Queering Counselling through Vulnerability, Authenticity, Rupture and Repair

When we ask students and clients to be emotionally vulnerable for the sake of growth, are we willing to do the same? How can we interrogate the ways in which we support and uphold the cisheteronormative approach to relational engagement? What does it mean to “queer” those dynamics?

This conversation will guide participants in exploring hidden biases within our own understandings of gender and sexuality through connected and compassionate curiosity. Participants will be encouraged to share reactions, activation points, and ideas for relating to students and clients with transparency. The conversation will also explore managing ruptures in relationships and navigating the complexity and necessity of repair.

Deanna N. Cor, PhD, LPC (they/she), is an associate professor in the Counselor Education Department at Portland State University. They received their PhD in counselor education and supervision from The George Washington University in 2016. They are a licensed professional counselor in Oregon, a National Board Certified Counselor, and a board-approved clinical supervisor. Dr. Cor's scholarship focuses on developing and enhancing multicultural and social justice counseling competencies in counseling students and current practitioners, specifically for working with clients identifying as trans and gender expansive. Their clinical specialty areas include working with LGBTQ individuals, exploring life transitions, and relational concerns. Dr. Cor is the co-founder of the Oregon chapter of the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities in counseling. They have published several articles, book chapters, and continue to engage in ongoing research to improve counselor education curriculum, training, and practitioner competency.