT patients are more at risk for and associated treatments. Trauma-informed practice, special considerations for working with trans patients.

Preapproved CEU Courses:

The LGBT Inclusion Toolkit: Upgrade Your Acupuncture Practice. A 4-hour California and NCCAOM approved CEU that teaches the language, concepts, and tools you need to make your practice gender inclusive and have sophisticated conversations around sensitive topics with transgender patients. Includes an in-depth explanation of up-to-date gender terminology, concepts, and pronouns, making your clinic a safe space, with inclusive intake forms, gender neutral bathrooms, signage, and more. Plus, guidance on how to excel at 7+ difficult conversations with patients, such as asking about menstrual cycles.
Increase your LGBTQ client base, return visits, and patient compliance by building your reputation as a caring, competent practitioner. Create a safe atmosphere that encourages patient openness and honesty, giving you the crucial personal details you need from your patients to treat them expertly and safely. Upgrade your clinic forms, bathrooms, and marketing to be LGBTQ inclusive so your patients feel welcome and keep coming back. Avoid insulting language and ask sensitive health questions politely, so that your LGBTQ patients can relax and focus on getting the full benefit of your treatments. Feel confident and capable of leading a respectful and smooth intake process, without worrying about offending someone or stumbling over your words. Free yourself from fear and provide the best care possible in the most considerate way possible, each and every time an LGBTQ patient walks through your door.

Diversity and LGBT Inclusion for the Acupuncture School and Clinic Setting. A 3-hour California approved CEU course.
Hour One: An overview of general diversity and inclusion for the clinical setting. Understanding difference and the lenses through which we see the world and how they impact the ways we interact with our patients. Awareness of privilege and systems of oppression, and how they impact our patients’ lives and health. Creating an inclusive school and clinic environment.
Hour Two: Language, concepts, and tools you need to make your school and clinic gender inclusive and have sophisticated conversations around sensitive topics with transgender and LGBTQ+ patients, students, and colleagues. In-depth explanation of up-to-date gender terminology, concepts, and pronouns. Making your clinic a safe space, with inclusive intake forms, gender neutral signage, and more. Guidance on how to excel at 7+ difficult conversations with patients, such as asking about menstrual cycles. Avoid insulting language and feel confident and capable of leading a respectful and smooth intake process, without worrying about offending someone.
Hour Three: Facilitated small group discussion on how to incorporate these ideas into our individual practices and classrooms. Questions for groups to bring back to whole class and discuss.

Sexual Health: Treating Sexual Dysfunction and Cultivating Empowerment with Chinese Medicine. Co-taught with Nishanga Bliss DSc LAc. A 5-hour California approved CEU course. In-depth explanation of what that the TCM classics tell us about sexual cultivation. Herbs and acupuncture for sexual health, including working with pelvic pain, libido issues, vaginal dryness, and more. In class meditations for you to practice and use with your patients. Guidance on working with LGBTQ+ and transgender patients, including what to know about how sexual response and function changes with hormones and surgery. Incorporate Daoist approaches to sexual vitality, from the Su Nu and other sexual classics and their application to the modern patient. Gain a detailed understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology that will allow you to more accurately and effectively understand your patients symptoms and needs. Feel confident and capable discussing sexual wellness and dysfunction with patients across a range of gender and sexual identities. Create a safe, trauma-informed atmosphere that encourages patient openness and honesty, giving you the crucial personal details you need from your patients to treat them expertly and safely.

Other options and curriculum tailored to your students and program. Contact us for details, at contactkatrinahanson@gmail.com

Get a sense of my teaching style and sample content.

Check out this recording of my recent 1-hour lecture that I provided for the Lhasa OMS CSOMA Love Your Practice Summit (scroll down to my talk:

https://blog.lhasaoms.com/industry-news/digital-summit-recap-love-your-practice-practice-growth-and-management-free-event/

Student Testimonials

“Felt like a safe place to ask questions.”

–  K a r i n a  P o l i v a, O a k l a n d, C A  –

“This class/discussion is really clearly presented and covers several topics that rarely, if ever, are dicussed or taught in a thorough and respectful way and includes practical application of appropriate gender language.”

–  A n o n y m o u s  –

“It is so important to understand our potential blind spots and take responsibility for not letting them impact our patients. Katrina took us through specific scenarios and slowly built up our vocabulary. She helped us past our assumptions and the misconceptions and outdated terms that are easy to get confused by, no matter how plugged in we think we are. I really appreciated how much time she spent helping us figure out simple and concrete ways to improve… I feel more confident about truly welcoming LGBT patients into my practice and look forward to learning more with Katrina in the future.”

–  S h a w n a   S.  –

“Katrina has been at the forefront of acupuncture and integrative medicine for the queer and trans community for as long as I’ve known her. She was always the “go-to” person for information in how to best support the LGBTQ+ community with acupuncture and herbs. Her education and skill in creating hormone balance and promoting optimal reproductive health goes beyond that of your average acupuncturist – she is truly among the best.”

–  M.  J.  –

“Katrina and Dr. Baird are excellent presenters. I appreciated their breadth and depth of knowledge, as well as their insight from personal and clinical experience. I think many individuals who interact with the public in human services and healthcare settings would benefit from attending trainings such as this.”

