A developmentally keyed scheme for the placement of gay men into psychotherapy groups.
Patients can meet their needs for intimacy and individuation within the context of long-term psychotherapy groups. This is especially true for gay male patients as they work toward the development of a positive gay identity. Coming out is a social phenomenon, which is why groups are especially suited to the tasks involved. Historically, mixed groups of gay and nongay men and women have not been a safe or neutral treatment atmosphere for gay men due to therapists' prejudicial assumptions and a lack of understanding of gay male development. A developmental scheme will be presented which is keyed to the particular needs of gay men depending on their developmental stage of functioning. This scheme should serve as a more rational and appropriate guide for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and assigning of gay men to long-term psychotherapy groups.
Frost
J C
JC
Harvard Medical School, Boston.
D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007062:Identification, Psychological; D007063:Identity Crisis; D008297:Male; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group