Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men » (1st Edition)

Jeffrey N. Chernin, Ph.D., is the Clinic Director for Campion Counseling Center, a project of Ocean Park Community Services, in Santa Monica, California. He began a psychotherapy internship in Dallas in 1992, became a Licensed Professional Coun-selor in 1994, and earned a Ph.D. in Counseling and Student Services from the University of North Texas in 1996. After moving to California in 1998, he obtained a Marriage and Family Therapist license in 2001. Jeff has taught several college courses, including Psychology of the Lesbian and Gay Experience, led workshops on counseling lesbians and gay men, communication, conflict resolution, stress management, and crystal methamphetamine use among gay and bisexual men. In addition to individual and couples therapy, Jeff has facilitated psychotherapy groups and several kinds of support groups on subjects related to coming out, chemical dependency, having HIV/AIDS, and being HIV-negative. His published work includes professional journal articles on psychotherapy and columns and articles on health-related topics for LGBT periodicals. He is also in private practice.

Melissa R. Johnson received her Ph.D. in School and Counseling Psychology from Texas Woman's University. She has conducted workshops and presentations for local, state, and national conferences focusing on the parenting, relationship, and identity issues of lesbians and gay men. Previously the Director of Counseling for a non-profit counseling center serving lesbians and gay men in Dallas, Texas, she currently works as the Director of General Studies and Academic Services for the Art Institute of Dallas. She has also been working in private practice since 1994.

"Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men is a necessary and powerful tool for any psychotherapist working with lesbians and gays. It is filled with useful information that is insightful and timely. Readers will appreciate the clinical examples, as they capture the need for caring and competent professionals. In our day prejudice and its often violent outcomes is seen just about everywhere. It is indeed refreshing to see a new book on psychotherapy that confronts this divisive human tendency and begins to chart a course that will help heal gays and lesbians who are in need."
--Kevin C. Krycka, Psy.D., Psychology Chair, Seattle University

"This is an excellent guide for psychotherapy with gay and lesbian clients! This book provides thoughtful case studies suggesting possible interventions for positive identity development within a gay-friendly therapeutic environment."

--Rik Isensee, LCSW, author of Reclaiming Your Life

Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men offers a broad base of research, practice, and advocacy information about the special counseling needs of gays and lesbians. Authors Jeffrey N. Chernin and Melissa R. Johnson discuss universal themes as they apply to lesbian and gay clients, as well as issues unique to lesbians and gay men, including the treatment of same-sex couples and families, ethnic minority issues, and living with HIV/AIDS. They present sensible information on how to provide a safe therapeutic environment and how to interpret and apply psychological assessments.

Emphasizing practical application, this indispensable guidebookincludes

• Research examples and numerous case studies
• Definitions of relevant terminology
• The context in which lesbians and gay men live
• Information on several lesbian and gay subcultures
• An explanation of ethical and legal issues
• An appendix with a variety of resources for lesbian and gay male clients

Designed for psychologists, social workers, and counselors who have gay or lesbian clients, Affirmative Psychotherapy and Counseling for Lesbians and Gay Men is also essential reading for advanced clinical students and continuing education practitioners in psychology, social work, and counseling.