Drawing on lived experience, research and clinical experience, Dr Chris Cheers explores how you can support SMM (Sexual Minority Men) with internalised homophobia and other mental, sexual and relationship health complexities.
Supportive therapy for SMM should focus on validating their needs and fostering self-acceptance.
It is vital that we acknowledge the role social marginalisation and stigmatisation play in individual suffering.
Hi, I'm your trainer - Dr Chris Cheers
Dr Chris Cheers is a psychologist, author and educator. Chris is passionate about creating accessible, accepting, and safe spaces where people become empowered to live self-determined, meaningful lives.Â
Chris is sex-positive, neurodiverse-affirming, sex work-positive and has a particular interest in supporting people in polyamorous and non-monogamous relationship structures.Â
Chris is also a member of the Australian Professional Association for Transgender Health (AusPATH) and is passionate about providing respectful and affirming non-judgemental services to all members of the trans and gender-diverse community.Â
Chris also enjoys taking the ideas of psychology out of the office and into the real world. He achieves this through community workshops and online sharing of mental health information (@chrischeerspsychology). Chris is also a regular contributor in the media, including ABC Radio National, The Guardian, Archer Magazine, The Hook Up (Triple J), Conversation with Kath, and Better than Yesterday with Osher Gunsberg). Chris also published his first book, The New Rulebook, with Harper Collins in February 2023.  Â
Training Curriculum
- What is Internalised Homophobia/Biphobia (5:38)
- Impact of Internalised Homophobia on SMM and their relationships (4:27)
- Outcomes of Stigma on development of Identity and Sex Scripts (9:27)
- Stages of Identity Development (5:01)
- Internalised Homophobia/Biphobia and Sex (5:48)
- Working with Internalised Homophobia (9:25)
- Reflection Questions
- Resources
- Section summary
Suitable for:
- Psychologists
- Social workers
- Counsellors
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Sex therapists
- GPs
- Students undertaking education in all of the above
Level of experience required:
- Undertaking or completed qualifications in psychology or above disciplines
- No experience with sexual therapy necessary
What is included:
- Access to online training modules - unlimited time
- Access to a 1 hour Zoom group supervision led by Dr Sarah Ashton, following completion of the course
- Certificate of completion
Length:Â
- 1-2 hours, plus 1 hour group supervision
- CPD hours: 3
Duration of Access:Â
Unlimited. Once you sign up, you can take as long as you like to complete the course.
Reflective questions
Each section includes reflective questions to enhance your learning experience and build insight into your counter transference
Self-paced learning
This training includes pre-recorded, bite-sized lessons. Work through at your own pace.
Group supervision with peers
Course includes a 1-hour online group supervision following completion of the content. Connect with other students, explore case studies and dive deeper into the application of the content.
Other training:
Related blog posts
Below you'll find SHIPS blog posts relevant to this course. To see all our blog posts, click here.
Connecting with your Bi-identity
Expressions of sex and gender
Am I Bi enough?
Resources
The team at SHIPS have developed a list of helpful resources for clients, students and practitioners which we update regularly. These resources cover areas including sexual health, mental health, relationships and gender.