Queering Our Groups: Moving Beyond Inclusion

This presentation will introduce attendees to working with LGBTQ+ clients in a group psychotherapy setting. Intake procedures, affirming language, liberation psychology principles, and avoiding microaggressions will be covered. The presentation features didactic segments and a demonstration video.

Conference will run 8:00am - 5:00pm both days.

This 2-day workshop will include lecture on the literature of identity-affirming care, interspersed with small breakout groups and live demonstration groups.

1. Explain how a clinician can apply cultural competence and use affirming, inclusive language during the intake process to effectively assess the group therapy needs of an LGBTQ+ client.
2. Describe LGBTQ+ family and relationship structures to maximize the value of group therapy for gender and sexual minority patients.
3. Describe examples of LGBTQ+ affirming psychotherapy principles as reflected in relevant literature.
4. Describe two examples of LGBTQ+ inclusive group psychotherapy techniques as modeled during the demonstration group.
5. Describe what constitutes a gender or sexuality related microaggression.
6. Describe two mindful facilitation techniques to address microaggressions that occur in the group context.
7. Utilize the WPATH standards for making appropriate gender affirming referrals to other medical providers when appropriate for further evaluation.

Joshua DeSilva, PsyD, CGP, AGPA-F (they/them) is a queer Latinx licensed psychologist, certified group psychotherapist, and fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Dr. DeSilva is an assistant professor of clinical psychology at George Washington University and enjoys teaching the Group Psychotherapy, Somatic & Experiential Approaches to Psychotherapy, and Community Intervention courses as a full time core faculty member of the Doctor of Psychology program. In private practice, Dr. DeSilva runs LGBTQ+ and BIPOC groups and specializes in intersectionality, queer-affirming care, and liberation psychology. They are also proud to supervise low fee queer and BIPOC process groups that are open to the DC community in the GWU Center Clinic. Dr. DeSilva’s service to the profession includes serving as president of the Mid Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society (MAGPS), co-chair of the Racial and Ethnic Diversity Special Interest Group (RED SIG) with the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), and service on the board of directors of the International Board for Certification of Group Psychotherapists (IBCGP). Dr. DeSilva's group work has been featured in a demonstration video titled "Basics of Group Therapy" for the American Psychological Association (published June 2024) and a DEI training video for AGPA. Prior to their academic life, they spent many years as staff in university counseling centers.

Course Level: Intermediate

Target Audience: Licensed Psychologists, MFTs, LCSWs, Other Non-Mental Health Professionals

The Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Group Psychotherapy of Los Angeles maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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