A helpful discussion about the continuum of LGBTQ+ coming out stages, also with discussion of coming out trauma

Interview-style, with Elizabeth Irias, LMFT

  • Course Description

    Coming out for LGBTQ people is not just a one-time conversation, instead it is a lifelong and ongoing process. As LGBTQ people come to own with their own sexuality and gender identity they find themselves exposed to the social constructs of a straight and cisgender privileged environment, which creates and deepens pressure to “ fit in”. In this conversation, listeners will learn the best tools to assist their clients in coming out initially as well as managing the coming out process as a lifelong developmental experience. This interview also discusses the traumas sometimes associated with the coming out process.

  • Learning Objectives

    Upon completing this course, participants will be able to: Describe one or more developmental models of sexuality and how they influence the challenges of the coming out process; Discuss examples of coming out throughout the lifespan of an LGBTQ person; Complete a brief inventory of personal biases and describe how they influence interactions with LGBTQ clients


    Target Audience and Instructional Level
    This course is intended for psychologists, therapists, social workers, clinical counselors, and addiction counselors. Instructional level: Introductory

  • How To Take This Course

    In order to receive a certificate of completion reflecting the associated CE credit hour, you must:
    #1: Have an active paid Clearly Clinical membership
    #2: Listen to the corresponding course podcast
    #3: Achieve a passing grade on the post-presentation test (the test has up to ten questions and you must earn a score of at least 80%; you are able to re-test)
    #4: Complete the requested course evaluation.

    Course elements (including the course audio, post-test, and requested course evaluation) can be completed on a computer or mobile device via your Clearly Clinical account.

  • Course Format

    This high-quality and interesting course contains a one-hour, non-interactive audio podcast presentation which is available for free via all major public podcast providers. You can also listen to and download the file via our course player.

  • Commercial Support

    There is no known commercial support or conflict of interest for this CE program, presenter, sponsor, or content.

  • Certificate Access Details

    Once you've completed the course, your certificate will automatically populate in the 'Certificate' section of your account; it will also be emailed to you. Access to completion certificate will expire 365 days after issuance. Course certificates will be on file for ten (10) years from date of course completion.

  • Accommodations

    If you have special needs or need an accommodation, please email us at info@clearlyclinical.com and we will do our best to assist you.

Interviewee and Interviewer

LGBTQ+ Expert

John Sovec, LMFT #46376

LGBTQ+ Expert

John is a nationally recognized expert on the topic of creating affirmative support for the LGBTQ community with his work featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, YHTV, LA Talk Radio, Broad Topics and regular columns for Huffington Post and Good Therapy. In addition, John offers trainings to organizations, schools, non-profits, and professional consultation on how to successfully support the LGBTQ community.
John is an advocate and educator in the HIV/AIDS community with over twenty five years of experience presenting workshops and retreats with various organizations and is the Clinical Consultant for The Life Group LA. In addition, John is an adjunct faculty member at Phillips Graduate University.
Please visit him at JohnSovec.com and GayTeenTherapy.com.

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias, MS, LMFT

Interviewer & Clearly Clinical Founder

Elizabeth 'Beth' Irias (she/her) is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and the Founder and President of Clearly Clinical. She has specializations in Clinical Documentation, Best Practice, and Utilization Review, and works closely with clinical teams across the US as a trainer and national conference presenter; Beth was formerly an adjunct professor at Pepperdine University in the Graduate Psychology and Education department. Licensed in California and Oregon, she provides therapy via her private practice to young adult and adult clients, members of the LGBTQ population, and those with addictive disorders. She has two young children, a super cool spouse who helps out with Clearly Clinical's tech, and a rescue dog.

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