examples of material taught in masters degree programs
Direct Quotes from the Textbook:
"Because TGNC (Transgender Non Conforming) children have increased gender fluidity, practitioners must have the skill to support families in allowing their child to decide to return to a previous gender identity that is aligned with their assigned birth sex."
"In these instances, affirmative counseling with children entails continuing to support them in exploring their gender identity and gender expression in a way that is congruent with how they feel, as well as validating their thoughts and feelings about their gender."
"Caregivers (e.g. parents, guardians) may not have the education they need to understand the fluidity of gender identity and gender expression. Counselors and psychologists, therefore, begin consultations with families by normalizing not only the child's gender fluidity, but also the resulting concerns caregivers may have."
"A focus of all TGNC-affirming counseling should include sharing with families the research findings that TGNC youth have more positive health outcomes when there is family support."
Many mental health programs today push ideological frameworks that prioritize activism over objectivity, leading to a serious risk of misinformation. Instead of encouraging open academic discourse, some graduate courses enforce one-sided narratives on gender, identity, and treatment protocols—often discouraging critical analysis.
Affirmative Counseling with LGBTQI People
When working with minors, the textbook emphasizes the following key considerations:
- Affirmative Counseling Approach: Counselors are encouraged to adopt an affirmative stance, which involves validating and embracing the minor’s sexual orientation and gender identity. This approach challenges systemic oppression and fosters a supportive environment for identity exploration.
- Safe and Affirming Counseling Spaces: Creating an environment that visibly supports LGBTQI+ identities is crucial. This includes displaying affirming signage and symbols in counseling settings to signal acceptance and safety to LGBTQI+ youth.
- Awareness of Developmental Challenges: Recognizing the unique challenges that LGBTQI+ minors may face, such as discrimination, internalized homophobia, and the complexities of the coming-out process, is essential. Counselors are guided to address these issues with sensitivity and competence.
- Family Involvement: The textbook highlights the importance of involving family members in the counseling process when appropriate, to foster understanding and support for the minor’s identity.
Privilege Checklist found in Textbooks
Privilege Checklist from Counseling for Social Justice
The Problem with “Privilege Checklists” – A Divisive Tool Disguised as Awareness
- Privilege checklists are everywhere—used in schools, workplaces, and even mental health training. They claim to educate and promote awareness, but in reality, they create stigma and discrimination for those labeled as “privileged” and a sense of victimhood for those labeled as “less privileged.”
- These checklists reduce people to identity markers, assuming that if you check enough boxes, you have an easier life—ignoring individual struggles, hard work, and personal experiences. Instead of fostering understanding, they shame and alienate those deemed “privileged,” making them feel guilty or defensive simply for existing.
- The real danger? These checklists discourage critical thinking and nuanced discussion. They paint broad strokes over complex realities, teaching people to judge others based on group identity rather than character, choices, or effort.
If we truly want a fair and just society, we need to move beyond blame-based frameworks and focus on personal agency, mutual respect, and solutions that empower all individuals—without assumption or accusation.
The manual is primarily aimed at counseling practitioners who work with sexual minority communities.
Affirm gender identity, expression, presentation, and diversity beyond a male-female binary
Affirmative therapy is: an approach to therapy that embraces a positive view of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identities and relationships and addresses the negative influences that homophobia, transphobia, and heterosexism have on the lives of LGBTQ clients