SAIGE Rainbow Certificate Program: Level 1
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Register
- Non-member - $300
- Member - $150
Description
Our mission is to advocate for the voice, equity, and inclusion of LGBTGEQIAP+ persons within the counseling profession and beyond and to promote the professional development of counselors and related professionals to ensure that all LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals receive ethical, culturally affirming, and liberating services that attend to all aspects of their intersectional identities.
Expansiveness of romantic and sexual attraction and gender are experiences shared by many individuals; therefore, counselors of all backgrounds and specializations will likely, from time to time, work with individuals who identify as part of the LGBTGEQIAP+ community. Effective counseling includes recognizing that human sexuality is an integral part of the human experience with varied and diverse experiences.
The SAIGE Rainbow Certification consists of multiple courses and information put together by many individuals. It also benefits from the collaborative work of many people over decades. As a result, it represents a culmination of progressive conceptual thinking, clinical expertise, extensive research, and experiences that have collectively shaped the current understanding of best practices in serving individuals within the LGBTGEQIAP+ communities. The videos and information within this certification are intended to serve as a resource and provide aspirational guidelines to help shape best practices in counseling by expanding meaningful understanding and support to members of the LGBTGEQIAP+ communities.
Target Audience
- Addiction Professional
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Presenters
Modules:
- The Power of Words: Building Inclusive Spaces Through Language
- Rainbow Ethics: Integrating Ethical Reflection and Practice in Working with Queer & Trans Clients
- Beyond the Binary: A Primer for Counseling Trans and Gender Expansive People
- Understanding LGBTGEQIAP+ Mental Health and Wellness
- Resilient Care: Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients Through Challenging Times
- Counseling Considerations When Working with LGBTGEQIAP+ Folks
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Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This presentation aims to equip counselors with a comprehensive understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology, which creates a more inclusive and supportive environment for diverse clients. The session will cover the meaning and significance of each letter in the acronym and other terminology that is relevant to the community. Participants will explore key concepts such as gender identity, sexual orientation, and expression, while also learning about emerging terms and their cultural contexts. The presentation will emphasize the fluidity and evolving nature of language within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, encouraging counselors to approach terminology with sensitivity and openness.
Presenters: </strong><br />Mariah Payne, MA, LPCC (OH) and Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC
Learning Objectives
- Explain the range and nuances of 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology.
- Illustrate the importance of terminology in affirming identities & and providing respectful care.
- Identify appropriate and inappropriate 2SLGBTQIA+ terminology.
CE Credit: 2 NBCC Hours
Mariah Payne, MA, LPCC
Mariah Payne is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a graduate of the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Heidelberg University. Mariah currently works in private practice and provides therapeutic services for individuals, couples, and families, with a specialization in affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and ethical/consensual non-monogamous relationships. They have completed comprehensive training on writing letters of referral for gender-affirming medical care. They are passionate about advocacy efforts for minority communities and intersectionality. She is honored to provide education on House Bill 68 as a trainer through the National Association of Social Workers, Ohio Chapter, and their Navigate New Laws Training. Mariah has previously served as a North Cenral Ohio Representattive for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities in Ohio (SAIGEO) and the Government Relations Committee Liason from 2023-2024.
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC
Dr. Kelsey Ward, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC currently serves as Clinical Faculty at Adams State University, and also works clinically in Central Ohio, working with adolescents and adults who identify as LGBTGEQIAP+. Dr. Ward has clinical and research interests in gender-affirming care, neurodiversity, and clinical supervision. They have presented on LGBTGEQIAP+ issues in counseling at local, state, regional, and national conferences. They are also involved in their state’s SAIGE chapter in the technology and regional representative roles. -
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This course examines the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics and how to help LGBTQ+ affirming counselors to foster deeper ethical reflection into counseling practice in a variety of settings with LGBTQ individuals. This webinar will focus on managing professional boundaries with LGBTQ+ clients, the role of values and ethical bracketing in the therapeutic process, the unethical practice of reparative therapy, social media, and what it means to practice ethically and competently as an LGBTQ+ Professional Counselor.
