Session Five: LGBTQ+ Issues in Complex Trauma

January 18, 2023

Session Five: LGBTQ+ Issues in Complex Trauma
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate

Abstract: Despite the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and the societal demands for their rights, members of the LGBTQ+ community are especially likely to be targets of physical, emotional, sexual and psychological violence. This often starts in childhood, and includes, for many, an internalized self-hatred, that impacts their psychological development, making them even more likely to be impacted by trauma. In this class we will examine the intersectionality of identity and trauma and the impact of discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community and its members, in developing post-traumatic problems. An exploration of a risk-model of possible traumatizing events based on discrimination, for sexual high-risk behaviours will be discussed. How discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community impacts trauma, dissociation and attachment will also be explored. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.

Readings:

  1. Alessi, E. J., & Martin, J. I. (2017). Intersection of trauma and identity. In Trauma, Resilience, and Health Promotion in LGBT Patients: What Every Healthcare Provider Should Know (pp. 3-14). Springer International Publishing.
  2. Scheer, J.R & Antebi-Gruszka, N. (2019) A Psychosocial Risk Model of Potentially Traumatic Events And Sexual Risk Behavior Among LGBTQ ., Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20:5, 603-618. 
  3. Keating, L & Muller, R.T. (2020) LGBTQ+ based discrimination is associated with ptsd symptoms, dissociation, emotion dysregulation, and attachment insecurity among LGBTQ+ adults who have experienced Trauma, Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 21:1, 124-141.

Timed outline:
45 minutes: Discussion of Reading 1 - intersection of trauma and identity
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 2 - a psycho-social risk model based on discrimination against LGBTQ+ people on potentially traumatizing and/or high-risk sexual behaviours, 
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 3 - anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination and trauma, dissociation and attachment
45 minutes: Discussion of case materials applying the above readings to disguised cases

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the intersection of trauma and identity
  • Discuss a psycho-social risk-model of trauma and high risk sexual behavior among LGBTQ+ clients
  • Explain the effects of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people on trauma, dissociation, affect regulation and attachment
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Course opens: 
04/28/2022
Course expires: 
03/31/2023
Event starts: 
01/18/2023 - 10:00am EST
Event ends: 
01/18/2023 - 12:30pm EST
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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