Sexual Identity Development & Acceptance: Essential Insights for Working With Sexual Minority Clients

1 Hour | 1 CE

This on-demand professional training program on Sexual Identity Development & Acceptance: Essential Insights for Working With Sexual Minority Clients is presented by Jared Boot-Haury, PsyD.

This program provides a comprehensive exploration of sexual identity development and acceptance, focusing on the unique experiences of sexual minority individuals. Participants gain insight into the critical developmental stages of sexual identity and the challenges these individuals face as they navigate their sexual orientation in environments shaped by heteronormativity. Through evidence-based models and frameworks for assessing sexual identity confusion and conflict, the presentation equips mental health providers with tools to better understand and support their clients.

Participants learn how to address critical issues such as internalized stigma, minority stress, and the psychological toll of identity negotiation. The session emphasizes affirming practices that promote sexual self-acceptance and offers strategies for providers to foster resilience in their clients. Special consideration is given to cultural humility and applying ethical principles to ensure care remains compassionate and inclusive.

Through case examples, attendees practice applying these frameworks in real-world settings, focusing on assessing the intersectional identities of sexual minority individuals and fostering a therapeutic environment where clients can explore and affirm their sexual identities. This program is designed for mental health professionals with intermediate sexual minority knowledge who are committed to enhancing their competency in sexual minority affirmative care.

This program is uniquely valuable because it addresses the critical intersection of sexual identity development and mental health and is inclusive of asexual individuals. Using evidence-based models, the program provides participants with immediately available and actionable tools to improve treatment planning and support clients in achieving self-acceptance.

This program is intended for beginner, intermediate, and advanced clinicians in the LGBTQ+ mental health fields. It is also appropriate for clinicians working in VA hospitals, community mental health centers, private or group practices, university counseling centers, or academic medical centers.