Counseling Competencies for Sexual Minority Clients

Abstract

Being able to work effectively with clients from diverse backrounds has become a necessity in good counseling practice. Professional associations have acknowledged this in recent years by identifying and articulating multicultural competencies that inform both the practice of counseling, but also the training of counselors. Specific attention to competencies in working with LGBT clients has been identified as a sub-set of these overall cultural competencies. In this paper, leaders within the Association for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Issues in Counseling present specific ways in which counselors can provide culturally sensitive counseling to sexual minority clients and their families that are in line with the counselor training guidelines established by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).     

Impossible Clients

Abstract

This paper is concerned with a group of clients, whom I have identified in terms of their capacity to evoke strong dislike amongst Social Workers. These clients approach us in a manner which suggests a lack of the most basic social skills. I shall try to describe some of their characteristic attitudes, and the ways these are demonstrated in their contact with the workers they meet, with particular reference to the hostility that typifies their dealings with us, and can paralyse us into an ineffective response. There follow some guidelines I have evolved from my own attempts to work with some of these clients.     

Cyber Counseling for Queer Clients and Clinicians

Abstract

As the Internet grows, so does its use by mental health professionals and by clients seeking mental health services. Drawing on his own experience as an example, the author describes how the Internet can enhance clinical practice. Social service professionals can utilize the Internet to provide a supportive forum for patients grappling with issues of self-identity; facilitate communication between therapist and client; provide community education about mental health issues; provide referrals to local social service professionals; market a private psychotherapy practice; and provide patient billing, scheduling, and record keeping.     

Listening to Clients

Abstract

Qualitative research can be used to influence policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Three focus group studies dealing with implementation of a county's welfare reform programs are presented to illustrate the ways that qualitative research can be used. The paper discusses results of the studies and presents strategies for exertinginfluence. Processes used to develop and change policy are explicated.     

The Emergency Service Clients

Several housing risk clients identified in Chapter 3 are profiled here in detail regarding their housing circumstances and how they have been coping with these problems. Individuals are described for whom disloaction was brief; for whom homelessness was long term, repeated or habitual; or who have never been without a home. Most persons in the latter category are subsisting in this state at substantial personal risk. The unique coping abilities of each type are highlighted.