LGBT Counseling

Gay-Affirmative Counseling
RYAN MICHAEL F. ODUCADO
PhD Psychology and Guidance Student
West Visayas State University
College of Education
GRADUATE SCHOOL
GayAffirmative Counseling
Defined as:

Therapy that cerebrates and advocates

the authenticity and integrity of
Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB)
persons and their relationships
(Bieschke, McClanahan, Tozer,
Grzegorek, & Park, 2000)
Gay-Affirming Counselor

Defined as:

One who views sexual minorities and

LGB issues as central and identity-
defining as opposed to marginal and
perceived in terms of the heterosexual
norms society holds (Morrow, 2000)
How does one become a Gay
Affirmative Counselor/Therapist?
Step 1. Recognize, and personal examine
ones Heteronormative Assumptions

Step 2. Exploring Heterosexual Privileges

Step 3. Exploring Ones Heterosexual

Identity
McGeorge & Carlson (2011)
Awareness, Knowledge & Skills

Dont work with LGBT clients unless you

are gay-affirming
Keep the clients context at the forefront
Confront your internalized homophobia.
Send messages to clients that they are
accepting of them as LGBT persons.

Granello (2004)
Awareness, Knowledge & Skills

Be able to assess client issues related to

his/her sexuality.
Be aware of local, regional, and national
resources available for clients.
Object to, and work toward, eliminating
negative stereotyping of LGBT persons.

Granello (2004)
Counseling and Language Usage
Language is extremely important and/or
influential in all counseling relationships.

It is cultural, shapes meaning, determines

consciousness, and communicates
worldviews of society members.
Counseling and Language Usage
By identifying oppression as a system and
by specifying oppressive practices toward
LGBT people, affirmative counselors are
able to encourage and empower clients to
fight against injustices.
Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Process of movement through stages

combines personal needs with biological
(sex drive) and variables such as class and
race (Evans, Forney, Guido, Patton, & Renn,
2010).
Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 1: Identity Confusion

In this stage, a sense of incongruence
develops.

Evans, et. al (2010)

Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 2: Identity Comparison

In this stage, the person begins to accept
the possibility of having a predominantly
gay or lesbian orientation, and moves
from confusion and incongruence toward
addressing the social alienation.

Evans, et. al (2010)

Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 3: Identity Tolerance

In this stage, the person begins to admit to
him or herself that he or she is probably
gay or lesbian.

Evans, et. al (2010)

Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 4: Identity Acceptance

In this stage, the individual increases
contact with other Gay and Lesbian
people and accepts a Gay or Lesbian
Identity.

Cass (2010)
Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 5: Identity Pride

People at this stage reject strategies to hide
their sexual orientation and often reject
heterosexual values and institutions.

Evans, et. al (2010)

Casss Model of Sexual Orientation
Identity Formation

Stage 6: Identity Synthesis

In this stage, the us and them mentality
gives way to a more differentiated view.

Cass (1996)
Coming Out
Its an ongoing journey that LGBT people make
every single day of their lives.
Because of internalized homonegativity ,clients
may present with extreme amounts of stress and
depression which has its genesis in facing
oppressive attitudes, rejection, and potential
discrimination.

Franke & Leary (1991)

Coming Out

The first person your client has to be open with

is themselves.
Look at the benefits and risks of coming out.
Make a coming out plan.
Start having the conversations.
Coming Out

Who?
Where?
Why?
When?
Simple Affirmative Techniques

Practice your inner Rogerian.

Listen to their story.
Ask questions for clarity.
Dont be afraid to admit you dont
know something about the culture.
Be prepared to educate.
Be Sensitive to Diversity.