Working with Gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice

Focusing on many issues that gays and lesbians often deal with, Working with Gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice explores how to stay abreast of the latest research and trends in gay/lesbian mental health and give appropriate assistance to individuals of different genders and races. Intelligent and innovative, readers will value the various discussions about successful individual and group counseling, the complex issue of sexual orientation, and developing methods that will meet the needs of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals.

Working with Gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice is written for private practitioners solely by private practice clinicians who specialize in the treatment of gay men or lesbians. Focusing on numerous clinical issues that gays and lesbians often deal with, Working with Gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice also offers you proven guidance for maintaining and promoting your psychotherapy practice as a business.You will explore issues such as whether the therapist should disclose her/his sexual orientation, and how the therapist should address the degree to which internalized stigma about sexual orientation may impact the client’s concerns about the process of therapy in general. This insightful volume also focuses on the special complexities introduced to psychotherapy by managed care. You’ll find detailed, practical information about: a strategic plan for establishing, marketing, and developing a private practice in l/g/b psychology staying abreast of the latest research and trends in gay/lesbian mental health treatment planning with gay and lesbian clients lesbian/gay couples counseling multiple identity and gender issues particular to culture and ethnicity boundary issues Working with Gay Men and Lesbians in Private Psychotherapy Practice tackles how to therapeutically respond to the issues of gay men and lesbians. The practical strategies and specific suggestions can be directly incorporated into your work with gay and lesbian clients to ensure your success in confronting the specific issues and challenges they face.

Contents Foreword Introduction Staying Current with Gay and Lesbian Research and Practice Knowledge The Business of Private Practice: Marketing Strategies for Gay and Lesbian Therapists Lesbian Therapists and Lesbian Clients: Therapeutic and Practical Considerations with Implications for Private Practice Clinical and Practical Considerations in Practice with Lesbians and Gay Men of Color Boundary Issues in Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy Relationships Treatment Planning for Gay and Lesbian Clients Index

Christopher J. Alexander, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist. He maintains private psychotherapy practices in Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, New Mexico. He is author of Growth and Intimacy for Gay Men: A Workbook and editor of Gay andLesbian Menial Health: A Sourcebook for Practitioners, both published by The Haworth Press, Inc. Dr. Alexander is on the editorial board ofthe Journal of Homosexuality and Contributing Editor to the Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services (both Haworth Press journals).