Great care should be taken in locating a licensed therapist who
specializes in gay therapy. Beware of therapists who may attempt
to “cure” or even “convert” you. Those individuals have
their own agenda.
Also be sure that your chosen therapist is
well-versed on issues confronting the gay community and isn’t afraid to
talk about sexual issues. It’s best to contact local or regional
organizations concerned with gay issues to find a reputable counselor
for your needs.
Therapy for the gay and lesbian population should consist of a number
of factors and how you’re counseled may depend on where you stand as
far as accepting your sexuality. A good counselor will determine
that before proceeding.
Most gay and lesbian therapy centers on the widely-accepted six stages
of homosexuality: 1) identity awareness – feelings that you are
different from others or from what you’ve been taught; 2) identity
comparison – not understanding why your feelings are different from
those of your parents, friends, siblings, etc; 3) identity tolerance –
rebelling against homosexual feelings; 4) identity acceptance –
embracing your sexuality and what goes with it; 5) identity pride –
anger toward parents, society, religion or others who refuse to accept
your homosexuality; and 6) identity synthesis – when homosexuality
becomes a part of who you are, not the defining factor for your life.
Certified therapists should also be prepared and able to discuss and
treat mood disorders, not unlike those of the heterosexual population,
including depression, anxiety, stress, and sexual issues.
Statistics show that the rate of depression is much higher among the
homosexual population and that thoughts of suicide are not uncommon.
Gay and lesbian therapy can also assist clients in “coming out” to
friends, family, and co-workers and deal with the emotional and
practical questions and challenges that arise at that time.
Therapists will also attempt to eliminate feelings of fear and being
alone and teach clients how to develop healthy homosexual
relationships.
By:Josh Posted: May 24 2007 05:40:53 PM