–  A n o n y m o u s –

“I learned the most appropriate way to respect my patients from their first impression of my office through paperwork to creating a comfortable experience for everyone.”

–  S a r a h  D. –

“This course was very helpful for me as someone who is still trying to understand proper terminology and common problems that a future chiro should be aware of.”

–  A n o n y m o u s  –

Patient Testimonials

“Katrina at Prism Integrative Acupuncture has a wealth of knowledge that she shares generously. As a transmasculine person early on in HRT, with many questions and concerns, Katrina has been an invaluable, grounding resource. She has always made me feel comfortable and I recommend her to anyone, queer, trans, cis, who are looking for a nonjudgmental, open and knowledgeable acupuncturist.” 

–  H. L.  –

“I can be completely open with Katrina when I am getting a treatment. She understands what I’m trying to tell her when I discuss my symptoms because she is passionate and informed about trans health. She has great bedside manner, great skills and calming energy. Also she has really helped create a safe space and I appreciate that more than anything.” 

–  C. H.  –

About the Educator

Katrina is a California licensed and nationally certified acupuncturist.

“Coming out and being a part of queer community—with transgender and gender non-conforming loved ones—brought my attention to the disparities in access to safe, inclusive healthcare for LGBTQ people and I went into the acupuncture program with the intention of focusing in LGBTQ medicine.

My personal connection to queer and lesbian communities has, and continues to be the driving focus of my private practice. I love guiding patients through times of hormonal upheaval, allowing them to stay grounded despite the emotional turmoil that often accompanies times of illness. My favorite part of my job is watching people regain ownership of their healing process, reconnect with their bodies, and make positive changes in their lives,” Katrina Hanson MSOM DiplOM LAc.

Katrina’s Oakland private practice specializes in LGBTQ holistic healthcare and transgender medicine. She and her colleague, Carlos Haycock LAc, provide acupuncture, cupping massage, moxibustion warming therapy, and herbal medicine for hormone regulation and side effects of hormone therapy, anxiety, depression and gender dysphoria, pain from chest binding, menstrual pain and irregularities, post-surgical pain, and scar tissue. Patients are primarily transgender and gender non-conforming and are reassured to find a practice that specializes in effectively and holistically addressing their unique needs.

PUBLICATIONS:

Hanson, K. L. (2015). First Steps Towards Making Your Clinic Trans-Inclusive. California Journal of Oriental Medicine, Fall, 26-27.

GUEST LECTURES:

Gender & Pronouns 101, Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences, Oakland, CA; May 2018, August 2019, November 2019.

Yin, Yang, and the Gender Binary: The Development of an LGBTQI+ Specialty, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA; October 2019.

Gender & Pronouns 101, with Sandy Baird DC, Palmer College of Chiropractic West, San Jose, CA; October 2019.

Inclusive and Effective Care for LGBTQI Patients, California School of Herbal Studies, Forestville, CA; August 2019.

Creating an LGBTQI Inclusive Practice, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; October 2016, July 2017, July 2018; July 2019.

Integrative Trans Health, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; July 2016, June 2017, October 2018, July 2019.

Gender and Pronouns 101, with Connor Weprin, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; June 2019.

Gender and Pronouns 101, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, May 2015, June 2016, July 2016, September 2016, June 2017, October 2018.

Promoting Your Practice: Social Media Marketing for Acupuncturists, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; April 2017, September 2017.

What Providers Need to Know About Sexual Harassment, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; February 2015.

Polyamory Cultural Competence for Practitioners, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; November 2014.

Cultural Appropriation and Responsibility for White Acupuncturists, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; October 2014.

Racial Health Disparities and How They Apply to Alternative Medicine, AIMC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA; September 2014.

CONFERENCES:

How Creating an LGBT-Inclusive Practice Can Grow Your Patient Base, Lhasa OMS and California State Oriental Medicine Association Love Your Practice Conference, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA; February 2019.

LGBTQ Inclusion Toolkit, California State Oriental Medicine Association Northern California Conference, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, CA; March 2015.

CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES:

Sexual Health: Treating Sexual Dysfunction and Cultivating Sexual Empowerment with Chinese Medicine, with Nishanga Bliss DSc LAc, Manzanita Wellness, Berkeley, CA; October 2019.

Diversity and LGBT Inclusion for the Acupuncture School and Clinic Setting, Five Branches University, Santa Cruz, CA; October 2019.

The LGBT-Inclusion Toolkit: Upgrade Your Acupuncture Practice, Prism Integrative Acupuncture, Oakland, CA; March 2019.

COMMUNITY CLASSES:

You Can Thrive With Endometriosis, The Homestead Apothecary, Oakland, CA; August 2019.

Selfcare For Gender Affirming Surgical Recovery, Oakland LGBTQ Center, Oakland, CA; July 2019.

Hair Brilliance and Chinese Medicine, Berkeley Community Acupuncture, Berkeley, CA; November 2017.

Other trainings for providers:

Other trainings for your workplace or school:

Educate yourself about working with trans patients:

Healthcare referrals and resources:

Gender 101 resources for everyone: