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Online Learning

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Clients: Clinical Issues and Treatment Strategies


Credit Available - See CEUs tab below.

Categories:
Diversity |  LGBTQ
Faculty:
Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW
Duration:
6 Hours 11 Minutes
Format:
Audio and Video
Original Program Date:
Oct 11, 2017
SKU:
POS046550
Media Type:
Online Learning


Description

Are you making the biggest mistake treating your LGBTQ clients? Are you pushing them to “come out”? And if you are…you could be traumatizing your clients.

I made the same mistake early in my career of forcing my clients to name and claim their sexual identity.

I didn’t know how to ask them about their sexual practices. And when I tried, I offended them.

Watch my workshop and I will equip you with the right tools and up-to-date information you need in this rapidly changing population to more effectively counsel your lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning clients, and couples.

You will learn specific strategies to better treat the unique challenges your client may be facing such as:

  • self-acceptance and internalized homophobia
  • non hetero-normative sexual behaviors and practices
  • trauma and abuse from growing up LGBTQ
  • the difficult process of coming out

Also, let me help you avoid the common mistake of believing, “a couple is a couple” and treating LGBTQ couples the same as their heterosexual counterparts.

Don’t be the straight therapist that is losing LGBTQ clients because of poor intake, assessment and treatment planning. Learn how to offer your clients a safe place for therapy.

-Joe Kort, Ph.D., LMSW

CEUs


General Credits

This course is available for 6.25 total CPDs

The HPCSA has declared that any on-line courses CPD/CEU credited by a certified US board, is automatically CPD/CEU credited in South Africa. 

As there are different boards for different disciplines, we at Acacia suggest that you use the Counselling CPD/CEU credits. These correspond to South African credits of one CPD/CEU per 60 minutes. If you choose to use your discipline's credits, please do so at your discretion.


**

NOTE: Tuition includes one free CE Certificate (participant will be able to print the certificate of completion after passing the online post-test (80% passing score) and completing the evaluation). Instructional methods will include PowerPoint, didactic lecture, and others.

Continuing Education Information:  Listed below are the continuing education credit(s) currently available for this non-interactive self-study package. Program content is reviewed periodically per accrediting board rules for currency and appropriateness for credit. Credit approvals are subject to change. Please note, your state licensing board dictates whether self-study is an acceptable form of continuing education. Please refer to your state rules and regulations. If your profession is not listed, please contact your licensing board to determine your continuing education requirements and check for reciprocal approval. 
For other credit inquiries not specified below, please contact info@pesi.com or 800-844-8260 before purchase.

Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession.  As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.  

For Planning Committee disclosures, please see the statement above.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.


Counselors

This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from the activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.


California Counselors

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Florida Counselors

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits.


Montana Counselors

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


Ohio Counselors

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Counselors

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


South Carolina Counselors

This self-study program has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Provider #4540.


Texas Counselors

This self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors no longer approves programs or providers. PESI activities meet the continuing education requirements as listed in Title 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 681, Subchapter J, Section 681.142 Acceptable Continuing Education. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.


California Social Workers

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Florida Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits. 


Montana Social Workers

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


Ohio Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Social Workers

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Social Workers - National ASWB ACE

PESI, Inc., #1062, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. PESI, Inc. maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: January 27, 2023 - January 27, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 6.25 Clinical continuing education credits.

 

Course Level: Intermediate Format: Recorded asynchronous distance. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.

 

Canadian Social Workers: Canadian provinces may accept activities approved by the ASWB for ongoing professional development.


Illinois Psychologists

 

PESI, Inc is an approved provider with the State of Illinois, Department of Professional Regulation. License #: 268.000102. Full attendance at this self-study course qualifies for 6.0 contact hours.


Kentucky Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists, approved provider #202312H. PESI maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This self-study activity will qualify for 6.25 contact hours.


Ohio Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Ohio Psychological Association, Provider #263896894, to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PESI, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content. PESI is offering this self-study activity for 6.25 Standard hours of continuing education credit.


Pennsylvania Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists. Provider #PSY000211. PESI maintains responsibility for the program(s). This self-study program qualifies for 6.25 continuing education hours.


New York Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0014. This self-study activity will qualify for 7.5 contact hours. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.


California Marriage & Family Therapists

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Florida Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits.


Montana Marriage & Family Therapists

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


Ohio Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Marriage & Family Therapists

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


South Carolina Marriage & Family Therapists

This self-study program has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Provider #4540.


Texas Marriage & Family Therapists

This self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists no longer approves programs or providers. PESI activities meet the continuing education requirements as listed in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 801, Subchapter K, Section 801.264 Types of Acceptable Continuing Education. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.


California Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors (CADTP)

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the CADTP, Provider #: 201. This Category H activity meets the qualifications for 6.0 CEU's (continuing education hours).


California Licensed Educational Psychologists

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists

This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from this self-study activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.


South Carolina Psycho-Educational Specialists

This self-study program has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Provider #4540.


Cultural Competency

This self-study activity qualifies for 6.25 hours of cultural competency instruction. If cultural competency is not specified within your licensing board's approval statement below, please contact your board to determine the applicability and amount of cultural competency allowed.


New York Addiction Counselors

This self-study course has been approved by OASAS for 6.25 clock hours toward Initial Credentialing for CPP Section 1, or CPS Section 1 or Renewal for CASAC or CPP or CPS. Board required certificates will be sent after the program.

 

NEW YORK PARTICIPANTS ONLY: To automatically receive a special certificate, please answer YES to the question: “New York Addictions Counselors: Do you need the special OASAS certificate?” while completing the online post-test/evaluation.

