Formerly known as the Gay Counselling Training Hub (GCTH)

Vision

The SCTH provides high-quality counselling training and supervision to strengthen supports in the gay men’s community

Mission

We train individuals and organizations involved in counselling gay men to use evidence-based approaches for promoting behaviour change, health, and well-being

What we train

Evidence-Based Counselling and Research

Our training is grounded in research and practical experience within the gay men’s community, including collaborations with Dr. Hart and the HIV Prevention Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University, as well as work with community organizations and private counselling practices.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

MI is a client-centered counselling style that empowers individuals to identify their goals and make positive changes driven by their motivations, Successfully applied in our GPS sexual and mental health promotion program, MI has proven effective accross Canada for gay men and other populations affected by HIV/AIDS.

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) 

Our Sexual Confidence counselling program extends the use of CBT for gay men. This structured approach helps clients improve mental and sexual health by aligning their thoughts and behaviours with their personal goals.

Personal and Group Counselling

We have researched and implemented MI and CBT in both individual and group settings, tailoring approaches to the unique needs of gay men.

Gay Men’s Unique Needs

Our training incorporates sex-positive, sexual health, and trauma-informed responses, addressing the distinct challenges faced by gay men in counselling contexts.

How We Train

Remote Delivery

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, our team adopted remote training methods. Using Zoom, we provide flexible, effective training that maximizes learning outcomes and minimizes costs.

Key Benefits of Remote Training

Shorter Sessions, Better Retention:

Training is divided into manageable 90-120-minute sessions spread over several weeks, improving skill acquisition and retention.

Cost and Time Savings:

Remote delivery eliminates travel expenses and reduces time away from work for participants and organizations.

Learning Objectives

Our programs are designed to guide participants from “unconsciously incompetent” to “unconsciously competent” in applying MI and related skills.

Audience and Prerequisites

Our training programs are tailored for counsellors and community workers engaging with gay and bisexual men. A willingness to learn, practice, and implement MI and other counselling tools is essential.

Training Program Details

Although we have 2 structured training programs: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing and the SCTH Training Certification – we are flexible and open to tailor a training program to meet your agency’s needs.

Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (8 hours)

A foundational course providing essential knowledge of MI, ideal for all staff who engage with community members.

Topics Covered:

• Overview of MI
• Spirit & Principles
• Basic Skills
• Processes of MI
• Change Talk & the MI Approach to Behaviour Change

SCTH Training Certification (48 hours)

A comprehensive program for individuals closely working with gay/bi men, combining MI with additional counselling tools in a psychosocial context. This program comprises 3 phases:

1.  Training (8 hours)

Advanced MI skills: Spirit, Principles, Processes, and Phases

Tools such as Decisional Balance, Rulers for Importance and Confidence, and Stages of Change

2.  Practice (24 hours)

Role or real play using agency-relevant scenarios

Triad Rotations: Client (role or real play), Counsellor, and Observer/Coder

3.  Supervision (16 hours)

Live Supervision:

For the first 2-4 clients to ensure competency development

Recorded Supervision:

Review of session recordings for skill adherence (MITI 4.0 coding), followed by detailed debriefs focusing on client content, MI processes, and counsellor performance

Flexible Supervision:

Supervision shifts from live to recorded sessions as trainees demonstrate increasing proficiency. Coding time is gradually reduced as participants progress towards unconscious competence.

Through these programs, we aim to enhance counselling services within the gay men’s community, fostering positive change and improved well-being. For more information or to enroll, please contact us at GayCounsellingTrainingHub@gmail.com