Therapists, Training of

To meet the needs of LGBTQ clients, therapists need to receive specific training in LGBTQ affirmative therapy. LGBTQ affirmative training is based on the belief that educators have a responsibility to help therapists develop positive and affirming beliefs about LGBTQ individuals and relationships as well as learn how to address the negative effects of heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia on the therapy process and the lives of LGBTQ clients. Unfortunately, existing research suggests that therapists do not receive this training in their graduate programs and do not feel prepared to work with LGBTQ clients. For example, one study found that over 60% of family therapists had received no training on LGBTQ affirmative therapy during their graduate studies.

The importance of LGBTQ affirmative training is highlighted by research ...