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Psychotherapy with Gay Men and Lesbians

A History of Controversy

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Contemporary Perspectives on Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men

Part of the book series: Critical Issues in Psychiatry ((CIPS))

Abstract

The approach to psychotherapy with gay men and lesbians has undergone a remarkable evolution over the past decade. The production of this volume which views homosexuality as a normal variant of human behavior is evidence of the extent of this transformation of thought in the field of mental health. Although there are still those who will disagree with this view, it is quite clear that because of new knowledge and societal change the psychotherapeutic approach to gay and lesbian patients cannot remain static. There is no doubt that the gay patient today is regarded differently by our culture and is subject to different cultural influences than the gay patient of only a few years ago. The psychotherapist is also influenced by the same cultural forces, and of necessity as our culture changes so will our psychotherapeutic interventions. We have previously witnessed a similar process of change in our models for psychotherapy with other groups, most recently with women. This chapter will explore some of the significant developments within the psychiatric profession and in the scientific literature during this period of time in which a new treatment model for gay men and lesbians has been emerging. From this historical perspective one may be impressed both by the extensive changes and the new ideas which have come forth, as well as by the paucity of consideration given to certain major psychotherapeutic issues. It is hoped that an understanding of the changes that have taken place will facilitate the acceptance of new ideas and findings as they unfold in this continuing evolution.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Private practice, 2001 Union Street, Suite #340, San Francisco, California, 94123, USA

    James P. Krajeski

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  1. James P. Krajeski
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA

    Terry S. Stein M.D.

  2. Berkeley, California, USA

    Carol J. Cohen M.D.

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Krajeski, J.P. (1986). Psychotherapy with Gay Men and Lesbians. In: Stein, T.S., Cohen, C.J. (eds) Contemporary Perspectives on Psychotherapy with Lesbians and Gay Men. Critical Issues in Psychiatry. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9832-6_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9832-6_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4757-9834-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4757-9832-6

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