Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 10:00 AM EDT -1:00 PM EDT Dr. Tzippora Jennifer Wallach
Yahoo!
Description
LGBTQIA+ and questioning adolescents and adults living in religious communities may experience complex intersections among sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs, family relationships, and community expectations. Mental health professionals need culturally responsive approaches that respect both religious identity and LGBTQIA+ or questioning experiences without assuming that these identities are necessarily incompatible.
This three-hour live interactive workshop examines clinical work with LGBTQIA+ and questioning teens and adults from religious communities. Participants will review relevant terminology, available prevalence estimates and their limitations, and selected perspectives within Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities. The workshop will explore how religious beliefs, cultural expectations, family relationships, and community structures may influence identity development, internal congruence, emotional wellbeing, and treatment goals.
Through de-identified clinical case vignettes, guided discussion, and applied exercises, participants will examine potential tensions and areas of integration between religious and LGBTQIA+ identities. Participants will develop culturally responsive assessment questions and clinical strategies for helping clients clarify their values, explore identity-related concerns, communicate with family and community members, identify supportive resources, and make self-directed decisions.
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About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Define and correctly use at least four terms related to sexual orientation, gender identity, questioning experiences, and religious identity in clinical practice.
- Identify at least three ways that religious beliefs, cultural expectations, family relationships, and community systems may influence the experiences and treatment needs of LGBTQIA+ and questioning clients.
- Apply at least two culturally responsive clinical interventions to a case vignette involving the intersection of religious and LGBTQIA+ or questioning identities.
Agenda:
10:00–10:10 AM — Introduction and Workshop Framework
- Presenter introduction and review of learning objectives
- Establishing respectful language and expectations for discussing sensitive religious and identity-related issues
- Opening reflection on the intersection of religion, culture, and LGBTQIA+ identity
10:10–10:35 AM — LGBTQIA+ and Questioning Terminology
- Definitions related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and questioning experiences
- Distinguishing identity, behavior, attraction, and self-description
- Using respectful and clinically appropriate language
- Avoiding assumptions when assessing clients
10:35–11:00 AM — Religious and Cultural Contexts
- Available prevalence estimates and limitations in the current data
- Selected Jewish, Christian, and Muslim perspectives concerning LGBTQIA+ identities
- Differences within and among religious communities
- How religious beliefs, family expectations, and community norms may influence clients’ experiences
11:00–11:10 AM — Break
11:10–11:40 AM — Identity, Religiosity, and Internal Congruence
- Exploring the intersection of religious and LGBTQIA+ or questioning identities
- Potential areas of conflict, coexistence, and integration
- The influence of family, community belonging, and religious commitment
- Supporting exploration without directing clients toward a predetermined outcome
11:40 AM–12:25 PM — De-Identified Clinical Case Vignettes
- Presentation and analysis of cases involving teens and adults from religious communities
- Identifying religious, cultural, developmental, family, and clinical considerations
- Developing culturally responsive assessment questions
- Exploring treatment goals, ethical considerations, and potential interventions
- Guided participant discussion
12:25–12:50 PM — Clinical and Community-Support Strategies
- Helping clients clarify personal values and treatment goals
- Supporting communication with family and community members
- Identifying affirming and culturally compatible sources of support
- Addressing isolation and strengthening community connection
- Applying culturally responsive interventions to clinical scenarios
12:50–1:00 PM — Integration, Assessment, and Questions
- Participant reflection on applying cultural humility in practice
- Review of major clinical principles
- Questions and answers
- Assessment of learning objectives and closing remarks