1.4 Application of the treatment to Sexual and Gender Minority
(SGM) Clients
Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people are at higher risk for exposure
to trauma events compared to their heterosexual and/or cisgender
counterparts (Roberts et al., 2010). This is, in part, the result of
experiencing trauma earlier in life and experiencing traumas generated
by SGM status (e.g., physical assaults) (Roberts et al, 2010). SGM
status is associated with minority stress (anticipated discrimination
and victimization, internalized stigma, and concealment of stigmatized
identity) which is often derive from experiences of discrimination
(e.g., denial of equal employment and healthcare) and micro-aggressions
(e.g., insults, assumed pathology) (Livingston, 2019; Meyer, 2003).
Minority stress has been identified as contributing to adverse mental
health effects including DSM-5 PTSD (Solomon et al., 2021) and higher
rates of Complex PTSD than other trauma-exposed populations (see Charak
et al., in press).
SNT may be a particularly relevant trauma-focused treatment for SGM
clients as it addresses traumatic events that have occurred in the past
and also supports the individual in managing ongoing minority stress,
discrimination and micro-aggressions.