Counseling Considerations When Working with LGBTGEQIAP+ Folks

Presenters: Tyler Davis, MS; Brook Fulton-DeLong, M.S., LCPC (MD), NCC, CCMHC; Jiale Man Ph.D., LMHC-A (WA), NCC and Sheldon Aaron, LCPC (IL), NCC

Learning Objectives

Explore how mental health disparities and systemic barriers show up differently across the LGBTGEQIAP+ community, especially for folks with multiple marginalized identities.
Learn practical, culturally responsive, and affirming counseling strategies that center the lived experiences and distinct needs of LGBTGEQIAP+ folks to provide supportive and responsive care.
Identify and differentiate terminology across the LGBTGEQIAP+ spectrum, including definitions and clinical implications for various LGBTGEQIAP+ identities.

CE Credit: 1 NBCC Hours

Tyler Davis, MS

Brook Fulton-DeLong, M.S., LCPC (MD), NCC, CCMHC

Brook Fulton-DeLong, MS, LCPC, NCC, CCMHC (she/her/they/them) is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland and Virginia, working in private practice and as a lecturer at George Washington University. She is also an approved supervisor in Maryland for Licensed Graduate Professional Counselors (LGPCs). Brook is passionate about improving the counseling profession and educational system through her work with the LGBTGEQIAP+ communities. She specializes in sexuality and gender identity exploration, with a particular focus on supporting transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) individuals. Brook earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University in 2020 and earned her Ph.D. candidate in the Counseling program at George Washington University in 2025. Her dissertation examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health, wellness, and identity development of TGE individuals. Brook is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE), the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), the American Counseling Association (ACA), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). As an NBCC Minority Fellow (2021–2022), she advanced her commitment to bridging gaps between counselor education, research, and competent care for LGBTGEQIAP+ clients.

Jiale Man Ph.D., LMHC-A (WA), NCC

Sheldon Aaron, LCPC (IL), NCC

Sheldon G. Aaron, M.S., LCPC (IL), NCC is Core Faculty in the Counseling and Behavioral Health Department at William James College. In addition to being a faculty member at WJC, he is a doctoral candidate with the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL. Professor Aaron earned his M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL. In addition to his work in higher education. Professor Aaron is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, a National Certified Counselor, and holds Level-1Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In his clinical work, Professor Aaron specializes in working with LGBTGEQIAP+ adolescents and adults, and individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, suicide ideation, relational difficulties, and general adjustment related symptoms. Professor Aaron's research interests include counseling instructor and student development, advancement of cultural humility and sensitivity when working with students and clients of color and who identify as LGBTGEQIAP+ and the advancement of professional standards of care with these populations. Professor Aaron is an active member of ACA, ACES, AMCD, SAIGE, and ACSSW. Professor Aaron is currently the President of ACSSW.