Comments on “Countertransference Considerations”

Therapist Self-Disclosure from a Gay Male Perspective

“…The use of self within the therapeutic process includes the false-self/real-self dilemma, real relationship, role modeling, universality, and boundaries (Anthony, 1982;Ball, 1996;Frost, 1998;Gelso & Carter, 1994;Knox et al, 1997;Kranzberg, 1998;Mathews, 1988;Solomon, 1994).…”

“…(p. 1) Numerous authors support this concept as a positive ingredient in psychotherapy with gay clients (Frost, 1998;Kooden, 1991;Malyon, 1982;Marmor, 1964;Rochlin, 1982). To balance that perspective, Kranzberg (1998) cautions that often a gay therapist assumes he knows what is best for the client based on the assumption that coming out is always psychologically beneficial. "Therapists are always making value judgments, and these are an important part of ethical decision making" (Kranzberg, 1998, p. 29, emphasis added).…”

“…The therapist may feel pressure to disclose his sexual orientation because of the small size of the gay community. The possibility that a client may encounter a therapist in a social situation is probable if both persons are involved in gay community events (Anthony, 1982;Frost, 1998;Kranzberg, 1998;Solomon, 1994); this can require some in-session negotiation before the event occurring (Anthony, 1982;Solomon, 1994). Naturally, this negotiation requires the disclosure of sexual orientation.…”

The Intention and Reflection Model

“…‫ؠ‬ Internalized homophobia of the therapist: The experience of low self-regard for gay therapists resulting from the internalization of irrational fears. • Social identity: The role of community identity is unique to the gay therapist as client may encounter a therapist in a social situation if both persons are involved in gay community events since his presence at a gay-identified establishment assumes group membership (Anthony, 1982;Kranzberg, 1998;Frost, 1998;Solomon, 1994). This can require some in-session negotiation prior to the event occurring, a negotiation that requires the disclosure of sexual orientation (Anthony, 1982;Solomon, 1994).…”

Counselor Self-Disclosure: Does Sexual Orientation Matter to Straight Clients?

“…For example, because of limited options for socializing and dating, gay and lesbian counselors often encounter their current and prospective clients in social situations such as gay community events (Kranzberg 1998;Satterly 2006). Therefore, such encounters may be problematic because both counselor and client have not discussed the likelihood nor the potential implications of social contact outside the therapy room.…”