A Developmental Model for Supervising Therapists Treating Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Clients

Abstract

Abstract There are common and widespread harmful practices regarding therapy of gay male and lesbian clients including biased, inadequate or inappropriate treatment (Garnets, Hancock, Cochran, Goodchilds, & Peplau, 1991). In order to decrease or prevent such practices, psychologists must be educated to specific treatment considerations. Supervision may be considered a major catalyst for development and change. This paper applies a comprehensive developmental model (Stoltenberg & Delworth, 1987) for supervising therapist-trainees treating gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. At each level of trainee development, specific supervisory roles, functions and interventions are discussed. The ultimate goal of supervision of therapists who work with such clients is to facilitate understanding and acceptance of individual differences.