John Sovec, Therapy/Coaching/Counseling pasadena`, California, United States
Session Description: The hetero-normative model of treatment has been the standard of care for treatment centers with little respect or validation of the unique needs of LGBTQ patients. As LGBTQ clients approach sobriety, they may explore multiple facets of their sexual orientation and gender identity, experiencing lessened self-esteem and a view of the world that lacks safety, interrupts developmental phases, and deepens pressure to " fit in".
LGBTQ patients identify these traumas in five major categories: 1. Family of origin issues including rejection and exclusion 2. Social oppression based on sexual orientation or gender identity 3. Internalized LGBTQ-phobia 4. Broken relationships or repeated, unsatisfied relationships 5. Sexual or physical abuse
It is vital that treatment for LGBTQ patients focus on these relational traumas developing treatment plans that assist in developing a positive LGBTQ identity.
This workshop will explore the alienation of LGBTQ clients from family of origin, understand addiction as a coping mechanism in LGBTQ identity development, and how by reaffirming the coming out process in a supportive environment, clients can regain their sense of identity. Issues of sobriety, sexuality, gender, trauma responses, and family dynamics will be explored in this workshop with practical tools shared to address these challenging issues.
This session has been approved by NBCC for NBCC credit.
Learning Objectives:
After this activity participants should be able to
List 5 unique psychosocial environmental stressors that the LGBTQ community face that interfere with identity development
Describe influences of trauma based experiences on the developmental process of LGBTQ patients
Identify trauma based nuero-biological responses to stimuli unique to LGBTQ patients