Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and Aromantic (LGBTIQA+) people in Australia continue to experience increasing rates of verbal, physical, and digital abuse, stigmatisation, and prejudice. They are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness in the last 12 months.
This workshop will explore situations where mental health professionals have tried their best to help an LGBTIQA+ client and things went wrong. Mitch will unpack common beliefs, assumptions, and good intentions that can cause more harm than believed, and ways to avoid this in your therapeutic practice.
The workshop will include research, best practice guidelines, case studies, and clinical skills sharing.
Please note: this workshop will discuss case studies involving de-identified real situations where counsellors and therapists have made mistakes and errors in their care of LGBTIQA+ clients. The impact on clients will be discussed, and attendees will be invited to reflect on their past practice, which may at times be confronting.
Learning outcomes:
- Understand the specific needs of LGBTIQA+ clients and the importance of providing informed care
- Identify what LGBTIQA+ affirming, trauma-informed, and inclusive practice looks like
- Discover further training, education and skills development to enhance one's practice
Who is this event for?
This event is open to all current PACFA members, interested professionals, and members of the public.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 5 August, 2026
Time: 6pm - 7:30pm (AEST)
Location: Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
Address: 15 Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay, Hobart
Light refreshments will be served
Drinks available to purchase at the bar
Presenter: Mitch Robson (he/him)
Mitch Robson (he/him) is a registered Clinical Counsellor with 13 years of experience in practising counselling. He has vast experience in the university, local government, and employee assistance sectors. His main areas of interest are working with young adults and with LGBTIQA+ people.
In his current role as Clinical Manager, he oversees clinical services provided by staff, offering training and development, working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy and procedures, and providing Ally/Inclusion Training.
CPD
Attending this PD counts as 1.5 hours of Category A CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
Ticket Prices
PACFA Members: $20.00 + GST ($22.00)
Student Members: $15.00 + GST ($16.50)
Non-Members: $25.00 + GST ($27.50)
What to Expect After You Register
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the workshop. All future correspondence pertaining to this event will be communicated through the PACFA email address ([email protected]). To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend adding this email address to your safe sender list to prevent missed communications.
Event Cancellations
Customers seeking to cancel their registration more than 5 working days (for courses) and 48 hours (for webinars) prior to the event date may request a credit to be applied to their account. Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. Cancellations made with less notice than this are non-refundable or exchangeable. Credits are valid for up to a year from the purchase date. This policy is at PACFA's discretion and may change.