LGBTQIA-Affirmative Therapy: A Compassionate and Inclusive Approach

A 6.5 hour Self-Study course for therapists and wellness professionals

Clinton Power

The Evolving Landscape of Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Clients

As understanding about LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual) populations and their unique needs evolve, it becomes increasingly essential that therapists keep themselves abreast of the changes in knowledge and treatment of these clients.

As a therapist, if you’re well-versed about LGBTQIA+ clients and their mental health needs, you’ll be better equipped to provide empathetic, culturally competent, and affirming care to clients who identify in this way.

“But, Wait!” you might say…

I don’t specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ clients.”

You don’t have to specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ to work with them effectively.

In fact, you may be working with clients now from this community without realizing it. Your clients may not tell you about their sexual orientation or gender identity, especially if they don’t know how open you are to it, or they may not be clear about it themselves.

Further, not all LGBTQIA+ clients want to work with therapists who identify themselves as LGBTQIA+.

In addition, there may not be anyone else in your location who can provide adequate care to these individuals.

OR, you might say…

 “I’m already LGBTQIA-friendly.”

It’s essential to be open to working with LGBTQIA+ clients…but it’s not enough. To provide high-quality care, you need to be educated on the issues and needs of this community.

To provide a safe and welcoming environment, it’s critical that you overcome any blindspots, misconceptions or misunderstandings about LGBTQIA+ individuals and put all assumptions you have about them aside.

Further, as advances in understanding, terminology, ethical and legal issues, and societal attitudes shift, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about these changes.

How ThiS Course Can Help YOu GAIN Essential Knowledge to PRACTICE LGBTQIA+
Affirming and Inclusive Therapy

  • Ensure You Provide a Safe and Welcoming Environment
    Discover how to reduce discrimination, prejudice, and the stigma LGBTQIA+ clients face by providing a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space that is supportive and accepting of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
  • Acquire Cultural Competence
    Understanding the unique cultural and social experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals is crucial for providing effective therapy. Clients need to feel that their therapist is knowledgeable and sensitive to their specific needs.
  • Increased Awareness of Mental Health Disparities
    Research has shown that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk for mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and suicide. The more informed you are about these issues, the more targeted support you can offer.
  • Deepen Understanding of Sexual Orientations
    It’s important to be aware of the various sexual orientations and how these may change for people over time.
  • Acquire Knowledge About Coming Out Issues
    The experience of coming out can be complex, confusing, and emotionally challenging for clients. Understanding this process enables you to assist clients in navigating the issues they experience.
  • Understand the Experience of LGBTQIA+ Trauma
    LGBTQIA+ clients experience the same types of trauma as other clients, but they also have traumatic experiences that are unique to them. 
  • Be Informed About Gender Identity and Transitioning
    It’s important to understand the unique issues related to gender identity, gender dysphoria, and the process of transgender clients when they transition socially and medically.
  • Become More Aware of Relationship and Family Dynamics
    LGBTQIA+ individuals may have unique relationships and family dynamics. To work effectively with LGBTQIA+ clients, it’s important to have an understanding and skills in working with the relationship configurations and family systems of these individuals.
  • Be Informed About Issues in Couples Therapy for LGBTQIA+ Clients
    While LGBTQIA+ clients experience the same relationship issues as others, there are often specific challenges unique in the relationships of these clients. 
  • Be Up to Date on Legal and Social Issues
    Understanding the legal and social challenges that LGBTQIA+ individuals face, such as discrimination, marriage equality, adoption, and healthcare access, can help clients navigate these issues.

 “This course is jam-packed with valuable content!

Before taking the course, I had some experience with clients in the LGBTQIA+ community but was eager to expand my knowledge about this population.

The course offered an abundance of rich information that exceeded my expectations. It broadened my awareness and understanding in many ways, particularly concerning the unique challenges and traumas faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
I was happy to see the course also provided information on couples. I gained valuable insights into specific difficulties experienced by LGBTQIA+  couples.

I’d highly recommend this course – It’s rich with information, tips, and case studies.
I look forward to applying what I learned working with my next LGBTQIA+ client!

Tracey Chapman

Certified Canadian Counsellor 
St. John’s Newfoundland, Canada

Hi, I'm Clinton Power
LGBTQIA+ Therapist & COuples Therapist

Clinton Power is an online counsellor and psychotherapist, couples therapist and Gestalt therapist who has worked with straight and LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples since 2003.

Clinton is passionate about working with same-sex relationships and has trained in the Gottman Method, the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and the Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT).

