Sexual Minority Clients: Cultural Considerations   [Archived Catalog]
2011-2012 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Addendum
   

PY 760 - Sexual Minority Clients: Cultural Considerations


This course will provide a contextual framework for clinical work with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer identified clients. Starting with the conceptual development of “sexual orientation,” a historical overview of psychology’s treatment of sexual minorities will be provided. The course will include examination of the evolution of DSM definitions, and existing d barriers to affirmative treatment.  

Students will examine the process of coming-out , and explore the impact of homophobia, heterosexism and heterocentric perspectives. Sexual minority experiences of prejudice and oppression, and multiple discriminations, will be illuminated as diversity within the LGBT community is explored. Students will examine the current socio-political climate sexual minority clients must navigate, and consider how this impacts their functioning as psychologists. (2 credits)