Best Practices and Affirming Treatment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) People

Contracted, active affiliates of Health Affiliates Maine may attend this training for FREE! Clinicians who are not contracted affiliates may attend for only $89! This includes continental breakfast, lunch, and 6 contact hours!

About the Program

Sexual orientation and gender identity/expression are related but separate developmental processes that fit within the larger framework of human sexuality development. In this training session, we review models of affirmative best practices for working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. Drawing from minority stress and trauma-informed practice models, we will discuss how to be inclusive with LGBTQ clients from intake through intervention. In addition, we will assist clinicians in becoming more comfortable asking questions about human sexuality in general and LGBTQ issues in particular. At the conclusion of this workshop, participants will:

  • Increase knowledge about diversity within elements of human sexuality and within lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities
  • Understand the forces of oppression and minority stress that negatively affect the psychological, physical, and emotional well-being of LGBTQ people
  • Increase the ability to utilize LGBTQ affirming treatment interventions and best practices for working with these communities
  • Identify the resilience of LGBTQ individuals and communities and the enriching effects of positive LGBTQ role models have on LGBTQ youth and adults

About the Presenters

Franklin Brooks, MSW, Ph.D.

Franklin Brooks, MSW, Ph.D., is currently teaching full-time in the University of New England School of Social Work in Portland. His research has focused on human sexuality, sexual orientation and gender identity issues. He serves on the SAGE Maine Board of Directors for whom he co-authored the recently published SAGE Maine Social Services Provider Survey Report. He has been appointed to the Maine Family Law Advisory Commission and has served on the Board of Directors of The Maine Transnet and the Kids First Center. He has also served on the Council on Social Work Education’s Council on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and was Chair of the Maine Chapter, National Association’s LGBT Advocacy Committee. He has a son, Sam, daughter-in-law Keisha, and a wonderful 5-year-old granddaughter who all live in Philadelphia. He lives in Portland with his partner, Marvin Ellison. He is also step-parent to Marvin’s daughter Beverly who lives in San Francisco.

Alex Roan, LCPC, Ph.D.

Alex Roan, LCPC, Ph.D., is a therapist in private practice in Portland and also teaches in the Human Services and Psychology departments at Southern Maine Community College. Alex was the founder of MaineTransNet (Maine Transgender Network), a nonprofit that provides support and advocacy for the Maine transgender community. His current role at MaineTransNet is providing consultation and supervision to group leaders who meet in seven locations across Maine. He has been facilitating peer support groups with MaineTransNet since 2007 and currently co-leads the Brunswick group. Alex has also served on the Board of Directors of Equality Maine, GLSEN Southern Maine, and the Maine Mental Health Counselors Association. He lives in Westbrook with his partner, Lindsay, two delightful guinea pigs, and a temperamental dog.

PortlandFri, February 9, 2018 from 8:30am – 4:00pm
Italian Heritage Center
40 Westland Ave
Portland, ME
Register
LewistonFri, March 9, 2018 from 8:30am – 4:00pm
Franco Center
46 Cedar Street
Lewiston, ME
Register
BangorFri, April 13, 2018 from 8:30am – 4:00pm
Spectacular Event Center
395 Griffin Road
Bangor, ME
Register

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