 



Handouts

Faculty

Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW's Profile

Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW Related seminars and products

Center for Relationship and Sexual Health


Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW, is a board-certified sexologist and the founder of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health, and runs a private practice in Royal Oak, Michigan. Dr. Kort, a therapist, coach and author, has been practicing psychotherapy for more than 38 years and has spoken internationally on the subject of gay counseling. He specializes in sex therapy, LGBTQ affirmative psychotherapy, sexually compulsive behaviors, and IMAGO relationship therapy designed for couples to enhance their relationship through improved communication. Dr. Kort is a blogger for the Huffington Post and Psychology Today on issues of sexuality. He has been a guest on the various television programs on mixed orientation marriages and “sexual addiction”. Dr. Kort is the author of several books, including, LGBTQ Clients in Therapy, 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do to Find Real Love, and Is My Husband Gay, Straight or Bisexual.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Joe Kort maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. He receives royalties as a published author, and he receives a speaking honorarium and book and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Joe Kort is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Institute for Imago Relationship Therapy, and the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists.


Additional Info

Program Information

Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.


Target Audience

Addiction Counselors, Case Managers, Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers, and other Mental Health Professionals

Outline

Do No Harm: Make Your LGBTQ Client Feel Safe & Respected in Therapy

  • Red-flag words: Offensive words you might use (without you knowing!)
  • Intake session: questions about developing identity
  • Strategies to establish rapport and comfort
  • Tips for discussing sex and sexuality

Talk About Sex!

  • Don’t miss out on key info by ignoring the sex talk
  • Top or bottom? And other important questions to ask: flexible, changing sexual preferences and attractions
  • Varieties of sexuality
  • Protect the client from your own biases and assumptions

Coming Out

  • Stigma and its impact on mental health from childhood to adulthood
  • 6 distinct stages with interventions
  • Navigate the 3 phases of coming out to avoid isolation and alienation
  • Fear, shame and rejection unique to this population
  • Relationship concerns: family, friends, school or workplace
  • Finding a sense of belonging in LGBTQ community
  • Harmful and dangerous effects of conversion therapy

LGBTQ Adolescence

  • Coming out issues
  • It gets better but not before coming out
  • Bullying and other safety issues contributing to PTSD
  • Harm reduction adult dating apps such as Grindr, Scruff, etc.
  • Risk assessment for substance abuse
  • Assess for suicidality
  • Finding support

Gay Male

  • Develop a treatment plan and goals for unique challenges growing up gay male
  • Accurate assessment of alcohol use with this high risk population
  • HIV & STI prevention strategies and risk and harm reduction
  • Generational differences informing different treatment plans
  • Internalized homophobia
  • Learn specific sexual terminology to avoid alienating your client

Lesbian

  • Develop a treatment plan and goals for unique challenges growing up lesbian
  • Specific terminology that is helpful and damaging in this population
  • Sex and sexuality: what to know, what to ask
  • Strategies to manage gender dynamics
  • Internalized homophobia manifests in development

Bisexuality

  • Learn strategies to help the anxiety of bisexuals in dating and relationships
  • Internalized biphobia and bisexual development from childhood into adulthood
  • Compare and contrast male and female bisexuality

Transgender

  • Overcome the knowledge barrier
  • Avoid using outdated treatment plans
  • Learn and differentiate correct terms such as gender queer, gender fluid and cisgender
  • Strategies to help your client tell their partner, families, friends and employers
  • Tips to discuss hormone treatments and surgical procedures
  • Crucial points for transgender teens medically and psychologically and how to create best treatment plan

Questioning

  • Avoid mislabeling a client and leading them down the wrong sexual identity path
  • Differentiate between sexual fluidity from bisexuality, gay and lesbian identities
  • Differentiate between sexual identity, sexual behavior and sexual fantasies

Working with LGB Couples

  • Dynamics of a same gendered couple including vulnerabilities and strengths
  • Coming out discrepancy causing turbulence for couples
  • Recognize and identify how internalized homophobia creates conflicts
  • Open relationships in gay male couples
  • Sexual issues and strategies on compatibility, incompatibility, frequency and satisfaction

Working with Mixed Orientation Couples and Relationships

  • Specific stages of coming out as a mixed orientation couple
  • Specialized treatment programs for the straight spouses
  • Helping LGBTQ spouse integrate their identity into their mixed orientation relationships
  • Learn how to identify which couples will succeed and which won’t

Objectives

  1. Assess gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning clients for psychological trauma to assist in informing treatments interventions.
  2. Establish and understand the six distinct stages of the coming out process to provide optimal amount of support to the client.
  3. Distinguish between mental health disorders that mimic the effects of the trauma from growing up LGBTQ.
  4. Utilize specific clinical interventions and assessment tools to more effectively treat LGBTQ clients.
  5. Employ adaptable clinical interventions to work more effectively with LGBTQ clients from different generations.
  6. Consider the dynamics of same gendered couple, including vulnerabilities and strengths, when working with LGB couples in session.

Objectives

  1. Assess gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning clients for psychological trauma to assist in informing treatments interventions.
  2. Establish and understand the six distinct stages of the coming out process to provide optimal amount of support to the client.
  3. Distinguish between mental health disorders that mimic the effects of the trauma from growing up LGBTQ.
  4. Utilize specific clinical interventions and assessment tools to more effectively treat LGBTQ clients.
  5. Employ adaptable clinical interventions to work more effectively with LGBTQ clients from different generations.
  6. Consider the dynamics of same gendered couple, including vulnerabilities and strengths, when working with LGB couples in session.

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