All the “Coming Outs”:
Exploring attachment histories with our clients who are one or more of L or G or B or T or Q or +
Robert Allan
PhD, LMFT, Associate Professor of Couple and Family Therapy, ICEEFT Certified Trainer, Supervisor, and Therapist
In this two hour webinar, Robert will present on how to explore moments of disclosure or “coming out”, how to organize this information from an EFT perspective, and the importance of understanding the impact of these events.
"Coming out" is understood as a one time event that is an important part of assessment with clients who identify as one or more of LGBTQ+. The reality is that disclosures about oneself are continuous, lifelong and impact social, employment, family, cultural, and other opportunities throughout our lives. "Coming out" is presumed to activate the attachment system and moments of disclosure can have a profound impact on emotional expression and suppression strategies. These strategies can be critical to survival while also impacting our closest relationships in ways that are helpful and challenging.
Tracking identity development is important to understand internal working models of self and other. Asking about one “coming out” does not give us a full story of the range of experiences that influence those working models including sources of support and strengths. The presentation will include a series of questions that can be used during the assessment phase and to be considered throughout the course of therapy.
Bio:
Robert Allan (he/him/his) is an Associate Professor with the Couple and Family Therapy program at the University of Colorado Denver, LMFT, Approved AAMFT Supervisor, and ICEEFT EFT trainer. His research focus includes the impact of minority stress on relationships and how best to work with any of the L or G or B or T or Q relationships from an attachment-informed and experiential approach. After 20 years of community-based HIV work, Robert became a therapist in 2004 and full-time academic in 2014. Robert maintains a private practice in Denver, CO and offers EFT supervision all over.