AFFIRM Pro is an evidence-informed, 6 module, group coaching and training program. It includes a detailed manual and is aimed at enhancing the capacity of professionals to support the positive mental health and well-being among LGBTQ+ individuals at work. This may include clients, co-workers, students and others. AFFIRM Pro teaches professionals affirming attitudes and behaviors that contribute to a productive, collaborative and welcoming workplace.

Why AFFIRM Pro? Because being an ally means demonstrating genuine concern, care, and compassion for the well-being of LGBTQ+ clients​ through affirming words AND actions. When professionals have a deeper understanding of the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ people, they are better able to help LGBTQ+ clients and their families disrupt negative health and wellness outcomes AND achieve better outcomes​. There is ample room for therapists, case managers, support staff, and others to offer affirmative support​. AFFIRM Pro will improve the capacity of professionals in your organization to be that affirmative ally for LGBTQ+ youth and adults in their care.​

AFFIRM Pro equips facilitators to lead AFFIRM Pro groups within their organizations or their communities.  It is a 3-day, online training.

Note: AFFIRM Pro is not a “train-the-trainer” model. Once trained, individuals will be able to facilitate AFFIRM Pro groups, however the professionals who participate in your groups are being trained as Professional ALLIES not as future trainers.  The only way to facilitate AFFIRM Pro groups is to go through our official 3 day training. 

Who makes an effective AFFIRM Pro facilitator?

AFFIRM Pro is designed to prepare professionals to facilitate learning and coaching experiences for other professionals—not to provide clinical treatment. As a result, participants do not need to be licensed clinicians to become AFFIRM Pro facilitators.

Effective AFFIRM Pro facilitators come from a variety of professional backgrounds, including behavioral health, social work, education, child welfare, healthcare, higher education, and community-based organizations. Clinicians often make excellent facilitators, but so do supervisors, educators, trainers, program leaders, and others with experience facilitating groups and supporting professional learning.

More important than professional discipline are the competencies facilitators bring to the role. Successful AFFIRM Pro facilitators demonstrate:

• A genuine commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmative practice and a desire to help others grow.

• Strong group facilitation skills and the ability to create psychologically safe learning environments.

• The capacity to hold two truths simultaneously: believing deeply that all professionals can and should provide affirming care, while also recognizing that meaningful growth requires meeting participants where they are—with empathy, curiosity, and without judgment.

• Comfort facilitating conversations that may involve vulnerability, discomfort, differing perspectives, or emotionally charged topics while remaining grounded, regulated, and compassionate.

• The ability to maintain fidelity to the AFFIRM Pro curriculum while thoughtfully responding to the needs of the group.

• A commitment to ongoing learning, reflection, and consultation as they continue developing their own affirmative practice.

We also strongly recommend co-facilitation whenever possible. Co-facilitators provide mutual support, bring complementary strengths and perspectives, and model collaborative learning while helping create a richer experience for participants.

Ultimately, the most effective AFFIRM Pro facilitators are not defined by a particular professional discipline or identity, but by their ability to facilitate with authenticity, humility, competence, and compassion while supporting professionals on their journey toward increasingly affirming practice.

Register for an upcoming AFFIRM Pro training or contact us to train your organization

For more information see our publications and recognitions.

The Purpose of AFFIRM Pro Groups

The purpose of AFFIRM Pro is to help professionals:​

• Learn more about what it means to be an affirmative source of support to an LGBTQ+ young person;​

• Reflect on how current societal attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, as well as past experiences might impact the lives of LGBTQ+ youth; and ​

• Grow professionally in the ways necessary to provide safe, affirming and trauma informed services to LGBTQ+ youth and young adults​