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Heterocentrism, or the bias against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Questioning (LGBTQ) population, can be seen at every level of our society, from laws restricting the rights and opportunities of LGBTQ individuals to homophobia manifested in face-to-face prejudice. Homophobia can even be turned inward, toward the self.<\/p>\n
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\u201cInternalized homophobia\u201d is seen when an LGBTQ individual assumes the negative bias of society against his\/herself, often leading to anger and\/or shame.\u00a0 In a therapeutic setting, these beliefs present as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, suicide ideation, and the devaluation of LGBTQ activities.\u00a0 Prejudices can be acted upon by even the most well-intentioned clinicians in various ways: assuming the client is heterosexual or excessive focus on orientation of the client, even if it is not an issue at hand.<\/p>\n
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Important issues that may require a clinician\u2019s assistance have been identified by Clark (1987) as \u201cencouraging LGB[TQ] clients to establish a support system of other LGB[TQ] individuals, helping clients become aware of how oppression has affected them, desensitizing the shame and guilt surrounding homosexual thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, and allowing clients\u2019 expression of anger in response to being oppressed.\u201d Identity development, couple relationships and parenting, families of origin and families of choice, as well as other relevant issues are of particular importance and can be especially difficult for LGBTQ individuals (Pachankis& Goldfried, 2004). It is the ethical responsibility of clinicians to be familiar with these issues and ensure their competency in addressing these with LGBTQ clients.<\/p>\n
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For more information about topics salient to the LGBTQ community as well as current research, please visit the American Psychological Association\u2019s Division 44: Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transexual Issues website<\/p>\n
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References<\/p>\n
Pachankis, J.E., & Goldfried, M.R. (2004). Clinical issues in working with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training,\u00a0 41(3), 227-246.<\/p>\n
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Cassandra A. Sturycz, B.A.
\nPsychology Student Intern<\/p>\n
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Heterocentrism, or the bias against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Questioning (LGBTQ) population, can be seen at every level of our society, from laws restricting the rights and opportunities of LGBTQ individuals to homophobia manifested in … Continue reading