Advancing Social Justice for LGBTQIA+ Youth: Training in Animal-Assisted Therapies - Monday, February 9th 2026

This workshop will be conducted live through an online platform called Zoom. The evening before the event you will receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting, and other important information. Any updates or changes will be shared via email.

Workshop Description:

This workshop is designed to explore and demonstrate the powerful role that Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) can play in supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth. By presenting research evidence, personal stories, and practical applications, the workshop aims to highlight how interactions with therapy animals can serve as a meaningful tool for promoting emotional healing, enhancing coping mechanisms, and fostering greater resilience in the face of social and personal challenges.

Through an inclusive and compassionate framework, the workshop seeks not only to underscore the therapeutic benefits of AAT but also to advocate for more accessible and affirming mental health services tailored to the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth. By bridging the gap between innovative therapeutic practices and inclusive mental health care, the workshop aspires to create a vision of community and clinical support where every young person can feel safe, seen, and valued. Ultimately, the broader goal is to contribute to the advancement of human rights by promoting environments that empower LGBTQIA+ youth to thrive emotionally, socially, and holistically.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to identify the unique mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth.
Participants will be able to identify AAT and ways in which it can serve as supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic intervention.

CEUs: 3 Social and Cultural
Date: Monday, February 9th 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Requirements: Webcam (participants must be on camera)
Presenter: Emma Locke, LCSW (she/her)

Presenter Information:

Emma Locke, LCSW is a Doctoral Candidate in the School of Social Work and holds an LCSW in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She specializes in care for LGBTQIA+ youth and adolescents, helping clients connect to their voices and strengths as they begin the process of reconstructing their personal narratives. Emma approaches social work from a social justice perspective, recognizing the impact of oppression on marginalized populations while bringing warmth, humor, and creativity into her practice. Outside of her professional work, she can often be found engaging in various sports or binge-watching crime shows with her wife and their three cats.