Abstract

MOLEIRO, Carla  and  PINTO, Nuno. Diversity and Psychotherapy: Expectations and Experiences of LGBT Persons about Psychotherapists Multicultural Competencies. Ex aequo [online]. 2009, n.20, pp.159-172. ISSN 0874-5560.

The present papers addresses the issues related to psychotherapy practices with Lesbian, Gay, Bissexual and Transgendered (LGBT) individuals. A historical review of clinical interventions with non-heterossexual clients is presented, as well as the present international ethical guidelines for psychotherapy with LGBT people. The tridimensional model of multicultural competencies of psychotherapists or counsellors (awareness, knowledge and skills) is proposed as a reference base for the development of more ethical and effective practices with clients from minority groups, including LGBT. A study is presented, with a qualitative and exploratory approach. Four interviews were conducted to four participants - one lesbian woman, one gay man, a bisexual woman, and a transgender male. The interviews aimed to explore their representations of psychological health and illness, as well as their experiences and expectations relative to psychotherapeutic processes. The results of the interviews are presented, voicing the participants by presenting excerpts of the interviews. Discriminatory experiences were related as a central part of the lives of all the participants, including in the access to health care. The expectations they hold of psychotherapists, however, include the ability to separate their values and attitudes from their clinical work, and the capacity to help they in the resolution of problems resulting from discrimination and social isolation. Theses expectations are discussed in light of the national and international literature, highlighting the fundamentally interpersonal nature of the therapeutic relationship and the relevance of the specific training of the psychotherapist.

Keywords : LGBT People; Psychotherapy; Multicultural Competencies; Qualitative Study.

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