Family Transformations: Support Group for Parents of Trans and Gender-Diverse Kids in California
Find understanding, guidance, and community as you support your child’s gender journey in a safe, therapist-led virtual group.
Welcome to Family Transformations
Growing up is hard – for kids and parents. It gets even harder when a child’s gender identity starts to shift outside the expectations we’re used to. You want to support your child — but you’re afraid of making a mistake. Family Transformations is a 6-session virtual support group for parents and caregivers of gender diverse (or questioning) children of all ages.
- Do you have a child questioning their gender, or who recently came out as trans/nonbinary?
- Does the current social landscape make you afraid for your child’s safety and emotional well-being?
- Do you feel alienated among other parents and caregivers, not knowing anyone who’s navigated these changes?
- Are you grappling with grief or acceptance around a different future for your child than the one you envisioned?
- Are you playing defense with extended family who may be judgmental or not understand your kid’s changing identity?
If you answered yes to any of these, we hope you’ll join us. Family Transformations is led by Jasmine Jackson-Irwin, Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee (supervised by Kent Toussaint, LMFT #44685).
What is Family Transformations?
Whether your child is in the early stages of questioning their identity or has already come out as trans, non-binary, or gender fluid, Family Transformations is here for you. Our group meets virtually every other week for 6 weeks, combining a supportive community with flexibility and accessibility.
Unlike other groups that meet sporadically, our frequent meetings foster genuine emotional intimacy, helping you grow as a parent/caregiver—and as a person. Members are encouraged to support one another, making this a highly interactive and collaborative group. If you are already pursuing other therapy, this group serves as a worthwhile complement to build community and shared understanding.
Is Family Transformations Right For You?
We use an expansive definition of ‘parent’ and actively welcome biological parents, step-parents, adoptive/foster caregivers, and extended family or friends stepping in as caregivers. To join Family Transformations, you must be a California resident and have a gender-diverse child in your care. This might mean that your child is questioning their gender identity, or has recently come out as trans, nonbinary, gender fluid, agender, or androgynous.
While research indicates that some people experience gender dysphoria as early as ages 3 or 4, the path that follows is anything but linear. Accordingly, Family Transformations welcomes parents and caregivers with gender diverse children of all ages. We appreciate that your experience will vary depending on your family structure, your child’s stage of identity development, and many other factors. We view this diversity as a hallmark of our group. Family Transformations members can learn from (and support!) each other even more because of these differing perspectives!
If you’re interested but unsure if this group is for you, we want to hear from you anyway! Our group facilitator will reach out to you to discuss your goals and determine the best fit.
How Family Transformations Works
Family Transformations is accessible, flexible, and designed for your busy life. Here’s what to expect:
- Six sessions held every other week-90-minute meetings to encourage discussion and open sharing
- Facilitated on Zoom-meets you where you’re at to let you focus on what’s important
- Led by Jasmine Jackson-Irwin, Marriage & Family Therapist Trainee, supervised by Kent Toussaint, LMFT #44685-facilitation that ensures connection
- Private and confidential-a safe, communal space to share your experience
Pricing & Schedule
The group meets six times over a period of 12 weeks. All 6 sessions are offered for a combined price of $225/family (max 2 caregivers). The fee also includes a 30-minute phone intake session with the group facilitator (per parent/caregiver) before the group begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in California to join?
Yes, Family Transformations is available only to California residents because a Marriage & Family Trainee facilitates it under the supervision of a licensed California Marriage & Family Therapist.
Is this group only for parents who already fully understand their child’s identity, or also for those who are still struggling?
Societal norms, religious practice, personal experiences, and cultural background can all influence how we understand gender and sexuality. Your child’s evolving identity may be the first time you have had to consider-or reconsider your perspective on these topics. We recognize that navigating this experience is challenging for some more than others. We ask that all group members come to sessions with an open heart and mind, and a willingness to understand both their own and others’ experiences.
Does the package cost of $225 apply to individual participants as well?
Yes. Support groups can cost upwards of $50 to $100 per session; Family Transformations is priced competitively for all attendees. Our per-family model allows families who need more support to join at a lower cost (think of it like a BOGO deal!) while maintaining affordability for families who only need one spot in the group.
Is this therapy or a support group?
Family Transformations is a therapist-led support group that blends emotional support with guided discussions and practical tools. It is a valuable complement to individual or family therapy, but is not a substitute for individual or group therapy.
How large is the group?
Groups will vary in size depending on several factors, but will range from 5 to 10 participants.
What does the phone intake session entail?
Intake sessions will help you and the group facilitator determine whether you are a good fit for the group. In addition to answering your questions, during the call, the group facilitator will meet with you to:
- Introduce herself and discuss the origin story of Family Transformations
- Discuss the mission of the group
- Get to know a bit about you and your family, and your reasons for joining Family Transformations
- Confirm scheduling and intake paperwork
What if I can’t attend all six sessions?
Sessions are sold as a package. Group members can miss up to two (2) sessions; we understand that life can get in the way of commitments. Any member who misses more than the allotted two sessions will be dismissed from the group. This ensures you get the most out of the group and that the experience is consistent for everyone.
You don't have to do it alone!
Family Transformations is here to help.
You’ll find that hearing from other parents who are going through the same thing as you is empowering and affirming.
What You’ll Gain From Family Transformations
- While we position ourselves as a support group, our core goal is community and shared understanding.
- Parenting can be an isolating experience. Family Transformations brings you into conversation with other parents and caregivers so that you can:
- Acquire a new perspective on your child’s experience
- Feel understood as you navigate evolving emotions
- Build tools to support your child (and the rest of your family) through this time of change
- Create meaningful connections understand what you’re going through
- Find hope and optimism for both your and your child’s future
