CBT-based group for LGBTQ+ youth and adults to learn stress coping skills

Evidence-based,
affirmative interventions.

Supported by research and experience, our approach works by integrating identity affirmation with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to improve wellbeing for LGBTTIQQ2SA* youth and adults.

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How does AFFIRM work?

AFFIRM is a eight-session, manualized intervention. It’s focused on reducing depression and improving coping and sexual self-efficacy for LGBTTIQQ2SA* youth and adults by providing them opportunities to develop identity cognition (self-awareness, identifying risk), mood (recognizing the link between thoughts and feelings), and behaviour (identifying strengths and ways of coping), as well as equipping them with the tools to manage and influence those factors by themselves.

Learn about AFFIRM

Interested in becoming an AFFIRM Facilitator or implementing AFFIRM at your agency?

We are so happy to hear you are interested in implementing AFFIRM at your agency!

AFFIRM is an evidence-based CBT group for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. AFFIRM has been implemented in a number of community settings including schools, universities, child protection settings, and mental health agencies.

You can also contact Ryan Papciak, in charge of organizing the trainings with any questions: ryan.papciak@mymail.barry.edu.

If you are interested in signing up for facilitator training, you can take a look at our training site.

How can we help you? Read our FAQ.

Latest Updates

Featured
Registering now for Facilitator Training (June 2022)
Registering now for Facilitator Training (June 2022)

Register for June 2022 AFFIRM facilitator training today!

AFFIRM Caregiver Intervention Training
AFFIRM Caregiver Intervention Training

AFFIRM Caregiver offers caregivers a compassionate approach to parenting LGBTQ+ youth. We're offering an interactive workshop, providing participants with the theoretical concepts underlying the AFFIRM Caregiver program, as well as skills for effective facilitation.

Project AFFIRM research initiative comes to close
Project AFFIRM research initiative comes to close

After five successful years, the Project AFFIRM implementation research program in Ontario is coming to a close. Although the research initiative will no longer be running, the AFFIRM intervention will continue to be offered by trained facilitators working out of Ontario agencies.

AFFIRM Caregiver Intervention Training
AFFIRM Caregiver Intervention Training

AFFIRM Caregiver offers caregivers a compassionate approach to parenting LGBTQ+ youth. We're offering an interactive workshop, providing participants with the theoretical concepts underlying the AFFIRM Caregiver program, as well as skills for effective facilitation.

Are you a parent or guardian?

If your child is dealing with stress from microaggressions, or minority stress (everyday stress from discrimination), looking into LGBTQ+ affirmative supports can be a good option. This means counsellors with LGBTQ+ youth experience or formal programs like AFFIRM.

 

“We all came to realize that a lot of difficulties that we faced on a daily basis wasn’t just a personal issue that no one could understand, but in fact, stem from systemic discrimination. So being in a queer-focused affirming group was central to having a space where those issues could be discussed without having to start educating other people about what it is to be a trans person in the world today.”

— Participant