Clinton is regularly featured in the media on relationships and LGBTQIA+ issues and has appeared in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Sun-Herald, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Weekly, PsychCentral, The Daily Mail, eHarmony and many other websites and publications. Clinton is also a regular interviewee for Australian ABC radio programs.

With Juliet Austin, he is also co-founder and co-owner of the Mind Body Training Institute for therapists and wellness professionals.

“I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of this course.”

The course went into a lot of detail, and I learned much I didn’t know. The historical and scientific insights were particularly enlightening, as I had not been exposed to them before.

I thought I was up to date with the terminology regarding this community and was surprised by how much I didn’t know. My understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals growing up in our society increased significantly. The course also reinforced the importance of avoiding preconceived notions and judgments about LGBTQIA+ individuals.

This clear and concise course offers a rich source of learning about the LGBTQIA+ population. This knowledge will be invaluable in enhancing my care of my LGBTQIA+ clients now and in the future.

I’m very happy that I took the course!

kellie hanson

Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Bunbury, Australia

9 Pre-recorded Modules To Help You PrOVIDE LGBTQIA+ AFFIRMING Client CARE

Module 1: LGBTQIA+ Definitions and Problematic Terms

  • Appropriate and damaging language used to describe the LGBTQIA+ population
  • Definitions of the numerous words used referring to sexual orientation and gender identity

Module 2: The science and history of Sexual Orientation

  • The research on sexual orientation
  • Common myths about sexual orientation
  • Societal attitudes about sexual orientation
  • The evolution of the term sexual orientation in the DSM and how this has changed over time
  • The concept of sexual fluidity and how sexual orientation can change for some over the lifespan

Module 3: The Developmental stages of coming out

  • How to work with clients as they come out
  • Factors that influence each client’s unique experience of coming out
  • A framework for understanding the emotional and psychological stages of coming out

Module 4: Growing up LGBTQIA+ in a Straight World

  • The challenges LGBTQIA+ clients face as they navigate their identities in a predominantly heterosexual society
  • How societal expectations, discrimination, bullying and internalized shame impact the lives of LGBTQIA+ clients
  • Your role as a therapist in supporting and guiding clients towards self-acceptance so they can feel free to be their authentic selves
  • Various therapy approaches and how they can help LGBTQIA+ clients

Module 5: Trauma and the LGBTQIA+ Experience

  • Types of little “t” and big “T” trauma commonly experienced by LGBTQIA+ clients
  • Traumatic experiences unique to those in the LGBTQIA+ community
  • The impact of trauma on LGBTQIA+ individuals
  • Treatment approaches for helping LGBTQIA+ clients overcome trauma

Module 6: Working with Bisexual Clients

  • The wide and complex spectrum of bisexuality
  • Explanation of terms related to bisexuality
  • Common myths and stereotypes about bisexual clients
  • The unique challenges bisexual clients face
  • Important considerations when tailoring treatment plans for bisexual clients

Module 7: Gender Fluidity

  • Sex vs gender
  • Similarities and differences and  between gender identity and sexual identity 
  • Differences between gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex
  • The importance of clients’ choice of pronouns
  • Defining gender fluidity
  • Myths and biases about gender fluidity
  • How gender fluidity impacts relationships
  • Gender fluidity and intersectionality
  • Considerations for working with gender fluid clients

Module 8: Working with Transgender Clients

  • The different ways transgender clients experience their gender
  • Current terms preferred by the transgender community
  • The experience of transitioning
  • Psychological issues common to transgender clients
  • Shocking mental health stats of transgender individuals
  • Basic medical aspects of transitioning

MODULE 9: WORKING WITH LGBTQIA+ COUPLES

  • Relationship myths about lesbian and gay couples
  •  LGBTQIA+ couples vs. other couples
  • How LGBTQIA+ individuals manage conflict
  • Sex lives of gay men and lesbian women 
  • Types of open relationships; their challenges and rewards 
  • Parenting in lesbian and gay couples 
  • Problems and successes of mixed orientation relationships

You Get 2 Bonuses With This Course

We’re all about delivering value in our courses.  Check out the bonuses included with the course below…

Bonus 1: Lesbian Relationships

Interview with Dr. Michele Omara

In this interview, Dr. Omara shares the following:

  • How to create a safe and affirming space for lesbian clients
  • Typical relationship issues of lesbian clients
  • Strategies for helping lesbian couples improve communication and resolve conflict
  • How to address the unique needs of clients in marginalized groups
  • Valuable resources for lesbian couples

Bonus 2: Affirmative Therapy with Transgender and Gender Expansive Clients

Interview with Tavi Hawn

In this interview, Tavi Hawn shares the following:

  • The spectrum of gender diversity
  • Common problems of transgender and gender expansive clients
  • Typical misconceptions therapists have about transgender clients
  • Micro-aggressions that therapists may unwittingly  engage in with clients
  • How to affirm clients who are transitioning
  • Critical issues when working with parents of children 
  • How to support family members of transgender and gender expansive clients

“A wonderful course presented in a thoughtful way.”

