Treating Patients Distressed Regarding Their Sexual Orientation: Clinical and Ethical Alternatives

Jon S. Lasser, Michael C. Gottlieb

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Homosexuality and bisexuality have not been considered psychopathologies for many years, and recent research has suggested a wide variety of etiological considerations, many biologically based, to account for same-sex desire. Nevertheless, many patients still present with questions and distress regarding their sexual orientation. The authors address the question of how practitioners may manage these situations. To this end, the authors briefly review the background of the relevant issues, make various assumptions, consider therapists' values, and present 4 alternatives available to practitioners who may be confronted with this situation. Each alternative is discussed with regard to its relevant ethical issues and clinical implications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)194-200
Number of pages7
JournalProfessional Psychology: Research and Practice
Volume35
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Treating Patients Distressed Regarding Their Sexual Orientation: Clinical and Ethical Alternatives'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this