Group Therapy
We specialize in AFFIRMative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is among the most effective interventions for addressing depression, anxiety, and suicidality. AFFIRMative CBT works with a trauma informed and affirming approach to address clients’ challenges using a CBT framework while attending to the experiences, and resilience of 2SLGBTQ+ people. We offer 3 different types of AFFIRM groups: AFFIRM Youth for youth ages 12-18, AFFIRM Adult for young adults aged 19-29, and AFFIRM Caregiver for the parents and caregivers of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Research findings show that AFFIRM interventions have resulted in:
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Significant longitudinal reductions in depression, anxiety, and suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth.
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Increases in coping self-efficacy, authenticity, and positive identity development;
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Improved sense of agency, goal-directed behavior, and hope.
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Enhanced community connection and perceived belonging.
AFFIRM Youth is an evidence-based, affirmative cognitive behavioral group intervention designed for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 12–18.
Developed by Affirmative Research, AFFIRM Youth promotes resilience, well-being and hope through identity affirmation, coping skill development and strengths-based goal setting.
AFFIRM Youth is the only intervention for 2SLGBTQ+ youth that is recognized as a Promising Practice by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare (CEBC)
and was featured in SAMHSA’s 2024 Evidence-Based Resource Guide: Suicide Prevention Strategies for Underserved Youth. It is the only intervention globally with demonstrated evidence for improving coping, mental health, and protective outcomes among 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
What to expect:
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Eight sessions, typically once per week for ~90 minutes.
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Participants are expected to attend weekly sessions, engage in activities and complete brief, between-session practice, uphold group agreements and confidentiality.
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Small groups, up to 12 people maximum.
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Starting in January 2027
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Hit the button below to sign up for a free online meet and greet to learn more on November 24th, 2026 @ 6:30pm ET
AFFIRM Adult is an evidence-based, affirmative cognitive behavioral group intervention designed for LGBTQ+ young adults ages 18-29,
Developed by Affirmative Research, AFFIRM Adult promotes resilience, well-being and hope through identity affirmation, coping skill development and strengths-based goal setting.
What to expect:
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Eight sessions, typically once per week for ~90 minutes.
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Participants are expected to attend weekly sessions, engage in activities and complete brief between-session practice, uphold group agreements and confidentiality.
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Small groups, up to 14 people.
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Starting in January 2027
- Hit the button below to sign up for a free online meet and greet to learn more on December 15th, 2026 @ 6:30pm ET.
What to expect:
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This group is designed help caregivers build the confidence and skills they need to best support their 2SLGBTQ+ youth. All parents and caregivers are welcome, including adoptive parents, kinship/family members, chosen family, foster and resource parents, and all other people who parent and support 2SLGBTQ+ young people.
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Seven-sessions, typically once per week ~90mins
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Small groups, maximum 10-12 people
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Starting in January 2027
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Hit the button below to sign up for a free online meet and greet to learn more on December 7th, 2026 @ 6:30pm ET..
What People Say
I have benefited immensely from AFFIRM. This
program has had a profound impact on the way
that I think and has given me hope that I thought
I’d never find.
I appreciate a program like AFFIRM. It’s
especially helpful for LGBTQ+ people in terms
of dealing with ‘minority stress’. I really enjoyed
my time participating in AFFIRM!