“As a therapist who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and works with LGBTQIA+ children and adults, I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It’s an excellent overview for therapists new to this area and offers valuable insights even for therapists like myself who have experience working with LGBTQIA+ clients.

I liked that the course was based on research and emphasized the importance of continuous self-reflection on one’s assumptions and privileges. The resources and tools were very helpful. Some of them were new to me. I also appreciated that the course encouraged advocacy as an integral part of therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The information in this course is essential for all therapists. You never know when an LGBTQIA+ client may walk into your therapy room, and being prepared to create a safe and inclusive space for them is crucial.

Thank you. The training was excellent.”

SABRINA BRIENT (She/Her)

Registered Psychologist
Melbourne, Australia

Summary of the Content in this Self-Study Course

10 pre-recorded modules

Downloadable videos, audios and transcripts for each modules

Worksheets for each module to help integrate your learning

2 Bonus interviews with videos, audios, and transcripts 

3 handouts with useful tools to use with clients

Reading list and a helpful resource list

180  days access to all materials in our learning center AND the ability to download them and keep them forever

Certificate of completion for 6.5 hours of professional development

Register NOw

It doesn’t get any better than this.

6.5 hours of valuable content at our introductory rate of $147. You’ll likely never see this price again, so if you want to improve the care you provide to LGBTQIA+ clients, $147 is a no-brainer. 

REGULAR FEE: $347

INTRODUCTORY Rate

$147

7-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

Once you make the purchase, you’ll have 7 days to decide if this course is right for you.

If you decide the course isn’t for you right now, we will refund 100% of your fee – no questions asked.

“As a therapist who identifies as Queer, I found this course to be incredibly impressive!”

“My professional focus involves working with LGBTQIA+ youth and creating educational programs for those who support them.

 I’ve completed numerous courses on LGBTQIA+ issues that only scratch the surface of addressing the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ individuals. In contrast, this course offers a deep dive into the subject, providing immediately useful insights.

The course delivered a solid overview and structure for working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. I was particularly impressed with the discussion on how to tailor specific therapy modalities to the needs of queer clients.

The valuable tools and measurements shared by Clinton will significantly enhance my future work with clients. While I was familiar with some of these resources, I had never thought how they might be applied to LGBTQIA+ clients. That blew my mind!

I really appreciated this course – a big thank you from the Queer community.”

Shannon-circle

Shannon FAIR

Therapist with LGBTQIA+ Youth
Claremore, Oklahoma

Register Now

REGULAR FEE: $347

Introductory Rate

$147

Frequently Asked Questions

This a self-study course. All the lessons and bonuses for the course are pre-recorded. You’ll have access as soon as you register. You can watch the videos, listen to the audios, and/or read the transcripts at your convenience. 

Introductory Rate: $147 (Regular fee: $347)

The regular fee for this course is $347. Right now we’re offering an introductory fee of $147. That is a $200 savings. Act now as you may never see the fee for this course so low again.

$147 CAD for Canadian residents (No GST)
$147 AUD for Australian and New Zealand residents (Australians add GST)
$147 USD for USA and all other residents.

Canadians pay in Canadian dollars.

Australians and New Zealanders pay in Australian dollars.

All other participants pay in USD

If you decide the course isn’t what you want, we’ll refund 100% of your fee if you let us know within 7 days of purchasing the course. 

CEUs – USA
We are not officially approved for most CEUs. We will give you a certificate of completion for the course. You’ll have to check with your professional association or licensing board to see if they’ll provide you with CEUs.

Canada
CEC’s – CCPA Canadian Counselling Association (CCPA). The Canadian Counselling Association will give CECs if you submit your course certificate.

Australia
ODPs  – ACA: (Australian Counselling Association)
6 OPD (Ongoing Professional Development) points

CDPs  – PACFA: (Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia)
6.5 hours category B CPD (Continuing Professional Development)

PACFA Endorsed professional development

You have access for 180 days from your date of purchase in our learning center. However, you can also download the materials and keep them forever.

 

Register Now

REGULAR FEE: $347

Introductory Rate

$147

still have questions?

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Mind Body Training Institute     All Rights Reserved     Disclaimer |   Privacy Policy