Counseling of a Homosexual Police Officer

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RESPONSE:

1. If you are counseling an officer and they tell you that they are homosexual, what diversity issues are raised?

The following diversity issues might be raised:

1. The first diversity has to do with a match between the therapist (you in this case) and the client. Can you work and relate

with the client in a non-judgment way? Can you create a positive and nonjudgmental environment conducive to change?
It is recommended that before beginning any treatment with a homosexual client, a therapist has the responsibility of making sure he or she is well versed on issues related to sexuality, has the skills necessary to create a positive and nonjudgmental environment, and will not feel uncomfortable discussing issues related to homosexuality. If a therapist believes homosexuality is wrong, sinful, immoral, or a mental illness, he or she should NOT work with gay clients. Refer this client to someone who is able to provide the necessary components of a therapeutic relationship?(Heffner, 2003, http://allpsych.com/journal/counselinggay.html).

2. The second diversity issue is about the goal of treatment.

If, for example, you as a therapist believes that a person can change his or her sexual orientation (often referred to as conversion, reparative, or reorientation therapy), it is only ethical to do adequate research on the topic before beginning such treatment. Understand that the American Psychiatric Association, The American Psychological Association, The American Academy of Pediatrics, and others have denounced this type of treatment due to the high incidences of negative outcomes and very low and even questionable success rates. Also understand that while you can help a client change his or her behavior, it is much more difficult, if not impossible, to change who they are. Think about convincing a straight male attracted to blonds that he must now be attracted only to red heads. He would likely respond, but I like blonds, I can't change that, it's a part of who I am. (Heffner, 2003, http://allpsych.com/journal/counselinggay.html).

3. The third diversity has to do with understanding the client. Where is the officer in terms of acceptance? If homosexuality is not an issue, however, then do not make it an issue e.g., change of career issues, grief, etc.

Therefore, in working with this gay officer (as well as other gays and lesbians),?it is often important to know where your client is in terms of acceptance. If sexuality is a presenting issue, understanding the stages is even more important?(Heffner, 2003, http://allpsych.com/journal/counselinggay.html).

According to Cass (1979) , there are six stages that many homosexuals go through when dealing with their own sexual ...