Advocacy
What's one way a counselor can advocate outside of the therapy room?
Attend rallies, write letters to legislators, volunteer with LGBTQIA+ organizations, educate others in the field, etc.
Name one physical cue in a therapy office that signals LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Pride flags, inclusive artworks, books, stickers, or signs that affirms LGBTQIA+ identities.
What does the Q in LGBTQIA+ stand for?
Queer
What is one evidence-based model of LGBTQIA+ mental health that is supported by affirmative therapy?
Minority stress model, biosocial model.
Define affirmative therapy.
A therapeutic approach that validates and supports individuals with minority sexual orientations and/or gender identities.
What does it mean to be a "systems-informed" counselor?
Understanding and addressing the systemic causes that contribute to client distress.
What should inclusive intake forms ask instead of gender: male/female?
Ask open-ended questions such as "what is your gender identity?"
What is a "chosen family"?
A support network of people who form intentional bonds that serve as an individual's family as opposed to their biological family.
What is one affirmative theoretical orientation?
Narrative therapy, feminist therapy, trauma-informed approaches, queer-informed CBT/DBT/______.
True or false: affirmative therapy can only be used for LGBTQIA+ clients.
False. Affirmative therapy can benefit all clients by deconstructing normativity and supporting authenticity.
Name one resource that supports LGBTQIA+ clients.
The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline, JASMYN, House of PRISM, Equality Florida, LGBT national help center, etc.
Name two ways to make therapy more financially accessible for queer clients.
Sliding scale fees, pro bono sessions, referrals to LGBTQIA+ clinics or nonprofits.
Name one example of a sexual orientation or gender identity that doesn't align within a binary.
Nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, pansexuality, queer, omnisexuality.
How do you respectfully ask for a client's pronouns?
"What pronouns do you use?" or "How would you like me to refer to you?" Best if asked early and routinely.
Name two core values of affirmative therapy.
Affirmation of identity, validation and support, cultural humility, intersectional awareness, recognition of systemic influences, advocacy, and challenging norms.
How do you find your local representatives to send letters to/call?
Google! Use "find your representative" tools on house.gov and flhouse.gov.
What is one way a front desk or admin staff can help create a safer therapeutic space?
Use affirming language (correct names/pronouns), display inclusive materials, and avoid assumptions.
What does "queering" something mean?
Challenging norms or binaries and reimagining practices to be fluid, expansive, and inclusive.
What's one impact that the presence of bias in therapy has historically resulted in for LGBTQIA+ clients?
Pathologizing identity, over-diagnosis, misdiagnosis, under-recognition of trauma.
Is toleration and acceptance the goal of affirmative therapy?
No, proactive affirmation, validation, celebration and advocacy is the goal.
Name one action an advocate clinical mental health counselor may take.
Advocate for inclusive policies in personal and local agencies, join professional advocacy committees, join boards of professional organizations, partake in/provide trainings, create materials for clients and counselors, host workshops and panels, guest speak at events, write letters to legislators, join protests, organize community events, connect with activism groups, run donation drives, volunteer, mentor, and so on.
What are some ways a site can make queer clients feel safe?
Nondiscrimination policies, pronoun fields, gender-neutral bathrooms, affirmative staff training.
What do the brown and black colors on the pride flag represent?
People of color, to acknowledge their unique intersectional challenges, as well as the fight against racism within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ community. (bonus- the black stripe also represents those lost to or living with HIV/AIDS)
When should you address the role of sexuality and gender identity in therapy? A) never; B) every session; or C) organically in times of relevance
C) organically in times of relevance.
True or false: affirmative therapy focuses more on individual healing than systemic oppression?
False, it focuses on both equally, supporting personal identity development and empowerment while naming and challenging the social systems that cause them harm.