Description

Counselors who identify as LGBTQ+ often struggle with whether to disclose this identity to their clients. We will explore some of those struggles and review literature that addresses how disclosure may be performed ethically, as well as how disclosure of LGBTQ+ identity may serve to advocate for the LGBTQ+ population by role modeling and normalization. We will present an ethical decision-making model specifically for LGBTQ+ identity disclosure and apply the model to case vignettes through a group discussion.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will learn about the challenges that LGBTQ+ counselors face when considering disclosing this identity to clients through research and case examples.
• Attendees will review literature concerning self-disclosure and advocacy while exploring how these two concepts may interact specifically in regards to LGBTQ+ identity disclosure.
• Attendees will engage in an experiential activity in which they utilize an ethical decision making model to approach a number of vignettes regarding LGBTQ+ identity disclosure.

Speaker(s):

• Ben Hearn, MA, Trauma and Addictions Specialist, Mental Illness Recovery Center Inc.
• Kelli Hess, MA, Mobile Therapist, Centerstone of Tennessee