Episode
In this episode, Dr. Whitney Akers and Dr. Mickey White talk about their research and experiences disclosing queer and trans identities as counselors, educators, and supervisors. What is the role of identity disclosure in counseling? The decision-making processes are complex and nuanced. Drs. Akers and White explore the complexity of identity disclosure and the potential healing power of community, authenticity, and genuineness within counseling.
Guest
Whitney P. Akers, PhD, LCMHC, NCC, ACS (She/They) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling and the Director of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. A National Certified Counselor, an Approved Clinical Supervisor, and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NC), Dr. Akers' clinical experience includes counseling in community agency, inpatient, spiritual care, hospital/integrated care, detention center, school, equine therapy, and private practice settings. Their research interests center on the ways in which people who identify as LGBTQ+ experience outness, how their intersectionally diverse lived-experiences are impacted by the current sociopolitical climate in terms of access to safety, survival, and personhood. Additionally, they engage in participatory action research strategies in an effort to support marginalized populations, challenge oppressive power structures, and enhance communal resiliency.
Transcript
Citation
White, M. (Producer). (2023, March 3). Queering Counseling: LGBTQ+ Counselor Self-Disclosure in Practice [Audio Podcast]. The Thoughtful Counselor. Retrieved from https://concept.paloaltou.edu/resources/the-thoughtful-counselor-podcast/queering-counseling-lgbtq-counselor-self-disclosure-in-practice
Photo by Adrien Olichon: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-and-white-striped-textile-2387532/
