Culturally Responsive Counseling Practice for BIPOC LGBTQIA+ Clients

Description: In the last three decades, there has been an increase in the amount research on members of racial and ethnic minority communities; the importance of multiculturalism; counselor cultural competence; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) issues (see Cass, 1979; Crenshaw, 1989, 1991; Cross, 1971, 1978; Goldberg & Kuvalanka, 2012; Helms, 1990; Ratts et al., 2016; Sue et al., 1992; Wolfson, 1994). Despite the increase in research about people from marginalized communities, there remains little research and counseling practices that interrogate the holistic experiences of BIPOC LGBTQIA+ clients. This webinar will examine current research, lived experiences of clients with intersectional marginalized identities and the counseling implications for providing cultural responsive and affirmative practices.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1130560

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the literature on the intersectional experience of BIPOC LGBTQ+ 
2. Clients Understand the lived experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ+ 
3. Clients Provide culturally responsive tools for counseling BIPOC LGBTQ+ Clients

Dr. Alfonso Ferguson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (NY; FL), Licensed Professional Counselor (NJ), Approved Clinical Supervisor, and National Certified Counselor. Dr. Ferguson prides himself on providing counseling services to underserved communities. Dr. Ferguson intentionally teaches all courses through a social justice lens. He earned his Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida and Doctorate of Philosophy in Counseling from Montclair State University. Dr. Ferguson is a core faculty member at Saybrook University. As a counselor educator. Dr. Ferguson aspires to contribute to the diversity readiness of the counseling field by preparing counselors in training to be culturally responsive in their work with intersectionally underserved communities. He believes that if we effectively prepare counselors of tomorrow, we are all more likely to have a better future. Dr. Ferguson has gained a variety of experiences in individual and family counseling services to those who are experiencing psychosocial stressors, family issues, and mood disorders. He has a strong interest to work with LGBTQ+ Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) struggling with mood disorders and psychosocial stressors. His clinical experiences include case management, inpatient therapy, outpatient therapy, private practice owner, supervision, and consultation. Dr. Ferguson owns and operates his own psychotherapy private practice providing culturally responsive care to individuals in Florida, New York and New Jersey. Nadine Ferguson is a registered mental health counselor in the states of New York and Florida. She earned her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Florida Atlantic University. Nadine is also a certified rehabilitation counselor. Mrs. Ferguson has a strong passion for helping others, of which has grown from her volunteer work with disadvantaged youth and young adults in her community. Moreover, Nadine has worked in a variety of counseling settings. Her experiences have afforded her opportunities to provide counseling services to a range of clients including youths, young adults, older adults in her community. She has also provided individual and group therapy with school aged children. Nadine is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience in helping her clients process their feelings and work through difficult challenges. Nadine prides herself on her client centered approach which includes active listening, offering tools and skills needed to cope with life challenges and stressors. She strives in providing non-judgmental and authentic individualized care which supports her clients in achieving optimal mental health and wellness.

Nadine Ferguson is a registered mental health counselor in the states of New York and Florida. She earned her masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Florida Atlantic University. Nadine is also a certified rehabilitation counselor. Mrs. Ferguson has a strong passion for helping others, of which has grown from her volunteer work with disadvantaged youth and young adults in her community. Moreover, Nadine has worked in a variety of counseling settings. Her experiences have afforded her opportunities to provide counseling services to a range of clients including youths, young adults, older adults in her community. She has also provided individual and group therapy with school aged children. Nadine is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and has experience in helping her clients process their feelings and work through difficult challenges.