Exploring Faith and Identity: Queer-Affirming Client Support Part 1

Date: Course last updated on 10/15/24

Location: Distance Learning – Self-paced, non-interactive online course

Duration: 3 hours

Course Description:

This comprehensive training offers mental health professionals a deeper understanding of the intersection between Christianity and LGBTQ+ identities. The course emphasizes the unique challenges faced by clients navigating these overlapping aspects of their identity. Participants will explore key theological, cultural, and social contexts that influence the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in Christian environments, while learning therapeutic approaches to better support clients struggling with faith-based conflicts and identity.

With an emphasis on inclusivity, cultural competence, and religious sensitivity, this course equips practitioners with the tools to provide affirming, non-pathologizing care. Participants will also learn how to address internalized shame, support clients in navigating rejection from faith communities, and explore diverse gender identities beyond the male-female binary.

Through case studies, real-world vignettes, and guided reflections, participants will gain actionable insights on managing religious trauma, supporting spiritual reconciliation, and fostering resilience within LGBTQ+ clients. The course also explores the importance of religious competence in therapy, underscoring how it enhances trust, engagement, and mental health outcomes.

Duration: 3 hours
Format: Video and audio (closed captioning provided)

Designed for:

Social work and mental health professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and competency in supporting LGBTQ+ clients from Christian backgrounds.

 Content Highlights:

  • Navigating Religious Sensitivity in Therapy: Learn strategies to engage with faith-based conflicts in therapy.
  • Exploring Diverse Gender Identities: Gain knowledge on gender diversity beyond binary constructs.
  • Historical and Theological Contexts: Understand the role of Christianity in shaping societal views on LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Therapeutic Approaches: Practical tools to support LGBTQ+ clients grappling with religious identity.
  • Mitigating Religious Trauma: Address the mental health impacts of rejection and internalized shame in non-affirming Christian environments.

 

Learning Objectives

1. Foundational Knowledge: Understanding LGBTQ+ Identities within Christianity

Objective: Participants will gain a strong foundational understanding of sexual orientation and gender identity as they intersect with Christian beliefs.
Outcome: Therapists will be able to identify five key concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity, while distinguishing between the two within the context of Christian teachings.

2. Exploring Gender Identity Beyond the Binary

Objective: Enhance understanding of gender diversity by examining non-binary and gender-fluid identities within Christian contexts.
Outcome: Participants will be able to describe at least three diverse gender identities and discuss the social and cultural factors that shape these identities.

3. Analyzing LGBTQ+ Demographics for Therapeutic Practice

Objective: Interpret demographic trends of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly within Christian communities, and understand the implications for therapy.
Outcome: Therapists will be able to summarize key LGBTQ+ demographic trends and apply these insights to support their clients.

4. Historical and Social Contexts: LGBTQ+ Identities and Christianity

Objective: Explore key historical events and theological shifts that have influenced LGBTQ+ inclusion in Christian communities.
Outcome: Participants will be able to identify two major events that shaped the relationship between Christianity and LGBTQ+ communities and analyze their impact on mental health.

5. Impact of Religious Teachings on LGBTQ+ Individuals

Objective: Understand how religious teachings and biblical interpretations have contributed to LGBTQ+ discrimination and mental health challenges.
Outcome: Participants will be able to explain at least three biblical passages historically used to harm LGBTQ+ individuals and discuss the resulting mental health challenges.

6. The Role of Religious Competence in Effective Therapy

Objective: Recognize the importance of religious competence in therapy for LGBTQ+ clients.
Outcome: Participants will be able to explain how religious competence builds trust in therapy and describe three strategies to incorporate religious sensitivity into practice to improve outcomes.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to LGBTQ+ Identities and Christianity

2. Exploring Diverse Gender Identities

3. Demographic Analysis

4. Historical and Theological Contexts

5. Impact of Religious Teachings

6. The Role of Religious Competence in Therapy

Target Audience:

Content Level: Beginning

Instructor Bio:

Ann Russo, LCSW, MA, Theology

Sex-Positive Therapist, CEO, and Founder of AMR Therapy
Over 20 years of experience as a clinician, educator, and advocate
Expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, sex-positive therapy, and psychodynamic principles
Focus on marginalized communities, religious trauma and alternative relationship dynamics
Renowned provider of trainings on sex and sexuality

Amount of CE Credit Offered:

3 continuing education credits (ASWB ACE approved, provider #2119)

CE Credit Type:

ASWB ACE

Course Interaction & System Requirements:

  • Format: Self-paced, non-interactive online learning

  • System Requirements:

    • Windows 7 or higher, MacOS 10.12 or higher

    • Latest versions of Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge

    • Stable internet connection

 

Refund Policy:

No refunds, as the course is non-cancellable once accessed.

Cancellation Policy: This course is non-cancellable.

Instructions for Requesting Accessibility Accommodations:

For special accommodations, email: ce@amrtherapy.com

Enrollment Options:

Earn CE Credits: $45 (recognized by ASWB ACE)

Personal Enrichment: $30 (no credit)

Registration Deadline: Ongoing, as this is a self-paced course

Provider Approval Statement

Provider Approval Statement:

This course is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program (provider #2119) for 2 continuing education credits. ASWB Approval Period: 08/15/2024 – 08/15/2027. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.

Course Completion Requirements:

Watch the course video or listen to the audio version.

Review provided materials.

Complete the post-test with a passing score of 80%.

Certification:

Certificates of completion are downloadable immediately after finishing the course and passing the post-test. 

Contact Information:

For questions, concerns, or special accommodations, email: ce@amrtherapy.com