"Coming Out": Therapeutic Outcomes

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the economic, family, legal and religious stereotypes that often exist against homosexual individuals. It then demonstrates the effectiveness of three counseling theories and techniques in aiding a client wishing to "come out of the closet" - person-centered theory, reality theory and behavioral theory. The paper explores the strengths and limitations of these theories, as well as counseling outcomes, multicultural concerns and the ethical implications of this issue.

Table of Contents:
Client Problem
Counseling Theories
Rationale For Techniques
Implementing Techniques
Effectiveness of Techniques
Strengths and Limitations
Multicultural Issues
Ethic Concerns
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"A 17-year-old male is getting ready to attend an out-of-state college in a few months. He reports spending massive amounts of energy disguising the fact he is gay. He currently attends a small, rural high school. He has never told any of his family or friends that he is gay due to fear of isolation and abandonment. He reports having limited homosexual experiences. He declares that he is tired of living a lie and being lonely. He proclaims that he is afraid to "come out" to family and friends but needs some encouragement to do so."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Counseling Association. (2005). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
• Castonguay, L. G., & Beutler, L. E. (2006). Principles of therapeutic change that work. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Crisp, C. (2006). The gay affirmative practice scale (gap): A new measure for assessing cultural competence with gay and lesbian clients. Social Work, 51(2), 115-126.
• Gladding, S. T. (2003). Group work: A counseling specialty (4th ed.). New Jersey: Merill Prentice-Hall.
• Goldfried, M. R., & Davila, J. (2005). The role of relationship and technique in therapeutic change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 42(4), 421-430.

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• Article Review # 108788 : "Assessment Feedback and Therapeutic Outcomes"
• Case Study # 139724 : "Coming Out" with Homosexuality"

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