Need for the QASL?
The Queer Adjusted Systemic Lens (QASL) was created in response to the harm many queer people have experienced in traditional family therapy. In many of those settings, families are seen through a hierarchy where parents or caregivers hold the most power. For queer children and teens, this often creates painful situations—especially if their family is still learning how to understand and embrace queerness. Too often, therapists end up prioritizing the struggles of parents over the lived experiences of queer youth.
QASL flips that script. It centers and uplifts queer experiences while also building trust with parents and caregivers so that no one feels pushed out of the process. In this model, queerness is never treated as secondary. Instead, the therapist actively works to connect with every family member and guide the system toward real, lasting healing.
QASL also works well with couples and partners. When someone in a relationship comes out, their partner or partners may have a hard time adjusting. QASL provides a supportive space where queer partners can express their needs and identities openly, while also helping their partners process and adapt. This approach makes space for everyone’s growth so the relationship can move forward in a healthier, stronger way.
a training program for clinicians to become proficient in treating queer youth and their families
Why Now?
I created the Queer Adjusted Systemic Lens (QASL) as the foundation for Denver Family Institute’s Queer Youth Program, which trains clinicians to go beyond simply being queer-informed when working with queer youth and their families. I wanted a model that not only centers queer experiences but also helps families and partners grow in their ability to understand and support the people they love.
Why now? Because queer people, especially trans youth, are being targeted in today’s political climate. This work is more urgent than ever. QASL is my way of sending a clear message to my clients: I will not back down. Your queerness will never be minimized in my therapy room. I will advocate for your needs, stand beside you, and work with your family or relationships to create space for real healing and connection.
Systemic Approach
The Queer Adjusted Systemic Lens (QASL) is built on four main theoretical pillars: feminist therapy, narrative therapy, attachment theory, and strategic therapy.
Feminist therapy reminds us that the personal is political and the political is personal. Therapists are called to take a stand against oppression and marginalization. In practice, this can mean adjusting the structure of therapy to reduce harm and create more safety for queer clients.
Narrative therapy emphasizes the importance of each client’s story. Every narrative matters and deserves a place in the therapy room. Honoring these stories helps clients feel seen and strengthens relational work, while ensuring that the queer narrative is not overshadowed by others
Attachment theory highlights how queerness shapes the way people connect. A person’s queer identity can deeply influence their attachment to caregivers and partners, which makes it an essential part of understanding relationships in therapy.
Strategic therapy positions the therapist as a guide who takes an active role in directing the process. Rather than giving answers, the therapist helps clients discover their own insights and pathways forward.
QASL in Action: Boost Affirming Care for Queer Youth
Maybe you are a clinician who wants more tools for working with queer and trans youth. Maybe you’ve felt stuck when families struggle to accept a child’s identity. Maybe you feel like something is missing from traditional systemic therapy models when you try to apply them in the room. Maybe you want strategies for navigating the impact of politics and culture in the therapy space. Maybe you are looking for training that goes beyond “queer-informed” and gives you a clear model to follow.
If that sounds like you, the Queer Youth Program is here to help. Using the Queer Adjusted Systemic Lens (QASL), we train clinicians to center queer experiences, strengthen family connections, and respond to systemic harm with clarity and confidence.
