Here’s an exciting opportunity for religious leaders and mental health professionals in the metro NYC area who would like skills and tools for supporting LGBTQ people. RfA is delighted to promote the work of our colleagues at Believe Out Loud, Intersections International, and the Blanton Peale Institute (where RfA’s founding co-president, Rev. Shari K. Brink, is the President and CEO), who are partnering to present two 5-part mini-courses that bring together mental health professionals and religious and spiritual leaders to discuss and develop skills for supporting LGBTQ people.
Even if you don’t live in New York (and you’ll wish you did after reading about this!), we encourage you to share this flyer with people who do. And if you can’t wait to follow the link, here are the details:
Supporting LGBTQ People in Religious and Spiritual Settings
Two 5-part Mini-courses
As the world has become more LGBTQ-affirming, many spiritual and religious leaders have too… and some have been leading the way! Is that you? And would you like additional tools for your ministry with and to LGBTQ people?
In these first-ever 5-part series, the Blanton-Peale Institute and Counseling Center, Rev. Shari K. Brink, President, and Believe Out Loud/Intersections International, James Rowe, Director, partner to bring together mental health professionals and religious and spiritual leaders to discuss and develop skills for supporting LGBTQ people.
Who are these mini-courses for?
- Anyone – LGBTQ or ally – who finds themselves leading a small or large group that includes LGBTQ people, in a religious or spiritual setting (clergy, small group leader, board member, or other leadership role).
- Mental Health professionals who want a deeper understanding of the religious and spiritual aspects for LGBTQ people. Social Work CEUs available.
What you can expect: Becoming a part of a learning community with expert presentations and an opportunity to share your own experience and wisdom.
All 10 sessions are on Tuesday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Intersections International, 145 W 28th Street, 11th Floor, NYC
Series I, Foundational Aspects: Led by Lee Heeter, LMSW, M.Div. and Blanton-Peale therapist, and Supavadee Thaveesaenegsiri, LCSW and psychoanalyst, Blanton-Peale therapist and clinical supervisor
February 16: Introduction and Community Formation
February 23: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity “101” (and evolving terminology)
March 1: Shame, Secrets, Trauma and Coming Out in the LGBTQ Community
March 8: Addiction, Depression and Suicide in the LGBTQ Community
March 15: Looking Ahead: Acceptance and Safety in the Larger Community
Series II, Going Deeper
April 5: Intersectionality: Race, Socio-economics, and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity – Led by Munib Raad, LCSW, and Leigh Howard, LCSW-R, psychotherapist/clinical supervisor, Callen Lorde
April 12: Supporting Transgender People – Leader TBA
April 19: Supporting LGBTQ Youth – Led by Munib Raad and Leigh Howard, Callen Lorde
April 26: Supporting Same-sex Couples and Their Children – Led by Jennifer Aull, LMFT, ordained UCC minister and Minister for Community Care, Greenpoint Church, training in clinical sex therapy
May 3: Supporting LGBTQ Seniors – Leader TBA
Registration Fee: $150 for each 5-part series
$40 per session a la carte
Registration is NOW OPEN
Registration for Series I
Registration for Series II
Scholarships available through generous support of the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation
For questions and scholarship requests, contact Lee Heeter, lheeter@blantonpeale.org
For CEU information, contact Nunzio Gubitosa, ngubitosa@blantonpeale.org