Supporting Clients Coming Out in Midlife and Beyond  

Presented by Julia Maslen, LCPC, LMHC

April 5, 2024

10am-12pm PST

2 CEs

Course Description 

Many of us were raised to believe that you are born one way or another, “gay” or “straight,” and that sexuality is “either-or” and fixed. Yet we now know that sexuality is not fixed for all, some are fluid, and some are coming out in mid-life and beyond. These myths and biases many of us were raised to believe can create challenges in therapy, both for clients and therapists if we are not aware of them.

Informed therapists can be a significant source of support for clients who are leaving behind a life that fits into the societal norm of heterosexual relationships and gender conformity.  Trying to find a place in the queer/trans communities can feel daunting–especially when going through this mid to later in life change. There are very few resources out there to support those  within the queer/trans communities. For therapists, competency in this area is a critical need for this population. 

Participants  will learn how to support clients as they navigate the unique challenges and issues they face during this later in life transition. This course will introduce ways to provide affirmative therapy for clients experiencing sexuality and/or gender shifts, fluidity, and those exploring their sexuality and/or gender for the very first time – in their 40s and beyond.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

  1. Identify 3 unique stressors and challenges that your clients who are coming out later-in-life may experience 
  2. Discuss 3 ways you can support your clients coming out later in life

About the Presenter 

A photo of Julia Maslen, LCPC, LMHC smiling at the camera wearing a red sweater over a black top.Julia Maslen (she/her)  is a Queer, Cis-gender therapist licensed in Maine (LCPC) and Massachusetts (LMHC) who experienced a midlife sexuality shift. She founded her therapy practice Let it Shine, LLC based on the belief that every single individual is meant to shine in their own unique, glorious ways. She supports clients with deep childhood healing work that leads to transformation and liberation from replicating the past.

She enjoys working with a variety of people and is most aligned with those who are ready to go deep with their inner explorations. Initially trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she received her Master’s Degree at Assumption University. She completed a postgraduate certificate program in Play Therapy from Plymouth State University, and completed EMDR Basic Training from The Center for Excellence in EMDR Therapy.

In addition to being a Licensed Therapist, Julia is an Intuitive Healer and has completed an Intuitive Energy Healing Training Program and Shamanic Apprenticeship. She is also a dedicated community builder as she believes the power of real, authentic and mindful connection can change the world.


$39 for licensed clinicians

Buy Now

$35 for licensed in non-profit organization (Use coupon code at checkout: MidlifeNP)

$29 for pre-licensed (Use Coupon Code at checkout: MidlifePL)

This course is included in the annual and lifetime memberships.

Annual Membership

Lifetime Membership


Additional Information

Instruction Level

This course is meant for a beginner audience. 

Who should Attend

Psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists and social workers.

Format

Live, virtual presentation with the opportunity for interaction with the presenter. This course will be available as a recorded homestudy approximately two weeks after the event.

Zoom Link

You will receive a reminder email to register for your Zoom link after signing up for the course.

If you do not receive this email within 24 hours, please contact us.

Completion Requirements

Live Event

  • To get CE credit for the live event, you need to be present for the entire course.
  • You will be asked to sign in and out in the chat box in order to track attendance during breaks.
  • We will email you your certificate of attendance within 48 hours of the course.
  • This presentation will be recorded and available as a homestudy approximately two weeks after the live event.
  • Your active participation will contribute and enhance the learning of participants that complete the recorded homestudy version.

Home Study

  • You will need to take the post-test with at least a 80% score in order to receive your certificate for a home study course.

Financial Support

The Affirmative Couch pays course presenters for their teaching. There is no other financial support for this course.

Conflict of Interest

There is no reported conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.

Contact Information

For any inquiries related to subject matter, problem resolution, corrections, grievances, or anything else, please contact us.

Accommodations

The Affirmative Couch will work to accommodate reasonable accommodations requests. Requests can be emailed with “accommodation request” in the subject line. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.


Continuing Education Approvals

APA ApprovedThe 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.


$39 for licensed clinicians

Buy Now

$35 for licensed in non-profit organization (Use coupon code at checkout: MidlifeNP)

$29 for pre-licensed (Use Coupon Code at checkout: MidlifePL)

This course is included in the annual and lifetime memberships.

Annual Membership

Lifetime Membership

$39.00