The Nuts and Bolts of Affirmative CBT with Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations

Abstract

The Nuts and Bolts of Affirmative CBT with Sexual and Gender Diverse Populations is an easy-to-use, highly pragmatic collection of resources for mental health clinicians and trainees. Designed to help readers effectively and competently implement affirmative cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book focuses on practical application for a range of settings, modalities and populations. With a goal of improving the mental health of sexual and gender diverse (SGD) populations through clinically effective, evidence-based strategies, this book highlights the mechanisms of change and modifiable cognitive processes specific to SGD well-being. Through dozens of brand-new explanatory figures, case studies, adapted activities, clinical tips, sample scripts and troubleshooting examples, key clinical practices gleaned from decades of real-life implementation are detailed. Specifically, this book: Practical clinical applications are described in detail to address the mental health concerns of SGD populations (e.g., minority stress, microaggressions, hostile climates, gender identity, discrimination, depression, anxiety) through affirmative CBT strategies (e.g., engagement coping, cognitive restructuring, hope building, behavioral activation). This book is a resource for clinicians and graduate students in a broad range of mental health disciplines that want to grow as competent, skilled practitioners.