Gender, Sexual & Relationship Diversity (GSRD): An Introduction for Therapists
LEVEL
Professional Development
AWARD
PCI College Certificate of Attendance
COURSE STATUS
Open for Applications
DURATION
2
day(s)
Full-Time
DELIVERY
Online
COMMENCEMENT DATE
TBD
LOCATIONS
Online
In modern therapeutic practice, moving beyond traditional “LGBTQ+ only” frameworks is essential to truly supporting the full spectrum of human experience.
This PCI College workshop offers a vital opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD). By challenging established norms and reflecting on your own perspectives, you will develop the awareness and clinical confidence needed to offer an inclusive, affirming, and anti-oppressive space where all clients can explore their identities and relationships without judgment.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for counsellors, psychotherapists, and other helping professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of human diversity and enhance their ability to work inclusively with all clients.
- Counsellors & Psychotherapists: Update your clinical approach to be truly representative of modern gender, sexual, and relationship identities.
- Helping Professionals: Social workers, nurses, and midwives can develop the vocabulary and sensitivity needed to support diverse clients.
- Students in Training: Build a foundational, inclusive mindset early in your professional journey to avoid limiting assumptions.
- All Practitioners: Challenge personal biases and “unlearn” heteronormative or cisnormative assumptions that may inadvertently impact the therapeutic alliance.
What are the benefits of doing this course?
This course helps you bridge the gap between historical therapeutic models and the diverse reality of today’s clients, fostering a more effective and ethical practice.
- Clinical Inclusivity: Expand your practice to authentically support clients across the full spectrum of gender, sexuality, and relationship styles.
- Professional Confidence: Gain the vocabulary and conceptual framework to navigate complex conversations with ease and respect.
- Self-Reflection: Identify and challenge your own unconscious biases or internalized norms, leading to greater therapeutic objectivity.
- Future-Proofing: Stay current with evolving social understandings, ensuring your practice remains relevant and accessible to all.
What will you learn?
This course balances theoretical knowledge with self-reflection and peer discussion to create a safe space for growth. The curriculum is delivered through the following pillars:
- GSRD Terminology: Acquiring essential, up-to-date vocabulary related to gender, sexual orientation, and diverse relationship structures.
- Personal & Cultural Values: Exploring your own belief systems and the societal assumptions (such as heteronormativity) that influence therapeutic work.
- Best Practice: Learning practical strategies for creating an affirming environment that prioritises client self-determination.
- “Unlearning” Assumptions: Engaging in the process of challenging and letting go of outdated, pathologising, or limiting beliefs.
- Inclusive Frameworks: Moving beyond the “difference” model to recognise GSRD as a natural and valid expression of human diversity.
Course Aims
The primary aim of this introductory course is to enhance practitioner awareness and confidence around GSRD. This will be achieved through a mix of facilitator-led information, personal reflection, group discussion, and the creation of a safe peer space for exploration. The course respects and welcomes the fact that participants may enter with varying degrees of knowledge and experience around GSRD.
Learning Outcomes
Having completed the course, participants will have:
- Acquired knowledge around GSRD terms and vocabulary
- Explored personal and cultural values and belief systems around GSRD issues
- Learned pointers for best practice when working with GSRD clients
Eligibility
Qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy or other helping professionals with therapeutic experience and students currently in professional training. This 2-day workshop could potentially be of benefit to the broader helping professions including nurses, midwives, social workers etc.
IT Skills
Students require sufficient IT skills to complete the course.
Additional Entry Requirements
Students can expect to be provided with advice and support concerning any learning difficulties that they may encounter. Any diagnosed learning difficulty, e.g. dyslexia, must be noted on the application.
Fees
Standard Rate: Applies to all non-affiliated participants.
PCI College Graduate: Discounted rate available for graduates of BSc Degree and Postgraduate programmes.
Current BSc/MSc Students & Alumni Members: Preferential rate available. Join our Alumni Group on LinkedIn to access this discount
Course Fees – Northern Ireland
Course Total