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 

 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​

Learn to Deliver AFFIRM Pro Groups

This interactive training workshop will teach participants the theory and concepts underlying AFFIRM Pro, and provide the skills to effectively facilitate an experiential, multi-module training for professionals working with LGBTQ+ people.

Expert trainers will engage participants in activities that will foster an interactive and stimulating training experience. The elements of AFFIRM Pro will be presented with a focus on: the underlying research base, tenets for creating an affirmative practice context, and facilitation considerations that are necessary to effectively implement the strategies associated with each module of AFFIRM Pro. 

You will Gain the skills to effectively:

 

  1. Describe the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ stress and discrimination, including parental rejection on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. 

  2. Articulate key LGBTQ+ affirmative psychoeducational components including the minority stress model.

  3. Create a safe context that supports the safe exploration and challenge of anti-LGBTQ+ bias.

  4. Describe how affirmative practice is consistent with and inclusive of trauma informed care.

  5. Demonstrate an LGBTQ+ affirmative practice stance while simultaneously demonstrating positive regard for professionals with diverse identities and who come in with a range of affirmative practice levels. 

  6. Foster the development of affirmative practice strategies among professionals working with LGBTQ+ people.

Virtual Training Options:

 

Practitioners can attend a scheduled training or request a personalized group training for your organization.

SCHEDULED Trainings

• Interactive, virtual trainings are held on Zoom
• Training format: three-days, 5.5-hours per day.
• Cost: starting at $649 per person (continuing education credits available).
• Workshops are capped at 18 participants.
• All attendees will receive fillable electronic copies of the AFFIRM Pro manual, workbook and other helpful resources.
• All attendees will receive an AFFIRM Pro Certificate of Completion.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL Trainings

• Live, customized online trainings are held on Zoom
• Trainings are tailored to the mission and needs of your organization (pre-training consultation calls are available if needed).
• Training format: Three day, 5.5-hours per day (scheduled on flexible dates according to your organization’s needs)
• Cost -please inquire through the link below.
• All attendees will receive fillable electronic copies of the AFFIRM Adult manual, workbook and other helpful resources.
• All attendees will receive an AFFIRM Adult Certificate of Completion.
• Ongoing coaching and supervision training packages are also available.