Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth in Ireland: Why Specialised Training Matters for Mental Health Professionals

Caroline Crotty
Sep 20
4 min read

Understanding and affirming LGBTQI+ young people isn’t optional for Irish mental health professionals; it’s an ethical and clinical necessity that can transform lives and, in many cases, save them.

As Ireland grows more inclusive, counsellors and psychotherapists face a responsibility to provide competent, affirming care for LGBTQI+ youth. The statistics are sobering: LGBTQI+ young people remain far more likely than their peers to experience depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicidal ideation. For professionals working with young people, developing expertise in this area is no longer just “nice-to-have” - it is essential.

Urgent Need for LGBTQI+ Youth Mental Health Support in Ireland

Recent Irish research shows that 70% of LGBTQI+ youth have experienced mental health challenges, with many reporting a lack of understanding from adults as a major barrier to seeking help.

Feeling safe and understood can be the difference between despair and resilience.

Institute of Counselling & Psychotherapy Studies, also known as State of Mind Counselling & Psychotherapy, offers accredited, live-online courses in counselling and psychotherapy, including certificates and diplomas for personal development and professional training in Ireland and the UK. The ICPS www.icps.ie recognises this urgent need and offers a comprehensive “Working with LGBTQI+ Youths” workshop, which is a one-day intensive programme equipping professionals with practical, evidence-based tools to create safer therapeutic spaces.

Why Are LGBTQI+ Youth Particularly Vulnerable?

Identity Development Challenges

Adolescence is already a turbulent time. LGBTQI+ young people often face rejection, discrimination, or invisibility just as they begin to explore their identity. Without positive role models or family support, the process of identity development can carry additional psychological strain.

Minority Stress

The theory of minority stress explains how chronic stressors affect LGBTQI+ people, including:

Hypervigilance about disclosure
Anticipatory anxiety about rejection
Internalised negative beliefs about identity
Isolation and loneliness

Family and School Dynamics

Many LGBTQI+ youth face bullying in school or rejection at home. Even well-meaning families can struggle with acceptance, creating grief processes around lost expectations and relationships.

Why Therapists Need Specialised Training

For counsellors and psychotherapists, understanding LGBTQI+ experiences is crucial for three main reasons:

Creating Psychological Safety - Young clients need more than tolerance. They need therapists who actively affirm their identities and create safe, validating spaces.

Avoiding Therapeutic Harm - Well-intentioned but uninformed interventions can cause lasting damage. Training helps therapists avoid common missteps around identity, language, and assumptions.

Meeting Professional Standards - Cultural competence, including LGBTQI+ affirmative practice, is increasingly recognised as an ethical requirement, not an optional specialisation.

What Training Typically Covers

Quality LGBTQI+ youth training, such as the upcoming ICPS workshop, addresses:

Terminology and Language using affirming, up-to-date communication

Identity Development Models understanding sexual orientation and gender identity across the lifespan

Risk and Protective Factors assessing LGBTQI+ specific vulnerabilities

Evidence-Based Interventions therapeutic approaches proven to help this population

Family Work guiding families through acceptance processes

Crisis Intervention responding appropriately to elevated suicide risk

The Irish Context & Why It Matters

Legislative Progress

Marriage equality and the Gender Recognition Act show progress, but lived experiences vary.

Rural vs Urban Divide

Young people in rural Ireland may face additional isolation and have fewer resources, making therapeutic support even more critical.

Religion and Culture

Many Irish families navigate tensions between traditional religious beliefs and acceptance of LGBTQI+ children. Therapists need sensitivity and skill to support both young people and families.

ICPS Training Highlights

This one-day, online CPD workshop represents an accessible entry point for professionals who want to strengthen their practice.

8 CPD points in one day
Expert-led training by specialists in LGBTQI+ youth mental health
Practical focus with skills you can apply immediately
Professional recognition by major counselling and psychotherapy bodies
Accessible online format for practitioners across Ireland

The fee of €90.00 is exceptional value for training that can transform practice and improve outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Building Inclusive Practice

For therapists, LGBTQI+ training isn’t optional, it’s an essential part of cultural competence. The skills gained will benefit not only LGBTQI+ youth but also enhance therapeutic practice with all clients.

The ICPS workshop provides a foundation to begin or deepen this vital area of professional development. In just one day, participants gain knowledge and skills that can genuinely change lives.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Group of smiling LGBTQI+ youth sitting outdoors together, representing inclusion, diversity, and positive mental health support in Ireland

Take Action: Two Pathways

For Professionals: If you work with young people as a counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker, or educator, consider registering for the ICPS Working with LGBTQI+ Youths workshop. Your professional development investment today could be life-changing for a young person Book Your Place Here

For Young People and Families: If you are navigating LGBTQI+ identity issues, confidential, affirming support is available. Contact Dr Michael McArdle for one-to-one guidance tailored to your needs. Telephone 0871732473 or Email: enquiries@icps.ie