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Working Relationally with LGBT Clients in Clinical Practice: Client and Clinician in Context

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Book cover Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations

Part of the book series: Essential Clinical Social Work Series ((ECSWS))

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons are populations for which relational social work is well suited because the relational matrix has been the locus of much traumatic experience for many in this community. This chapter begins with an exploration of the oppressions that these communities experience, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and LGBT persons’ shared experience of discrimination based on gender difference. Themes related to assessment, transference/countertransference, mirroring, self-disclosure, empathic ruptures, and narcissistic rage are explored for their relevance to relational social work practice with this population. Case examples are provided from the LGBT community mental health center practice setting of the primary author. All identifying information of clients has been altered to protect confidentiality.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Psychological Association for Psychoanalysis, New York, NY, USA

    Griffin Hansbury M.A., LCSW

  2. Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, USA

    John L. Bennett LCSW

  3. Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    John L. Bennett LCSW

Authors
  1. Griffin Hansbury M.A., LCSW
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  2. John L. Bennett LCSW
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Silberman School of Social Work, City University of New York, n/a, New York, 10075, New York, USA

    Judith B. Rosenberger

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Hansbury, G., Bennett, J.L. (2014). Working Relationally with LGBT Clients in Clinical Practice: Client and Clinician in Context. In: Rosenberger, J. (eds) Relational Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations. Essential Clinical Social Work Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6681-9_13

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