What is Queer Identity?
Queerness is an umbrella term that refers to people whose gender identity and sexual orientation fall outside of what is considered "traditional" or "normative." For many individuals, this means identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, pansexual, asexual, or any combination thereof.
The definition can also include those who reject traditional definitions of gender and sexuality altogether.
Psychotherapy and Clinical Practice
Psychotherapists are trained professionals who help their clients work through mental health issues using evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). They may specialize in treating specific disorders like anxiety or depression but also work with clients dealing with trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, addiction, or other concerns.
Psychotherapy has been criticized for its lack of diversity when it comes to supporting queer identities. Many clinicians have received little to no training in working with LGBTQ+ populations, leading them to make assumptions about how these patients should think and feel. As a result, they may be ill-equipped to address the unique challenges faced by queer people due to societal prejudices. This can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and mistreatment, ultimately hindering progress towards healing.
The Role of Societal Biases
Societal biases are deeply ingrained beliefs that affect our attitudes towards others. These biases often stem from ignorance and fear rather than actual experience or knowledge.
Someone might assume that all gay men are promiscuous or that bisexual women are just confused about their identity. When these biases come into contact with clinical practice, it can create barriers to affirming queer identities.
Clinicians may unconsciously project their own values onto their patients, which can lead to invalidation or even harmful suggestions.
If a client says they feel dysphoric because of their gender expression being rejected by society, some therapists may suggest changing their appearance instead of exploring why that rejection occurs. This can further reinforce the idea that there is something wrong with being queer instead of looking at systemic oppression as a cause.
Many clinics still use outdated diagnostic manuals that list homosexuality as a mental disorder (although this was changed in 1973). This can perpetuate negative stereotypes and contribute to stigma within the therapeutic community. Some practitioners also adhere to religious beliefs that condemn same-sex relationships or gender nonconformity, leading them to avoid working with these populations altogether.
Avoiding Bias in Clinical Practice
To address societal biases in psychotherapy, practitioners must first acknowledge their role in perpetuating them. This means actively seeking education on LGBTQ+ issues, attending workshops or trainings focused on inclusivity, reading books written by queer authors, listening to podcasts by queer people, and following accounts on social media run by queer people. They should also seek supervision from a mentor who specializes in treating queer clients and engage in self-reflection about their personal biases.
Clinicians must be aware of how language choices can impact their patients' experiences. Using pronouns correctly and avoiding cisgendered assumptions like "he" when referring to someone's spouse can show respect for individual identities while using affirmative terms like "queer," "trans," or "nonbinary" can validate them further.
They need to advocate for policies that protect queer rights, such as non-discrimination laws, marriage equality, and transgender healthcare accessibility.
By taking these steps, therapists can create an environment where all individuals feel safe to express themselves fully without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This allows them to explore their unique needs and desires while building trust with their provider - crucial elements of successful treatment outcomes.
Can psychotherapy fully affirm queer identities if societal biases continue to influence clinical practice?
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in exploring how psychotherapy can effectively support individuals with queer identities. While some clinicians may be more comfortable working with these clients, others may not feel as confident in their ability to provide culturally competent care. This discomfort is often due to societal biases that persist in our culture, which can impact the way therapists view and interact with these individuals.