Is your clinic up to date on best practices for working with LGBTQIA+, consensually non-monogamous, and kink communities?
Are your staff, clinicians, and interns trained in affirmative psychotherapy?
Your staff should receive training simply because there are so many people from these communities seeking services:
- People who identify as LGBTQIA+ seek out mental health services at a disproportionately higher rate than the general public (Mikalson, Pardo, & Green, 2012)
- Four to five percent of people in the US report being in consensually non-monogamous relationships (Moors, et al. 2015)
- It is estimated that approximately 10% of the general population has engaged in kinky behaviors at some point in their lives, and one to two percent of the general population holds an identity centered on their kink sexuality (Kink Clinical Practice Guidelines Project).
Additionally, ethical guidelines (APA, 2011; APA, 2015; Kink Clinical Practice Guidelines Project, 2019; Moors, 2018; National LGBTI Health Alliance, 2014) on working with these communities indicate the need for education and training in order to provide competent care, and to counteract the history of stigmatization and pathologization community members have encountered in the mental health field.
By training your staff in affirmative practices with these communities, you can ensure that you are both expanding your clinic or organization’s reach and assisting underserved populations. With properly trained staff to work with them, fewer clients will prematurely terminate services at your site. We also provide sliding scale rates for sites who offer free or low-cost services to community members.
If you are interested in our group rates or an affirmative organization consultation, please schedule a meeting with our team.
References
Kink Clinical Practice Guidelines Project. (2019) Clinical practice guidelines for working with people with kink interests.
Mikalson, P., Pardo, S., & Green, J. (2012). First, do no harm: Reducing disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning populations in California. The California LGBTQ Reducing Mental Health Disparities Population Report.
Moors, A. C., Conley, T. D., Edelstein, R. S., & Chopkin, W. J. (2015). Attached to monogamy? Avoidance predicts willingness to engage (but not actual engagement) in consensual non-monogamy. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32, 222-240. doi:10.1177/0265407514529065
What have people said about our courses:
Fighting without Fighting: DBT Skills for Addressing Microaggressions
Presenter/Instructor: Rachel Jones, M.A.
“I liked it. I found it very applicable and explained in ways that I felt I could later utilize appropriately.”
“I liked the explanation around the specific skills, their purpose, and how they were applicable to situations”
“The DBT Skills were explained very effectively and applied to the topic of discussion in a practical manner. I plan to put into practice immediately with LGBT clients and others.”
“The practical application of DBT skills to the experience of microaggressions was very helpful.”
Gender Minority Stress and Resilience in Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Clients
Presenter/Instructor: M. Tucker, PsyD
“Dr. Tucker spoke knowledgeably and with empathy throughout, which made it very easy to stay engaged and learn about such important topics. I have no suggestions for improvements.”
“I learned the most about TGNB POC from the seminar. Dr. Tucker’s attention to diversity, including racial diversity, was outstanding. I did know about the MSTM and resilience literature, but it was still helpful to see it presented in such a clear manner.”
“Presenter was very knowledgeable and organized.”
“I was most struck by the discussion on internalized transphobia and the variety of ways it may present.”
Helping Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Young Adults Develop Self-Compassion
Presenter/Instructor: M. Tucker, PsyD
“I like the course and found it engaging. The presentation was good and the quality was fine.”
“I enjoyed the updated information and updated terminology.”
“I enjoyed this presentation and look forward to all updated information.”
“Very informative, practical and a solid review of the literature.”
“I will increase the frequency that I use self compassion and may have patients practice it in session.”
“I loved the opportunity to choose closed captioning. I loved the resources throughout and the opportunity to expand my knowledge.”
“Dr. Tucker is an amazing instructor and I wish she were a colleague!”
“About perceptions of self-compassion. I work with anorexic clients (and other ED clients) and find they struggle a lot with self compassion, as do some of my transgender/non-binary clients.”
“I loved the vignettes.”
Feminist Structural Family Therapy with Polyamorous Clients
Presenter/Instructor: Stephanie M. Sullivan, M.S., LLMFT and John Wall, MS, ALMFT
“I thought the course was very informative in addressing issues related to working with polyamorous clients. Also, addressing the varying social locations as the client identifies them was a great reminder of the importance of co-collaborating with them.”
“John and Stephanie did a great job at explaining this model! I am a grad student who often struggles in learning theories. The use of visual aids as well as a case example was extremely useful for me to better understand a developing model applied to a marginalized population not often read about in typical text. They make a great team!”
Multiplicities of Desire: Working with the Intersection of Bisexuality and Polyamory
Presenter/Instructor: Stephanie M. Sullivan, M.S., LLMFT
“I thought the course was well done and I appreciated that it could be completed online at my own timing and pace. I wish there was more of a conversation about the stigma associated with bi-sexuality and bisexual polyamory for clients with conservative religious backgrounds.”
“Instructor was engaging and informative.”
“I’m a practicing bisexual polyamorous therapist, so this was review for me. I enjoyed the couples privilege information, much of that was newly presented.”
“Very good course. Easy to understand.”
“Very knowledgeable presenter with expertise in a niche area.”
“[I appreciated learning] how to help couples or individuals within relationships navigate expectations and communication regarding possible open or polyamorous relationships; helping bisexual clients navigate things such as whether and how to come out.”
“Great information.”
The Affirmative Couch, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Affirmative Couch, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.