The Role of the Counselor
In order to effectively work with LGBTQ+ clients, counselors need to reach and maintain a level of cultural competence. This is especially true when working with LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma whose sexual orientation or gender expression has been the source of ridicule, abuse, or bullying. The first steps to creating a welcoming, safe place for LGBTQ+ clients is to understand and implement LGBT affirming practices. It is also beneficial to understand LGBTQ Identity Development Models.
For more information on this topics, click the links below:
For more information on this topics, click the links below:
Understanding Affirmative Practice & Identity Development
Understanding the Impact of Minority Stress on Well-Being
Understanding Potential Traumatic Events & Secondary Adversities
Considering ACA's Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC), counselor's should strive to understand the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Below you will find a brief powerpoint presentation that highlights the risk of trauma exposure for LGBTQ+ youth. Further down, we have included videos from LGBTQ+ survivors of trauma discussing their exposure and subsequent experiences with select trauma events.
Familial Rejection & Homelessness
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Bullying & Interpersonal Violence
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Creating Safe Spaces and Places for LGBTQ Clients & Students
NCTSN's "Safe Spaces: Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Environments for Traumatized LGBTQ Youth