Presenters: </strong><br />Michael M. Kocet, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, ACS
Learning Objectives
- Describe the key elements of a framework for building competence in counseling LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals, including self-awareness, knowledge, and skill development.
- Identify specific strategies for integrating affirmative and inclusive practices within a mental health framework when working with LGBTGEQIAP+ clients.
- Apply a structured framework to assess and enhance their ongoing competence in providing effective and affirming care for LGBTGEQIAP+ populations.
CE Credit: 2 NBCC Hours
Michael M. Kocet, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC, ACS
Michael M. Kocet is Assistant Vice Chancellor for Graduate Education and Professor of Counseling at the University of Colorado Denver. Previously, he served as Professor and Department Chair of the Counselor Education Department at The Chicago School in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Kocet earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Arkansas and completed a graduate certificate in dispute resolution at University Massachusetts Boston. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MA), a Board Certified Counselor, and an Approved Clinical Supervisor. His professional areas of interest include: ethical issues in counseling; counseling LGBTQ+ clients; grief counseling, and is author of numerous journal articles and book chapters on ethics, LGBTQ and diversity issues. He is the editor of the book, “Counseling Gay Men, Adolescents, and Boys: A Guide for Helping Professionals and Educators” published by Routledge Press and is co-author of the text Ethical Decision Making for the 21st Century Counselor by Cengage. Dr. Kocet is a Fellow of the American Counseling Association, the highest award given by the counseling profession. He served as member of the American Counseling Association Ethics Committee (2001-2007) and chaired the American Counseling Association Ethics Code Revision Taskforce (2002-2005). He is Past President and former ACA Governing Council Representative of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) (formerly ALGBTIC). Dr. Kocet currently serves on the American Counseling Association Foundation Board. Dr. Kocet has been active in community service, providing pro bono counseling at the Center on Halsted, an LGBTQ Community Center in Chicago. He also served as a volunteer grief therapist for Comfort Zone Camp, the nation’s largest bereavement camp for children, ages 7-17. He has presented at local, state, and national conferences in counseling and student affairs and is sought out as a national speaker and consultant on ethics, diversity, LGBTQ issues, and grief counseling. -
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
Very often mental health professionals are not feeling prepared by their graduate programs to work with trans and gender expansive (TGE) people. With numerous gender identities, changing terminology, and recent scientific discoveries surrounding gender, it is incredibly important that counselors continue to stay up to date. New and seasoned professionals alike must continue to develop awareness and understanding of TGE clients, as well as strategies and skills for a trans- affirmative counseling practice. This workshop will help any mental health professional start their journey towards competence in working with this population.
Presenters: Mickey E. White, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH
Learning Objectives
- Describe the foundational concepts of gender identity and the evolving terminology associated with trans and gender-expansive (TGE) populations.
- Identify strengths and challenges in current counseling practices when working with TGE clients, focusing on the integration of trans-affirmative approaches.
- Apply trans-affirmative counseling strategies to effectively support and engage with TGE clients in mental health settings.
CE Credit: 2 NBCC Hours
Mickey E. White, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH
Dr. Mickey E. White, NCC, BC-TMH, Associate Professor, (Ph.D., Counseling, University of North Texas, 2019). Dr. White (he/him) currently serves as the program’s CACREP liaison. He has been part of the Counseling Program faculty at ETSU since 2019 and regularly teaches courses in substance use counseling, social and cultural foundations, telemental health, and clinical skills. He is an active member of professional counseling organizations, including the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) and the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES). His areas of research center around the intersections of gender identity/expression and other marginalized identities, broader LGBTQ+ issues in counselor preparation, professional issues in counselor education, decolonization and liberation practices in counseling and counselor education, and animal-assisted therapy. -
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
LGBTGEQIAP+ individuals experience health inequities relative to cisgender, straight people, yet many LGBTGEQIAP+ people are in good health. Provides an overview of stress and coping models, ecological models, and health equity frameworks; their application to clinical practice; and how they can be leveraged to facilitate optimal growth and development.
Presenters: Jordan Westcott, PhD, NCC
Learning Objectives
- Describe the basic tenets of stress and coping, ecological, and health equity frameworks for explaining LGBTGEQIAP+ health.
