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Chapter 18:
Group Work: Gay, Lesbian,
and Bisexual Clients
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition
Edited by David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross,
and Mark D. Stauffer
Understanding Terminology
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It is advisable to use the following terms with care or
avoid them altogether:
 Homosexual (reflects inaccurately narrow, clinical focus on
sexual conduct)
 Homoerotic (narrow and incomplete)
 Sexual preference (implies a choice was made)
 Sexual orientation (suggests that sexual predisposition is innate
without taking into account environmental cues or social
learning)
 Gay (as a noun tends to make lesbians and bisexuals feel
invisible; also obscures the unique identities of lesbians, gay
men, and bisexuals)
 Bisexuality (is sometimes considered a nonentity or a transitional
stage when really it is a unique identity)
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer
Definition of Terms
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Heterosexism: This refers to a set of political
assumptions that empowers heterosexual persons,
especially heterosexual white males, and excludes people
who are openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual from social,
religious, and political power.
Homophobia: This is an attitude of fear and loathing
towards individuals perceived to be gay, lesbian, or
bisexual.
Internalized homophobia: Gays, lesbians, and bisexuals
often internalize the negative assumptions, attitudes,
and prejudice common in the dominant culture.
Counselor homophobia: Some counselors still believe the
goal of counseling is to change sexual orientation from
gay to straight.
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer
Cultural Trends
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Gay affirmative counseling: Counselors who are sensitive
to sexual orientation issues and who have examined and
challenged their own heterosexist and homophobic
attitudes are in a powerful position to help gays, lesbians,
and bisexuals recognize and accept their sexual identity,
improve their interpersonal and social functioning, and
value themselves while living in a heterosexual society.
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual professional counselors: Until
the late 1980s, it was assumed in the United States that
heterosexuality was the only suitable orientation for
counselors. Today, the number of publicly identified gay,
lesbian, and bisexual counselors is growing.
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer
Groups and Organizations in the Gay,
Lesbian, and Bisexual Community
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Common-interest groups
Self-help groups
Counseling groups
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer
Examples of
Counseling Groups
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Coming-out groups
Youth groups (e.g., suicide, coming out, the Los Angeles
Program, leaders)
Couples groups (e.g., models for gender-specific groups,
domestic violence)
Parenting groups (e.g., gay parents, parents of gay children,
children with gay parents)
Drug and alcohol abuse groups
HIV/AIDS groups (e.g., support groups for PLWAs, families,
and friends; counseling groups for PLWAs; see chapter for a
model of a 7-session group for gay men recently diagnosed
as HIV positive)
Groups for older gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals
Personal growth groups
Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition Edited by: David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and Mark. D. Stauffer