Reflections of a gay male psychotherapist

Abstract

Issues of diversity and multiculturalism are typically framed and conceptualized in terms of client characteristics. This is reflected in the literature on competent and ethical treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. However, when it comes to personal characteristics of the therapists involved, little has been written, save the obvious proscriptions against personal bias and misinformation in conducting psychotherapy. This article represents the personal reflections and feelings of a European American gay male psychologist with 30 years' experience working with the LGBT community. Intersections of sexual orientation and gender identity with race/ethnicity, age, health factors, and socioeconomic status are explored as the effects of therapist characteristics on the therapeutic process are considered. Observations about client differences, as well as therapist differences, are made in such a way that the reader might extrapolate to his or her own practice.