Therapy With LGBTQIA+ Clients: Beyond Basics (3 CEU's)

DIVERSITY, IDENTITY & CULTURAL HUMILITY

Therapy With LGBTQIA+ Clients: Beyond Basics 3 CEUs

Overview:

Providing effective therapy with LGBTQIA+ clients requires more than foundational knowledge of identities and terminology—it demands a nuanced, affirming, and relational approach that recognizes the complexity of lived experiences shaped by identity, stigma, resilience, and systemic barriers. LGBTQIA+ clients may present with concerns related to identity development, minority stress, discrimination, family rejection, and navigating safety across environments. Without moving beyond basic competence, clinicians risk oversimplifying these experiences or missing critical relational dynamics within the therapeutic space.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, will guide participants in deepening their clinical work with LGBTQIA+ clients beyond introductory concepts. Attendees will explore advanced considerations including minority stress theory, identity intersectionality, and the impact of societal and systemic factors on mental health. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how relational dynamics—such as trust, safety, and attunement—are shaped by both client and therapist identities.

Participants will learn practical, evidence-informed strategies to strengthen therapeutic alliance, navigate complex identity-related discussions, and respond effectively to relational ruptures when they occur. This training will also address common clinical challenges, including working with internalized stigma, supporting identity exploration, and managing therapist discomfort or uncertainty in session.

Objectives:

• Analyze advanced clinical considerations when working with LGBTQIA+ clients, including minority stress and intersectionality.

• Identify relational dynamics and therapist factors that impact engagement and trust.

• Apply affirming, evidence-informed strategies to support identity exploration, resilience, and repair relational ruptures.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of advanced, affirming approaches to working with LGBTQIA+ clients. Participants will learn to integrate relational and systemic awareness into clinical practice. This training does not provide certification in LGBTQIA+ specialized care and is not a substitute for ongoing education, supervision, and consultation. Attendees are expected to apply the material within their professional scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and licensure requirements.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CE Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CE courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.