Minority Stress Check-In

What is Minority Stress Check-In?

Notice how stigma and discrimination affect you. Stress from stigma, hiding and discrimination adds up. It comes from what happens around you, not from who you are.

When to use it

• Clients affected by stigma or discrimination
• Questions about disclosure, safety and support
• Clinicians reviewing how affirming their practice is

How to use it in session

1. Explain the purpose and check that the client wants to do this.
2. In the past month I have experienced.
3. How this affects me.
4. Where I feel safe and affirmed.
5. One way to protect my energy.
6. Agree one small next step.

Clinician tips

• Follow the client’s language for identity and relationships.
• Safety comes first: never pressure disclosure.
• Seek community-led training and consultation.

Sharing with clients

Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.

References

This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.