Activism and LGBT Psychology by Glassgold, Judith M.; Drescher, Jack;

Short description:

Psychotherapy works toward change, but has traditionally focused solely on the individual. Today it is understood that discrimination and other adverse social conditions adversely affect the mental health of minority groups. Activism and LGBT Psychology takes note of the influence of social factors and offers examples of how mental health professionals can use their professional skills to empower the LGBT community. Respected leaders in the field of psychotherapy describe theoretical, clinical, community interventions, and personal approaches to changing attitudes toward LGBT people and within LGBT communities.

Long description:

Go beyond traditional approaches to therapy, research, and teaching

Psychotherapy works toward change, but has traditionally focused solely on the individual. Today it is understood that discrimination and other adverse social conditions adversely affect the mental health of minority groups. Activism and LGBT Psychology takes note of the influence of social factors and offers examples of how mental health professionals can use their professional skills to empower the LGBT community. Respected leaders in the field of psychotherapy describe theoretical, clinical, community interventions, and personal approaches to changing attitudes toward LGBT people and within LGBT communities.

Prejudice against a minority has an undeniable impact on mental health treatment. Recognizing and understanding this dynamic, Activism and LGBT Psychology reveals strategies to lessen societal discrimination, work for positive change, and reinforce LGBT-affirmative mental health practices. This valuable guide shows how to integrate the mental health professional’s unique skills into activism for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues.

Topics in Activism and LGBT Psychology include:

• integrating activism into clinical practice
• theoretical alternatives for clinical practice
• mental health issues as the consequences of social injustice
• strategies for using liberation psychology in psychotherapy with LGBT clients
• practical strategies to bring an integrated clinical approach which encourages client empowerment and self-definition
• how research can be social activism
• providing training and support to make educational professionals agents of change
• personal accounts of integrating professional work with an activist role
• and more!

Table of Contents:

• Introduction (Judith M. Glassgold and Jack Drescher)
• History
• Wearing Two Hats: The Psychologist As Activist and Therapist (Charles Silverstein)
• Psychotherpy and Clinical Practice
• &&&0147;In Dreams Begin Responsibilities&&&0148;: Psychology, Agency, and Activism (Judith M. Glassgold)
• Liberating Psychotherapy: Liberation Psychology and Psychotherapy with LBGT Clients (Glenda M. Russell and Janis S. Bohan)
• Transactivism As Therapy: A Client Self-Empowerment Model Linking Personal and Social Agency (Rupert Raj)
• Research, Community, and Policy Issues
• Collaborative Community-Based Research As Activism: Giving Voice and Hope to Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth (Gary W. Harper, Omar Bashir Jamil, and Bianca D. M. Wilson)
• Using the Arts to Challenge Hate, Create Community: Laramie Lives in Lowell (Anne Mulvey and Charlotte Mandell)
• Activism in the Schools: Providing LGBTQ Affirmative Training to School Counselors (Joy S. Whitman, Stacey S. Horn, and Cyndy J. Boyd)
• Integrating the Personal and Professional
• Coming Out and Being Out As Activism: Challenges and Opportunities for Mental Health Professionals in Red and Blue States (Amy Rees)
• Being a Heterosexual Ally to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community: Reflections and Development (Peter Ji)
• Index
• Reference Notes Included