Abstract
Initial interactions between lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) clients and psychotherapists can reveal existing
biases from both parties. LGBT clients may have previous experiences with the mental health establishment and legitimate concerns
about being pathologized. Psychotherapists may approach clients with openness and acceptance, but are likely to have little
training in working with LGBT individuals. In this article, we discuss affirmative practices as a framework for clinicians
beginning the intake process with LGBT clients. Through a brief history and overview of LGBT mental health, we provide mental
health professionals with an appreciation of the multiple influences on LGBT individuals’ well-being. We then discuss the
intake interview process in relation to each subgroup of the LGBT acronym, as each of these four populations face different
(yet inter-related) challenges. While there is clearly no “formula” for working with LGBT individuals, in keeping with the
principles of multicultural competency (Sue, The Counseling Psychologist, 29:790–821, 2001), our goal is to encourage therapists to reflect on their existing biases and to gain knowledge and skills for working with
this diverse population. Overall, we hope this article demonstrates to therapists how to conduct an affirmative intake interview
that minimizes heterosexual and dualistic gender assumptions that remain so pervasive in our society and in therapeutic practice.
biases from both parties. LGBT clients may have previous experiences with the mental health establishment and legitimate concerns
about being pathologized. Psychotherapists may approach clients with openness and acceptance, but are likely to have little
training in working with LGBT individuals. In this article, we discuss affirmative practices as a framework for clinicians
beginning the intake process with LGBT clients. Through a brief history and overview of LGBT mental health, we provide mental
health professionals with an appreciation of the multiple influences on LGBT individuals’ well-being. We then discuss the
intake interview process in relation to each subgroup of the LGBT acronym, as each of these four populations face different
(yet inter-related) challenges. While there is clearly no “formula” for working with LGBT individuals, in keeping with the
principles of multicultural competency (Sue, The Counseling Psychologist, 29:790–821, 2001), our goal is to encourage therapists to reflect on their existing biases and to gain knowledge and skills for working with
this diverse population. Overall, we hope this article demonstrates to therapists how to conduct an affirmative intake interview
that minimizes heterosexual and dualistic gender assumptions that remain so pervasive in our society and in therapeutic practice.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10879-012-9220-x
- Authors
- Nicholas C. Heck, Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, Skaggs Building Room 143, Missoula, MT 59812-1584, USA
- Annesa Flentje, Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, Skaggs Building Room 143, Missoula, MT 59812-1584, USA
- Bryan N. Cochran, Department of Psychology, The University of Montana, Skaggs Building Room 143, Missoula, MT 59812-1584, USA
- Journal Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy
- Online ISSN 1573-3564
- Print ISSN 0022-0116