LGBT Ally Training and Counselor Competency: A Mixed-Methods Study

This mixed-methods study was designed to explore the effectiveness of a university-sponsored lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) ally training on the LGBT competency of counselors-in-training. Thirty-seven students completed training and pre/posttest assessments to measure LGB competency. The authors found a statistically significant difference in pre/post test scores in Knowledge, Skills, and total scores. Ten students participated in interviews, five themes were identified (self-awareness, professional development, ally development, intersectionality of identities, and transgender clients). Limitations include small sample and lack of a control group. The implications focus on using university and community partnerships to foster competency. Limitations include small sample size, lack of measure to address transgender competency, and absence of control group.