Skip to main content

Training Workshop Schedule

Education & Events

Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Friday, May 18, 2018
8:45 am12:00 pm
Kermit Dahlen Training Center - 3500 W. 4th Street - Sioux City, IA 51103

Audience:
Substance abuse counselors, social workers, mental health counselors, nurses, recovery counselors and interested human services professionals.

Purpose
The purpose of the presentation is to increase awareness of the importance of understanding differences in experience for those in the LGBTQ+ population. By exploring the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity, individuals will be better prepared in addressing the needs, concerns, and experiences of those seeking services. Attendees will also hear a personal experience from an individual within the LGBTQ+ community.

Objectives
• To understand the impact of sexual orientation and gender identity
• To understand how to address concerns regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
• To learn how a lack of cultural awareness can harm the helping relationship
• To enhance skill levels in working with the LGBTQ+ community
• To gain a level of empathy for those facing possible discrimination due to their sexual orientation or identified gender

Faculty:
Andrew Gerodias LMHC, CADC is a mental health therapist, licensed in Iowa. He has worked for Jackson Recovery Centers since 2013. He received his Bachelors in Counseling Psychology at Morningside College, Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Dakota, and is working toward completing his dissertation for his Ph.D. in Counselor Education at the University of South Dakota. He has worked with a diverse population throughout his time at Jackson and focuses now on substance addictions, process addictions, and mental health work.

Hailie Risdal is a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. She has been active within the Air Force for the past 14 years and joined at the age of 18 while the “don’t ask, don’t tell” (DADT) policy was in still in place. She is married and has two children, one of whom they had during the DADT era in secret. She will be sharing her story of coming out to her parents, the consequences she faced, and her experience within her professional life.

Close