Our Programs
Prism Institute focuses its current work on affirmative LGBT+ education and trainings to audiences of various disciplines. Our work fosters increased awareness and imparts understanding of the unique lived experiences of the LGBT+ population. This shift in perspective is the key to transforming the environment into one that can systemically embrace and affirm all individuals. These trainings are customized to each specific audience and presenting environment. Prism provides diverse offerings, consistent with the core goals of the institute to help others achieve an authentic understanding of the internal (mental, emotional, psychological) and external (social, physical, physiological) LGBT+ experience.
services include:
training & education WORKSHOPS
staff development
classes & seminars
consulting
research
support groups
focus groups
“I thought the workshop was extremely helpful, and has made me feel prepared to help patients in the LGBTQIA community.”
Administrators at Jefferson Union High School District meet in small groups to brainstorm strategies and plans to better support LGBTQ students.
mental health & medical care providers
The founders of Prism Institute have worked as psychotherapists in clinical settings treating LGBT+ individuals leading to a deeper understanding of the ways minority stress and fractured identity development contributes to mental health issues. The curriculum we provide offers essential clinical constructs for anyone interfacing with or treating LGBT+ individuals, couples or families and can help your organization realize improved treatment outcomes. Prism's training workshops provide highly valuable information, role-play experiences and opportunities for therapists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses and other support staff to engage in their own internal exploration of LGBT+ biases that may interfere with their effectiveness when treating these populations.
appropriate for:
out-patient mental health (IOP, PHP)
in-patient meNTal health (RTC)
therapeutic boarding schools
addiction recovery treatment
private practice providers
wilderness programs
urgent care centers
hospitals
academic settings & institutions
Prism was founded on the need to improve the safety for LGBT+ individuals within educational settings as a result of research which illuminated the psycho-social-emotional deficits experienced by LGBT+ students due to bullying, stigma and bias. Training and education of teachers, counselors and staff is an imperative in order for schools to abide by the "equal education" tenants of the constitution which promises and equal educational opportunity no matter what their race, ethnic background, religion, or sex, or whether they are rich or poor, citizen or non-citizen.
APPROPRIATE FOR:
public schools
private schools
charter schools
boarding schools
colleges & universities
community leaders & civic agencies
Public servants have a profound influence on the attitudes and values of their communities and constituents. Staff employed by city and regional government agencies are expected to uphold and embrace egalitarian perspectives while engaging in their roles. Unfortunately, without proper training and self examination, individuals interfacing with youth, adults and seniors can easily perpetuate heteronormativity and be blind to their own biases leading to discriminatory behaviors. Systemic change begins with bold leadership at the grass roots level. Prism Institute works with individuals and groups to illuminate the spectrum of human identity ensuring all citizens are able to receive equal treatment and access to resources.
APPROPRIATE FOR:
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS & LEADERSHIP
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES staff
PARKs & RECREATION staff
EMERGENCY & SAFETY providers
BUSINESS & PRIVATE ENTERPRISE
Millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers remain vulnerable to employment discrimination absent comprehensive legal protections. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned in only 21 states, 16 of which also ban gender identity discrimination. Absent federal protections, LGBT-inclusive corporate policies are an imperative in order to reduce harassment and discrimination which are proven to have negative impacts on the wages and mental and physical health of LGBT individuals. Prism Institute helps businesses understand the insidious and pervasive nature of anti-LGBT bias. Our programs provide education and training to transform workplace cultures leading to reduced incidents of LGBT discrimination and harassment claims and safer workplace environments for all employees.