Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men

"Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men is a necessary and powerful tool for any psychotherapist working with lesbians and gays. It is filled with useful information that is insightful and timely. Readers will appreciate the clinical examples, as they capture the need for caring and competent professionals. In our day prejudice and its often violent outcomes is seen just about everywhere. It is indeed refreshing to see a new book on psychotherapy that confronts this divisive human tendency and begins to chart a course that will help heal gays and lesbians who are in need."
--Kevin C. Krycka, Psy.D., Psychology Chair, Seattle University

"This is an excellent guide for psychotherapy with gay and lesbian clients! This book provides thoughtful case studies suggesting possible interventions for positive identity development within a gay-friendly therapeutic environment."

--Rik Isensee, LCSW, author of Reclaiming Your Life

Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men offers a broad base of research, practice, and advocacy information about the special counseling needs of gays and lesbians. Authors Jeffrey N. Chernin and Melissa R. Johnson discuss universal themes as they apply to lesbian and gay clients, as well as issues unique to lesbians and gay men, including the treatment of same-sex couples and families, ethnic minority issues, and living with HIV/AIDS. They present sensible information on how to provide a safe therapeutic environment and how to interpret and apply psychological assessments.

Emphasizing practical application, this indispensable guidebook includes

• Research examples and numerous case studies
• Definitions of relevant terminology
• The context in which lesbians and gay men live
• Information on several lesbian and gay subcultures
• An explanation of ethical and legal issues
• An appendix with a variety of resources for lesbian and gay male clients

Designed for psychologists, social workers, and counselors who have gay or lesbian clients, Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men is also essential reading for advanced clinical students and continuing education practitioners in psychology, social work, and counseling.