Affirmative Competence and Practices of Mental Health Professionals with LGB clients: An Ibero-American Study

Abstract

There are not many studies about affirmative competence and practices among mental health professionals working with Lesbian, Gay, and/or Bisexual (LGB) clients. Thus, the objectives of this research are to assess the levels of affirmative competence and practices of professionals in Ibero-American countries. The sample consists of 630 mental health professionals from various countries whose ages range from 22 to 75 years old, with a mean age of 41.46 years. The study utilizes the following measures: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale, and the Affirmative Practice Questionnaire. Results show that mental health professionals who present higher levels of Affirmative Competence are those who have higher levels of education and training on LGBT topics, show left-wing political affiliations, self-identify as LGB, and have no religious affiliations. Regarding Affirmative Practices, it was found that single participants show lower practices, and more studies are needed to better understand this result. Regression models demonstrate that Affirmative Practices and Competences are predicted by the hypothesized variables, namely, religious and political beliefs, and training/education. Hence, this study indicates that mental health professionals could undergo some type of academic or professional training and/or possess experience in regard to working with LGB clients, in order to enhance their approach when working with this population.

A systematic review to determine how service provider practises impact effective service provision to lesbian, gay and bisexual consumers in a mental health setting

“…LGB + cultural competence training allowed service provider to feel more confident and skilful in working with LGB consumers (Croghan et al, 2015;Eady et al, 2011;Foy et al, 2019;Gandy et al, 2013;Graham et al, 2012;Hughes et al, 2018;Israel et al, 2008;Kilicaslan & Petrakis, 2019;McNamara & Wilson, 2020;Moe & Sparkman, 2015;Pennay et al, 2018;Pereira et al, 2019;Rutherford et al, 2012). Providers who engaged in LGB + cultural competence training reported more positive attitudes towards LGB consumers, greater understanding of how the societal context of having a minority sexual orientation can affect LGB consumers, greater skills in working with LGB consumers, more visibly affirming practices and provider confidence in working with LGB consumers (Croghan et al, 2015;Graham et al, 2012;Hughes et al, 2018;Israel et al, 2008;Moe & Sparkman, 2015;Rutherford et al, 2012).…”

“…Consumers wanted providers to explore their sexuality only when it was relevant to the consumer's distress. Consumers felt more accepted in openly LGB affirming services Pereira et al (2019).…”

Using the Generic Model of Psychotherapy to Develop a Culturally-Sensitive Approach to Psychotherapy With Sexual and Gender Minority Patients

“…This has the potential to improve the therapeutic alliance and facilitate psychological well-being (Owen et al, 2011). Several studies have concluded that, in order to work effectively with LGBT patients, therapists must feel comfortable with their own sexual identities and be ready to examine their beliefs, feelings, and prejudices, comfort or discomfort with the patients, cultural differences, and knowledge about how these aspects can affect the therapist-patient relationship (American Psychological Association, 2012Pereira et al, 2019).…”

“…LGBT topics and the use of the practical therapeutic skills mentioned above (Alessi et al, 2015;Boroughs et al, 2015;O'Shaughnessy and Speir, 2018;Pereira et al, 2019).…”

“…We suggest this framework as a map to identify areas in the field of psychotherapy with LGBT+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and other sexuality, sex and gender diverse) patients, where the generation of more learnings, as well as specific proposals for clinical development, are needed. Psychological interventions, the so-called affirmative psychotherapy model, and other proposals for clinical work and mental health support for LGBT+ people have gradually gained traction alongside a greater demand for treatment (e.g., O'Shaughnessy and Speir, 2018;Pereira et al, 2019). However, studies in this field have yet to produce a theoretical model for integrating existing research, developing new information, and guiding clinical practice.…”