Trauma-informed knowledge, skills, and resources are necessary to capture a full picture of what an LGBTQ youth might be experiencing. This workshop will provide recommendations for enhancing mental health in LGBTQ+ youth. It will also introduce learners to the principles of trauma-informed care and the realities of trauma within this community. Affirming tools for clinicians to assess trauma experiences in youth will be shared and clinical recommendations for effective and sensitive practice will be presented. The AFFIRM CBT Model will be introduced and reviewed. Learners will engage in more trauma-informed practices with LGBTQ and gender-expansive youth and feel more confident in supporting this community.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify common mental health problems experienced by LGBTQ+ youth.
- Explain methods and practices of supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Outline trauma-informed care principles applied to LGBTQ and gender-expansive youth trauma assessment.
- Employ clinical assessment approaches to incorporate the Screening for the Intersection of Trauma with Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SO/GI) assessment tool with youth and caregivers.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Experiences and Statistics of LGBTQ+ Youth
- High rates of school-based harassment and unsafe environments
- Increased risk of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety
- Family rejection and lack of affirming adult support
- Elevated exposure to potentially traumatic events
Objective #2: Trauma-Informed Care Principles
- Realize the prevalence and impact of trauma
- Recognize trauma in youth, families, and systems
- Respond with supportive, healing-centered approaches
- Resist practices that may retraumatize
Objective #3: Key Tenets of a Trauma-Informed Approach
- Understand trauma’s impact on behavior and identity
- Prioritize physical and emotional safety
- Use collaborative, empowering, and culturally competent practices
- Build healing relationships and view youth holistically
Objective #4: Trauma Assessment and Screening for SO/GI
- Use SO/GI screener for ages 7–18 to explore identity and trauma
- Gather information about youth’s gender identity, orientation, and experiences
- Avoid assumptions and affirm all identities during assessment
- Promote openness, transparency, and developmentally appropriate language
Objective #5: Clinical Considerations in Screening and Disclosure
- Separate caregiver and youth interviews for safety and honesty
- Provide clear confidentiality boundaries
- Use youth-centered language and clarify treatment goals
- Avoid pathologizing or assuming LGBTQ+ identity is the presenting concern
Objective #6: LGBTQ+ Youth Resilience Strategies
- Encourage resistance to stereotypes and identity-based shame
- Support self-care, activism, and connection with affirming communities
- Promote behavioral flexibility and positive coping
Objective #7: Coming Out Considerations and Empowerment
- Offer practical questions for youth contemplating disclosure
- Address safety, readiness, support systems, and emotional preparation
- Use Empowerment Checklist to support resilience and self-acceptance
Objective #8: Intervention Spotlight: AFFIRM CBT
- 8-session CBT-based program designed for LGBTQ+ youth
- Provides affirming, collaborative, and culturally sensitive care
- Targets stressors like rejection, bullying, and internalized stigma
- Incorporates identity-affirming CBT strategies to enhance coping and well-being
Objective #9: AFFIRM Tenets and Framework
- Affirm sexual and gender diversity and validate identity
- Address intersectionality and minority stress
- Deliver youth-centric, strengths-based CBT content
- Disrupt systems of oppression through affirming practice
Objective #10: Evidence-Based Results from AFFIRM
- Reduced depression, increased coping, and emotional resilience
- High acceptability, satisfaction, and applicability among diverse youth
- Reported benefits include validation, community, and coping skills
Additional Tools and Resources
- SO/GI screener, discussion questions, and case studies
- Video demonstrations and reflection activities
- Resources from NCTSN, SAMHSA, GLSEN, and AFFIRM project
- Casey Life Skills Toolkit and Meichenbaum’s Empowerment Checklist
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Diane Bigler, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: November 18, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com