Mini Workshop 7 - Doing Cognitive Behavior Therapy with LGBTQ Youth & Their Families: A Live Demonstration

Due to ongoing anti-LGBTQ+ stigma in society, LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of mental health concerns relative to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. Fortunately, families with LGBTQ+ children tend to be more likely to seek mental health treatment, offering an exciting opportunity for mental health professionals to help shift these vulnerable youths’ mental health trajectories. Without improved training for our mental health workforce, disparities for this minoritized group will persist, and the impact of evidence-based practice, including CBT, may be limited.

This mini-workshop aims to provide attendees with the basic tools needed to use evidence-based clinical practice (i.e., CBT) with LGBTQ+ youth and their families using a minority stress-informed, affirming lens. Using live demonstrations, Drs. Cohen and Seager van Dyk will teach attendees how to conceptualize cases using this lens, as well as how to adapt existing CBT techniques (e.g., exposures, cognitive flexibility) to be sensitive to the unique needs and challenges experienced by this population (e.g., gender dysphoria, coming out). Finally, this mini-workshop will highlight strategies for navigating difficult conversations with family members of LGBTQ+ youth (e.g., parents, caregivers).