A Counselor’s Guide to LGBTQIA+ Allyship
No Shade Just Care
This training presents allyship as a continuous, skills-based practice rather than just an identity. It emphasizes respectful language, understanding sexual orientation and gender identity, ethical self-disclosure, and avoiding clinical errors that weaken the therapeutic alliance. Participants will learn to develop affirming, client-centered strategies that align with counseling ethics and best practices.
Training Details
- Date: June 12
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Milford, MA
- Format: In-person (and/or virtual if needed)
- Credits: 2.5 CE Available
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify and appropriately use commonly accepted LGBTQIA+ terms related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Describe the impact of affirming versus non-affirming language on the therapeutic relationship.
- Apply strategies for addressing uncertainty about client language or pronouns in a respectful and clinically appropriate manner.
- Demonstrate ethical considerations when discussing sexual health topics with LGBTQIA+ clients.
- Evaluate appropriate versus inappropriate counselor self-disclosure in affirming clinical work.
- Identify common clinical pitfalls when working with LGBTQIA+ populations and apply corrective strategies.
Presenter
Andrew Lapin, M.S., M.A., LMHC/ LPC
Andrew is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works primarily with LGBTQIA+ folx across the lifespan. His work focuses on identity development and the intersection of queerness and mental health needs.
Andrew is direct, honest, and supportive with a focus on empowering people to foster self-determination. He will join people where they’re at and continue to support them throughout their journey of personal development with levity.
Andrew’s career has centered in experiential psychotherapies, specifically on Animal Assisted Psychotherapy. He has trained scores of clinicians across the country on how to utilize the human/ animal connection to empower emotional healing.
Andrew is committed to the careers and growth of new counselors and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.
Andrew is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor with a supervisory designation. He is licensed in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Utah.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED PLANS
Our Valued Sponsors