- Identify one or more strengths and weaknesses of the models presented.
- Apply one or more frameworks to conceptualizing and intervening with LGBTGEQIAP+ clients.
CE Credit: 1.5 NBCC Hours
Jordan Westcott, PhD, NCC
Dr. Jordan Westcott (she/her) is an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her research focuses on how structural factors impact mental health and wellness for marginalized populations, particularly LGBTQ+ communities, older adults, people with disabilities, and intersections therein. She is particularly interested in how counselors can advance health equity for these populations through practice, research, and service. -
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This webinar addresses the role of therapists in supporting LGBTQ+ clients within the current sociopolitical climate. Participants will explore challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, including discrimination, stigma, and mental health concerns. Provides practical strategies for creating a safe and affirming therapeutic environment, enhancing cultural competence, and advocating for clients' rights.
Presenters: Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S (OH), CCMHC (they/them); Karli Iceman, PhD, LPC (CO, MI), NCC (she/her/hers)
Learning Objectives
- Explain the current sociopolitical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ clients.
- Describe practical strategies for creating a safe and affirming therapeutic environment for LGBTQ+ clients.
- Identify tools to enhance their cultural competence and advocacy skills for LGBTQ+ clients.
CE Credit: 1.5 NBCC Hours
Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S (OH), CCMHC (they/them
Dr. Kelsey Ward, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC currently serves as Clinical Faculty at Adams State University, and also works clinically in Central Ohio, working with adolescents and adults who identify as LGBTGEQIAP+. Dr. Ward has clinical and research interests in gender-affirming care, neurodiversity, and clinical supervision. They have presented on LGBTGEQIAP+ issues in counseling at local, state, regional, and national conferences. They are also involved in their state’s SAIGE chapter in the technology and regional representative roles.Karli Iceman, PhD, LPC (CO, MI), NCC (she/her/hers)
Dr. Karli Iceman (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Counselor Education at Adams State University. Dr. Iceman obtained her bachelors' degrees in English, History, and Psychology and her master's degree in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health from Oakland University. Dr. Iceman has provided counseling services in partial hospitalization and private practice settings throughout the metro Detroit area and practices from a person-centered and relational cultural theoretical approaches. Dr. Iceman has supervised counselors-in-training and enjoys supporting them in their professional development to be effective and culturally aware counselors. While Dr. Iceman's research has primarily focused on online counselor education, she is also interested in exploring supervisory practices and supporting the diverse needs of supervisees and their clients. -
Contains 4 Component(s), Includes Credits
This session introduces key terminology across the LGBTGEQIAP+ spectrum and explores why language matters in clinical practice. Participants will learn how understanding and using affirming language supports ethical, culturally responsive care and builds stronger therapeutic relationships with LGBTGEQIAP+ community members.
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. -
Contains 2 Component(s)
Certificate of Completion SAIGE Rainbow Certificate Program
Certificate of Completion SAIGE Rainbow Certificate Program: Level 1
Presenters
Module 1: The Power of Words: Building Inclusive Spaces Through Language
- Mariah Payne, MA, LPCC
- Kelsey Ward, PhD, LPCC-S (OH), NCC, CCMHC (they/them)
Module 2: Rainbow Ethics: Integrating Ethical Reflection and Practice in Working with Queer & Trans Clients
- Michael M. Kocet, PhD, LMHC, NCC, ACS
Module 3: Beyond the Binary: A Primer for Counseling Trans and Gender Expansive People
- Mickey E. White, PhD, NCC, BC-TMH
Module 4: Understanding LGBTGEQIAP+ Mental Health and Wellness
- Jordan Westcott, PhD, NCC
Module 5: Resilient Care: Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients Through Challenging Times
- Karli Iceman, PhD, LPC (CO, MI), NCC (she/her/hers)
Module 6: Counseling Considerations When Working with LGBTGEQIAP+ Folks
- Tyler Davis, MS
- Brook Fulton-DeLong, M.S., LCPC (MD), NCC
- Jiale Man, PhD, LMHC-A (WA), NCC
- Sheldon Aaron, LCPC (IL), NCC