TRAINING Highlights

This 3-day, interactive training teaches participants the theories, concepts and practices of AFFIRM Caregiver: a compassionate therapy approach for caregivers of LGBTQ+ populations. Trainees will learn the skills needed to effectively facilitate a compassion-based caregiver therapy that will teach their clients affirmative parenting practices to promote the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth. Expert trainers will use activities and role playing to provide a stimulating and practical training experience. The elements of AFFIRM Caregiver are presented with a focus on: the supporting evidence, principles for creating an affirmative practice context and the clinical considerations necessary to effectively implement AFFIRM Caregiver interventions.

Attendees will learn the skills necessary to effectively:

1. Educate caregivers about youths’ diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.

2. Help caregivers understand the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ stress and discrimination on the youth in their lives.

3. Foster the development of affirmative parenting practices among caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth.

4. Implement strategies aimed at helping caregivers integrate self-compassion and compassionate parenting practices into their daily lives.

5. Flexibly deliver evidence-informed interventions.

6. Engage in ongoing assessment and evaluation of the intervention.