Homosexuality and neurosis: considerations for psychotherapy. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Homosexuality and neurosis: considerations for psychotherapy.

J Homosex. 1988;15(1-2):13-23. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/88299626
Cabaj RP; Harvard University Medical School.

Abstract: Though there is no correlation between mental illness and homosexuality, there are unique concerns that play a role in symptomatology and psychotherapy around neurotic and characterological issues in gay patients. Homophobia, both in the therapist and in the patient, external and internalized, is the significant hidden factor. Lack of training around transference and countertransference issues with gay patients and lack of teaching about homosexuality in training programs contribute to the difficulties encountered in psychotherapy with gay people. There are some problems and concerns specific to being homosexual that may bring patients to therapy: coming-out, deciding on sexual orientation, desire to change orientation, and a unique AIDS neurosis. The therapist needs to have an objective knowledge of the gay community and be willing to examine personal beliefs and reactions to work effectively with gay patients.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PSYCHOLOGY Countertransference (Psychology) *Homosexuality Human Male Neurotic Disorders/*PSYCHOLOGY *Psychotherapy Role Transference (Psychology) JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/psychologycountertransference(psychology)KWDhomosexualityhumanmaleneuroticdisorders/KWDpsychologyKWDpsychotherapyroletransference(psychology)journalarticle
881130
M88B0452

Copyright © 1988 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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