Workshop: Queering Our Groups: Moving Beyond Inclusion

Many if not all of our therapy groups include LGBTQ members. Given that LGBTQ identified people make up approximately 25 percent of Generation Z (Pew Research Center), cultural competence in working with queer folx in therapy is becoming more and more essential. This in-person training will seek to help group therapists update and expand their knowledge of affirming language, as well as ways to inquire about and work with queer family and relational experiences in group sessions. We will also cover therapist use of self in working with queer communities. Case examples, demonstration groups, and breakout discussions will support our shared learning about the topic. This workshop is appropriate for clinicians and mental health professionals of all levels!

Workshop Objectives: 

• In this workshop, attendees will learn how to:
• Utilize the WPATH standards for making appropriate gender affirming referrals to other medical providers when appropriate for further evaluation
•  Assess LGBTQ+ group client needs at intake from a culturally competent perspective using affirming and welcoming language  
• Describe LGBTQ+ family and relationship structures to maximize the value of group therapy for gender and sexual minority patients  
• Critique the relevant literature on LGBTQ+ affirming psychotherapy principles  
• Utilize LGBTQ+ inclusive group psychotherapy techniques shared and demonstrated during a demonstration group in experiential practice dyads 
• Describe what constitutes a gender or sexuality related microaggression  
• Apply mindful facilitation techniques to addressing microaggressions that occur in group in the here and now of a group session

CEU Information:

• 6 Core CEUs Pending Approval by LPCA of GA
• 6 Core CEUs Pending Approval from GAMFT
• 6 Core CEUs Pending Approval from GSCSW
• 6 CEUs Pending Approval for Psychologists

About Dr. Joshua De Silva, Psy.D., CGP:

Joshua DeSilva, Psy.D., CGP (they/them) is a licensed psychologist and certified group psychotherapist who practices in Washington, DC and in Virginia. Dr. DeSilva has expertise in working with LGBTQ+ communities of color and runs several therapy groups in private practice, including two LGBTQ+ process groups. In addition to private practice work, Dr. DeSilva is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at George Washington University. In their academic role, Dr. DeSilva teaches group psychotherapy and researches group treatment outcomes with diverse individuals in the GW Center Clinic associated with GWU’s Doctor of Psychology Program. Dr. DeSilva is committed to career-long learning about LGBTQ+ affirming therapy skills, language, and creating safe spaces for queer folx to do therapeutic work. They have presented previous talks on LGBTQ+ mental health for the Virginia Anti-Violence Project (which serves LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence) and for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Refund Policy: 

Refunds will be granted in the form of credit towards a future AGPS workshop.