The therapist's notebook for lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients - Joy S Whitman

Most therapy is set up in a heterosexist context. Explore the issues facing your gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients--and how to deal with them!

The Therapist's Notebook for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients offers therapists treating lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients innovative, practical interventions plus homework and hands-on activities tailored to these populations. Use the notebook to explore the issues surrounding coming out, homophobia in the workplace, spirituality, identity formation, and issues that require a non-heterosexist approach, such as domestic violence and relationship concerns. Grounded in current theory, each chapter explains the rationale for the activity it proposes, includes contraindications, and provides a list of helpful resources for therapists and clients.

Here are just a few of the issues this extraordinary book explores in its four thoughtfully planned sections:

Section I: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Coming Out and Managing Homophobia and Heterosexism addresses:

• conflicts in self-perceptions
  
• obstacles to the growth of a healthy GLB identity
• dealing with the trauma and anxiety that result from discrimination
  
• using semi-hypnotic visualization to treat internalized homophobia
• helping bisexuals decide whether to come out or to pass
• coping with internalized homophobic messages
• dealing with heterosexism in the workplace or at school
  
  Section II: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Relationship Issues will help you and your clients understand and work on issues involving:
• choosing the right partner
• intimacy and gender roles
• financial stability
• assimilation, queer pride, and everything in between
• how ethnicity and coupling impact sexual identity
• negotiating a healthy open relationship
• sexual concerns, sexual dysfunction, and pleasuring
• sexual role values for bisexual and lesbian women
  
  Section III: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Gender, Ethnic, and Sexual Identity Issues addresses who am I issues:
• sexual orientation and gender identity
• the intersection of sexual and ethnic identity
  
• oppression on multiple fronts
• gender exploration for lesbians
  
  Section IV: Homework, Handouts, and Activities for Specific Issues tackles concepts including:
• enhancing resilience through spirituality
• reconciling with religion
• spiritual wellness and the spiritual autobiography
• body image disturbances
• unwanted sexual behavior
• creating a safety plan in case of same-sex domestic violence
• alienation and finding a caring community
• medication adherence for HIV+ clients
• the difficulties faced by coupled lesbians with children
• family care planning
• addiction and recovery
• healing from the wounds of homophobia
• relationships with ex-partners
• managing workplace stress
  
  If you're new to treating lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients you'll find rich material, based in current literature, to guide your work. If you've already worked extensively with LGBT clients, the activities and fresh, innovative strategies in The Therapist's Notebook for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients will expand and invigorate your skills.