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 womenSection 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 lesbiansSection 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 stressIf 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.
