For LGBTQIA+ and GSRD (Gender, Sexuality, and Relationship Diversity) Affirming Therapy

Updated: 26/11/24

Written by Dr Sara Tookey, Clinical Psychologist​​

​​​​​

 

In line with the British Psychological Society's guidelines, this approach actively celebrates and affirms all expressions of gender, sexuality, orientation, and relationship structures as natural variations of human diversity. Moving beyond basic acceptance, this approach actively challenges heteronormative, cis-normative, and mono-normative assumptions while creating therapeutic spaces that honour the full spectrum of human identity and experience.

 

​

What is LGBTQIA+ and GSRD Affirming Therapy?

 

Core Principles

​

1. Active Affirmation and Self-Determination

​

• Recognising GSRD identities and expressions as healthy, natural variations of human experience

• Supporting clients' right to define their own identities and expressions

• Acknowledging that GSRD identities and practices are as valid and legitimate as any other identity or practice

• Never engaging in or promoting conversion practices

​​

2. Intersectional Understanding

​

• Recognising multiple, intersecting identities and experiences

• Understanding impacts of multiple marginalisations

• Acknowledging cultural, religious, and social contexts

• Supporting clients in navigating complex identity intersections

​​

3. Social Context and Power

​

• Understanding historical and current discrimination

• Recognising impact of minority stress and marginalisation

• Addressing internalised prejudice and shame

• Supporting resilience and community connection

 

 

Clinical Practice

​

Assessment and Formulation

​

• Using inclusive, affirming language

• Respecting client terminology and self-description

• Understanding impact of societal oppression

• Considering intersectional experiences

• Recognising strength and resilience

 

Therapeutic Approach

​

• Creating safe, affirming therapeutic spaces

• Supporting identity exploration and integration

• Working with internalised prejudice

• Building on existing strengths and resources

• Supporting relationships and families

 

Life Stage Considerations

​

• Understanding diverse developmental pathways

• Supporting coming out processes when relevant

• Working with age-specific challenges

• Considering generational contexts and experiences

• Supporting transitions across the lifespan

 

 

Professional Responsibilities

 

Ongoing Development

​

• Maintaining current knowledge

• Engaging in regular supervision

• Reflecting on personal assumptions and biases

• Understanding limits of competence

• Seeking additional training when needed

 

Ethical Practice

​

• Never engaging in conversion practices

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries

• Protecting client confidentiality

• Advocating for inclusive services

• Supporting client self-determination

 

 

Working with Relationships and Families

 

Relationship Diversity

​

• Affirming diverse relationship structures

• Supporting polyamorous and non-traditional relationships

• Understanding unique relationship challenges

• Working with families of choice

• Supporting parent-child relationships

 

Family Support

​

• Working with families of origin

• Supporting chosen family networks

• Helping navigate family transitions

• Understanding complex family systems

• Supporting children and young people

 

 

Special Considerations

 

Mental Health

​

• Understanding impact of minority stress

• Recognising trauma responses

• Supporting emotional regulation

• Building coping strategies

• Facilitating access to appropriate care

 

Intersecting Identities

• Working with disability and neurodivergence

• Understanding cultural contexts

• Supporting religious and spiritual identities

• Addressing socioeconomic factors

• Recognising multiple minority stress

 

 

Community Connection

 

Support Networks

​

• Facilitating community connection

• Understanding importance of peer support

• Supporting development of chosen family

• Connecting with affirming resources

• Building sustainable support systems

 

Advocacy and Empowerment

• Supporting self-advocacy

• Understanding rights and protections

• Facilitating access to resources

• Supporting workplace navigation

• Building confidence and resilience

 

 

Professional Ethics

 

Boundaries and Safety

​

• Maintaining clear professional boundaries

• Protecting client confidentiality

• Understanding safeguarding needs

• Creating safe therapeutic spaces

• Supporting informed consent

 

Ongoing Learning

​

• Engaging in continuous professional development

• Staying current with research and best practice

• Learning from community expertise

• Understanding evolving terminology

• Reflecting on practice

​

​​​