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Evaluation ViewAttendees 11

Panel Discussions

LGBTQ+

Panel Discussion 28 - From Surviving to Thriving: Navigating Political Challenges to LGBTQA+ Rights Therapeutically with Queer Clients to Find Joy Amongst the Stressors

Saturday, November 18, 2023
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM PST
Location: Nooksack (602), Level 6
Earn 1.5 Credit
Keywords: LGBTQ+, Mental Health Disparities,
Recommended Readings: Poquiz, J. L., Shrodes, A., Garofalo, R., Chen, D., & Coyne, C. A. (2022). Supporting pride, activism, resiliency, and community: A telemedicine-based group for youth with intersecting gender and racial minority identities. Transgender Health, 7(2), 179-184.,   Martell, C. R., & Williams, M. E. (2019). The social context of clinical practice with sexual minority clients: commentary on the special issue. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 26(2), 300-306.,   Shipherd, J. C., & Sloan, C. A. (2019). Introduction to Special Series: The therapy room and beyond: Necessary action when working with gender minority people. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 26(4), 589–591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2019.07.011,   ,  
In recent years, there has been an unprecedented rise in legislation in the United States targeted at the rights and wellbeing of members of LGBTQA+ communities. Alongside this, discourse on a variety of topics, such as drag shows, participation of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people in sports, gender-affirming healthcare for youth has similarly accelerated both in mainstream media and within online spaces. From
previous research, we know how damaging the often violent and derogatory speech embedded within these messages and legislation can be for LGBTQA+ community members. This panel will create a space for discussion about the impact of the current socio-political context on the content and nature of clinical work with LGBTQA+ clients. We will also explore the multi-channeled distress that clinician may experience, as they grapple with their own experience of marginalizing messages directed towards themselves or towards communities they care deeply for and as they mentor supervisees and students who may similarly be impacted by the current socio-political climate. Moving beyond the pathology that may stem from marginalization stress, we hope to center conversation on evidence-based techniques and strategies that can be leveraged to facilitate joy, resilience, and pride within LGBTQA+ clients who are targeted by violent discourse and political attacks. The panelists bring diverse perspectives that are informed by
their clinical research experiences.
Panelist 1 will discuss their role within a multi-disciplinary team that provides gender-affirming medical treatment to TGD youth at a time when this work is under intense scrutiny. Panelist 2 will discuss the application of evidence-based treatments for LGBTQ+ clients in a shifting cultural and socio-political climate. Panelist 3 has conducted extensive research focusing on the impact of stigma on mental health and will connect this research to their experiences as a clinician who primarily sees LGBTQA+ clients. Finally, Panelist 4 will provide a perspective of an experienced supervisor and member of program leadership serving LGBTQA+ clients in addition to their recent work exploring the trauma resulting from marginalization. 

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, the learner will be able to:
  • Describe the impact of harmful legislation and discourse on the health and wellbeing of LGBTQA+ communities.
  • Describe novel and evidence-based techniques for conducting affirming therapy with LGBTQA+ clients.
  • Integrate clinical strategies into practice that will cultivate resilience, pride, and joy with clients impacted by socio-political climate.
  • Foster resiliency within themselves and students, mentees, and supervisees as we collectively weather socio-political stressors.
  • Incorporate advocacy into clinical practice and research with LGBTQA+ communities.