JRS Educational Therapy

Monday, January 8, 2024 by Julie Stoner | Educational Therapy

Showing Up to be Affirming 

Showing up to be affirming is to actively and intentionally create an environment where individuals feel acknowledged, respected, and validated for their identities, experiences, and feelings. Affirming practices are essential in supporting the well-being and growth of students, particularly those from marginalized or underrepresented communities.

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Let's look at into the intersection of trauma-informed teaching, LGBTQIA+ support, and the unique role educational therapists can play in fostering an inclusive educational landscape.

Trauma-Informed Teaching: A Compassionate Approach

Trauma-informed teaching is not merely a methodology but a philosophy that places the well-being of students at its core. As an educational therapist, I've undergone extensive training to recognize and respond to the impact of trauma on students' learning experiences. Neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ students experience a significant amount of educational trauma and often embark in masking, code switching, and identity shifting throughout their school day and, let's face it, school is basically a full time job. Naming and asking questions that bring awareness to educational burdens is an important part of my practice. By creating a safe and nurturing space, we empower students to overcome adversity and thrive academically and emotionally.

LGBTQIA+ Student Support: A Commitment to Inclusivity

Acknowledging the diverse identities within the LGBTQIA+ community is an integral part of my practice. According to recent statistics, there has been a significant increase in the number of students identifying as part of the queer community. My commitment is not just about awareness; it's about creating an environment where every student, regardless of their identity, feels acknowledged, respected, and supported. 

Statistics Snapshot:

Supporting Students as an Educational Therapist

1. Cultivating Inclusive Spaces

In my work, I actively cultivate inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ students feel seen and heard. I am a safe space for students. This means acknowledging identity and validating the lived experiences of individuals and understanding that each person's journey is unique. Inclusive environments prioritize the use of chosen names and correct pronouns and use language that is inclusive to avoid assumptions or stereotypes. 

2. Tailoring Approaches to Individual Needs

Recognizing the diversity, I tailor my approaches to meet the unique needs of each student. Not only does this involve understanding their preferred learning styles, communication methods, and any specific challenges they may face it includes understanding the added burden of navigating identity during the schooling years. There is an significant addition of cognitive load for these students that profoundly affects learning and achievement. 

3. Advocating for Policy Changes

As an advocate for educational equity, I engage in conversations, actions, and organizations aimed at policy changes within educational institutions. This includes advocating for gender-neutral facilities, updating curricula to be more representative, and ensuring comprehensive anti-discrimination policies. Affirming individuals means vocally, publicly, and actively working as an accomplice in supporting their rights, dignity, and well-being. 

Showing up to be affirming is a powerful and transformative practice. It sets the foundation for trust, openness, and positive growth, by creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported in their educational journey. By embracing inclusivity and actively supporting queer students, we contribute to a more equitable educational landscape—one that celebrates the richness of human diversity and fosters growth and empowerment.